Stochastic Forex Indicator

The stochastic Forex oscillator tool is a popular indicator employed by all kinds of traders in their Forex trading analysis. Momentum is the most important employ of this indicator. Traders in general make use of three types of stochastic indicators. They are made up of the slow stochastic, fast stochastic plus the full stochastic tool.

They operate very similarly. However, the most common kind utilized is the slow stochastic indicator. Stochastic indicators are based on the theory that prices normally close in the higher trading ranges when in an uptrend.

The reverse is also assumed where prices will close in the lower trading ranges in a down trending financial market. Momentum remains strong when this happens. There are two main indicator lines in the stochastic tool. These two lines are the %D in addition to the %K lines.

This is another oscillating banded indicator just like the RSI Forex indicator. A range of 0 to 100 is where the two %k in addition to %D lines range. The 80 in addition to the 20 line signify extreme trading ranges.

As mentioned earlier, this tool can also be utilized to spot oversold plus overbought conditions. Making it similar to the RSI indicator yet again. Should the indicator breach the 80 line, this is a sign that conditions are overbought. If the indicator trades below 20, the financial instrument is oversold.

Forex traders also apply the stochastic oscillator to verify if market momentum is diminishing. If the indicator is in an opposite trend than the market then momentum has weakened.

Stochastic oscillators also offer the trader the alternative to employ cross over systems. It involves a cross of the faster %K over or above the slower %D line. Should it cross above the %D line, this is an indication that it may be a good time to buy. The reverse would suggest a sell signal.

As with moving average indicators, traders should avoid using the stochastic oscillator when the markets are ranging. It is mostly applied with a variety of other Forex indicators for its true benefit to be seen.