Why Moving Average is Considered a Key Concept in Prop Trading

A laptop screen with candlestick chart on display
The concept of moving average is prominent in prop trading. The traders make crucial decisions based on the outcome of these calculations. To understand this better, let's take an example: assume the price of an instrument for the last 5 days is $10, $12, $15, $17, $20 - the total is $74, and when divided by 5 days the moving average comes to be $14.8. This is called the Simple Moving Average (SMA) and helps understand the overall trend and mitigate the recency effect. Now, that the concept is clear let's dwell on its further parts and understand how a prop trader benefits from its usage.

There are different categories of the Moving Average (MA)

1 – Exponential Moving Average (EMA)

2 – Weighted Moving Average (WMA)

3 – Double Exponential Moving Average (DEMA)

4 – Triple Exponential Moving Average (TEMA)

Exponential Moving Average

This is an average that helps track the price movement over a period of time, providing more weightage to recent price levels and less to older prices. This kind of price outcome will help to understand the trend of the trade. This will enable traders to understand the bear or bull market for the prices. Below are the examples of EMA for BTCUSD representing a bearish trend.

Calculation Methodology

EMA = (Closing Price x multiplier) + [EMA (from the previous day) x (1 – multiplier)]

Multiplier = 2 ÷ (N + 1), where N is the number of days in the EMA

Weighted Moving Average

This kind of average calculation is worked out by assigning greater weight to the latest data points of volume and prices. The calculation is done by multiplying each price by a predetermined weight and summing up the final outcome. The traders use this average to enter and exit a trade. The market momentum can be gauged as well. Generally, the traders use EMA and WMA to arrive at a conclusion for their trading.

Technological Developments

With the advancement of technology, the usage of silver for future development and new-edge applications will come into play. Keeping in mind the ever-increasing demand inthe  future the prices will also vary.

Double Exponential Moving Average

This calculation is based on increasing the level of price sensitivity of the moving average and curbing the price lag. This helps in identifying any sudden price movements and alerts traders. The decisions can be far more accurate for a trader since the market momentum can be captured and help reduce losses. DEMA needs to be carefully used as the prices are at times impacted by rumors or knee-jerk reactions. So as a prop trader, it is essential to not just look at this metric, but instead study it on an overall basis including market sentiments.

Triple Exponential Moving Average

This is a calculation methodology that combines all three single, double, and triple exponential moving averages. The objective of the calculation is to provide details by adjusting for volatility and being more price-sensitive. Long-term traders tend to use this tend to use this average as the price as the price sensitivity can be observed and a clear view of fundamentals can be gained. This is best used in an extremely volatile market, or during key events and news, to understand the price impact in a short period.

Calculation Methodology

TEMA = 3EMA – 3EMA(EMA) + EMA(EMA(EMA))

Conclusions

As the best Prop Trading Firm, we suggest not  be to be dependent on using just the above-mentioned strategies. One needs to consider the below-mentioned details and then arrive at a conclusion.

1 – Understanding the key events that  pertain to geo-political and economic activities and linking them to the average outcomes.

2 – Taking into account market sentiments and their impact on prices in both the short-term and long-term.

3 – Business Cycles – It is extremely important to understand the business cycles of the trading instruments and then calibrate them to the price and its average levels.

4 – Back-testing the data with available details of different moving averages will understand the entry and exit of trades better.

5 – Selecting the appropriate “Period” for averages will help you make better decisions.

6 –  Seeking expert guidance if needed – Please  utilize the Hola Prime Academy coaches and freely available material so that such complex calculations can be understood.

Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions at contactus@holaprime.com.

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Disclaimer: All information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, related to trading in financial markets. It is not intended as financial advice, business or investment recommendation, or as an opportunity or recommendation to trade any investment instruments. Hola Prime only provides an educational environment to traders, including tools, materials and simulated trading platforms which have data feed provided by Liquidity Providers. The information on this site is not directed at residents in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local laws or regulations.

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