Given the recent extraordinary moves in interest rates and equity markets I figure it is time to introduce my favorite velocity indicators.

A trader’s goal is to catch trends early and squeeze as much profit as possible out of them. To accomplish this requires incredible timing on both entry and exit. Some trends end slowly after shifting to neutral. Others end abruptly after moving too far, too fast, otherwise known as reaching overbought/oversold (OB/OS) status. Therefore, traders need to choose a market speedometer to deal with pace problems.

Stochastics and Momentum

Stochastics are frequently used to gauge whether a market is overbought or oversold by a reading above 80 or below 20, respectively. However, these indicators are often deceiving. Markets may have a reading over 80 or under 20 for weeks. Therefore, a Stochastic reading may be a poor gauge for calling trend reversals. If prices are moving higher and the Stochastic is too, then the trend is not ready to reverse. The opposite is true when prices are moving lower. However, if the Stochastic reading has turned lower when prices are rising it is a signal that momentum is not being confirmed. Therefore, odds favor a trend reversal. If prices are moving lower and the Stochastic is not, then a rebound higher typically follows. Another term for this phenomenon is called divergence.

Fading Momentum

Markets were created to facilitate trade. Thus, when volume dissipates during a trend a reversal is imminent. When a market reaches OB/OS (overbought/oversold) status and volume begins to fade, Stochastics become a more effective tool. Stochastics are generally better for calling tops and bottoms, while RSI is better used as a strength of trend indicator.

Aberrant Deviations

Markets move from balance to imbalance and back to balance. They often telegraph an end of a trend by simply going through a period consolidation. Another type of reversal comes when a market is overextended. Aberrant deviations are perhaps the best way to measure overbought/oversold status.

First, we must define benchmarks using market-generated information. There are roughly 20 trading days each month. Thus, I frequently use a 20-day average true range (ATR) for a short-term benchmark. For a mid-term standard I use a 13-week ATR (13 weeks in a quarter). I also use another ATR that is an average of 7 months. I use multiples of these average ranges to determine if a market has moved too far, too fast.

These benchmarks are used to measure aberrant deviations from the standard. It should be noted that overbought/oversold countertrend signals are not reliable indicators alone. They are more efficient when the OB/OS signal is realized and the market is retesting old support or resistance zones.   

OB/OS Deviations

• If a day range is 175% of the 20-day ATR, the move is considered aberrant or OB/OS.
• If the range reaches the length of the 13-week ATR in a 48-hour period, it is thought to be OB/OS.
• Over a 5- to 6-day span, a range that extends the length of the 7-month ATR it is deemed overbought/oversold.

If any of these deviations occur and volume begins to wane, odds improve for a pause or reversal of trend. If you prefer to sell options to collect premium, these may be ideal setups. Countertrade or mean reversion strategies work best after an atypical move. This formula works for longer time frames. Calculate an average week range. If a market moves that length in a 48-hour period, chances are it will stall or reverse.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a day or swing trader or a long-term investor it is imperative to know the average range of your preferred trade duration. ATRs can be used for setting profit targets as well as assessing if a market has gone too far, too fast. 

John Seguin, Market Taker Mentoring