In the past I discussed about a different type of trading analysis called Gann Theory. This is a popular style of analysis that looks at patterns and repeatable price action based on time. After receiving some emails on the subject, I decided it best to examine Gann Theory a bit further in my articles. I am not going to go into the history of Gann Theory or give a biography of W.D. Gann. Instead I will discuss some practical applications of some of his theory.
There are three trends applicable to any timeframe which you are analyzing: Minor, Intermediate and Major. That also means that there are three types of swing highs and lows that correspond with these trends. In my article, the Gann swing highs and swing lows I labeled as Gann Swings are actually intermediate swings. Let’s examine the definitions of the swing bottoms (lows) and swing tops (highs).
Gann Minor Swings:
A minor bottom is a low price compared to previous lows followed immediately on the next bar or candle by a higher low and a higher high. The minor top is a higher high compared to previous highs in price followed immediately by a lower high with a lower low.
Gann Intermediate Swings:
The intermediate bottom is also a lower low compared to previous lows. However, it differs in that the immediate high that follows must be higher than the previous two bars or candles. The intermediate top is a higher high than previous highs that is immediately followed by a low that is lower than the previous two lows.
Gann Major Swings:
A major bottom will hold much significance to a trader using Gann Theory for their analysis. A major bottom would be a low price on a bar or candle that is lower than previous lows but is immediately followed by… you guessed it, a high that is higher than the previous three bars or candle highs. The major top is a high that is higher than previous price action followed immediately by a low that is lower than the previous three bars or candles.
Identifying Trend:
If you see price breaking a previous swing top, then you are in an uptrend in the timeframe and level (minor, intermediate, or major) that you are trading in. You would continue to trade only in the long direction until you break a previous swing bottom of the same degree. For instance, the following chart of USO opens the day with a minor swing bottom. If we were already in an intermediate uptrend, a trader could use that as an opportunity to trade long intraday until a swing bottom is broken. In fact, they may want to enter or add to longs when a new swing bottom is formed. After the minor swing bottom is broken a trader should wait for a new intermediate or major swing bottom to form before entering any more long positions.
In Gann trend analysis, a downtrend occurs when price breaks a swing bottom. If price moves downward in a defined uptrend but does not break a swing bottom, it is called a correction and the trader has no need to exit their long. A break of a swing bottom would constitute an exit signal.
The rules would be the same for a downtrend. Once a major downtrend has been established for the timeframe you are trading in, you could look to short intermediate or minor swing tops until they are broken.
In future articles I will explore more uses of Gann Theory for trading. Until then, trade safe and trade well!
Neither Freedom Management Partners nor any of its personnel are registered broker-dealers or investment advisers. I will mention that I consider certain securities or positions to be good candidates for the types of strategies we are discussing or illustrating. Because I consider the securities or positions appropriate to the discussion or for illustration purposes does not mean that I am telling you to trade the strategies or securities. Keep in mind that we are not providing you with recommendations or personalized advice about your trading activities. The information we are providing is not tailored to any individual. Any mention of a particular security is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold that or any other security or a suggestion that it is suitable for any specific person. Keep in mind that all trading involves a risk of loss, and this will always be the situation, regardless of whether we are discussing strategies that are intended to limit risk. Also, Freedom Management Partners’ personnel are not subject to trading restrictions. I and others at Freedom Management Partners could have a position in a security or initiate a position in a security at any time.
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD stands firm above 0.6500 with markets bracing for Aussie PPI, US inflation
The Aussie Dollar begins Friday’s Asian session on the right foot against the Greenback after posting gains of 0.33% on Thursday. The AUD/USD advance was sponsored by a United States report showing the economy is growing below estimates while inflation picked up. The pair traded at 0.6518.
EUR/USD mired near 1.0730 after choppy Thursday market session
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Gold soars as US economic woes and inflation fears grip investors
Gold prices advanced modestly during Thursday’s North American session, gaining more than 0.5% following the release of crucial economic data from the United States. GDP figures for the first quarter of 2024 missed estimates, increasing speculation that the US Fed could lower borrowing costs.
Ethereum could remain inside key range as Consensys sues SEC over ETH security status
Ethereum appears to have returned to its consolidating move on Thursday, canceling rally expectations. This comes after Consensys filed a lawsuit against the US SEC and insider sources informing Reuters of the unlikelihood of a spot ETH ETF approval in May.
Bank of Japan expected to keep interest rates on hold after landmark hike
The Bank of Japan is set to leave its short-term rate target unchanged in the range between 0% and 0.1% on Friday, following the conclusion of its two-day monetary policy review meeting for April. The BoJ will announce its decision on Friday at around 3:00 GMT.
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