The indicators’ role on the trading platforms is to help in finding the best entry and exit points for one’s transactions. The variety of available indicators at Olymp Trade is wide and we can divide them into two categories. The lagging and leading indicators. Both use past price data. So what’s the difference and which one to choose? This article will answer these questions.
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The distinction between lagging and leading indicators
Lagging indicators
In this group, we will find among others Simple Moving Average, Moving Average Convergence Divergence, Relative Strength Index, and Stochastic Oscillator.
They all are calculated on the average past price. They give information with a small delay, thus a name. You may observe a favorable situation on the price chart at a particular moment, but the lagging indicator will confirm it in a bit. Some argue that this is an unnecessary loss of a good opportunity. Others believe such a lag is important to get a confirmation that this is a good time to open a transaction.
Leading indicators
The most popular leading indicators are support and resistance levels, Fibonacci retracements, Client Sentiment, and Donchian channels.
These indicators are also based on the past price, but they give the signals for future moves. So the traders can open a position thanks to the signals given by leading indicators at the exact moment of the anticipated market change. A danger lies in this anticipation. While the signals may be accurate and bring profit, they can also show false reversals or breakouts. Because the traders enter transactions according to the predictions, not confirmations.
The advantages and disadvantages of lagging and leading indicators
Advantages
Lagging indicators are reliable because they show the situation after it actually happened.
Trading with lagging indicators carries a lower risk of false reversals and breakouts and thus, unsuccessful transactions.
Leading indicators indicate entry points for the future, which means there is no delay and you can open a trade just at the right time.
Leading indicators detect key levels and therefore help the traders in targeting higher probability positions.
Disadvantages
Lagging indicators work with a delay. Because of the necessity of waiting, the traders are losing some pips.
The traders should remember that there is no key levels’ identification with lagging indicators.
The signals from leading indicators do not guarantee success because the situation in the market can rapidly change.
Leading indicators are often used in more advanced analysis and therefore beginners may find them a little bit discouraging.
Choosing the right indicator
All the indicators have their pros and cons. One is no better than the other. This is why it is an individual decision which one to choose.
The lagging indicators provide a higher security level as they produce a signal after a given situation has occurred. This is a choice of traders who prefer opening long-lasting trades.
The leading technical indicators are chosen by traders who want signals fast and at the very beginning of the movement. It would be a good idea to apply stop loss in case the market will go in the wrong way.
Conclusion
You should know your choices and consider both types of indicators. You may be tempted by the leading ones as many traders do not want to waste precious time on delay signals. Be careful though, as they are riskier as well. You should have some experience and trade according to your own judgment and careful market analysis.
Do not forget you may combine a few indicators to receive the confirmation you require. For instance, you can use the MA21 with the MA55 or with the Fibonacci levels.
Take your time and train as long as you need on the Olymp Trade demo account. This is a perfect place to try different kinds of indicators and find out your personal preferences. On the demo account, you open risk-free transactions because you trade with virtual money.
Head onto the real account once you made your mind about the most useful indicators. However, be mindful of your trades in the real account. This strategy is not risk-free, nothing is. Always keep in mind that you might incur some losses. If you’re not prepared to deal with losses yet, then continue learning with virtual resources.
Share your thoughts and choices with us in the comments section below.
We wish you enjoy trading!