FXstreet.com

BOLLINGER B%

Doug Schaff

FX-Strategy

http://www.fx-strategy.com

Characteristic: Dynamic Momentum Indicator
Parameter Defaults: MA Period  20  controls the measurement period for the average
Std Deviation  2 controls the placement of the bands around the average
Plots: BLG %B

In recent years the use of Bollinger Bands has become popular and there has been a greater emphasis on identifying the chances of one band containing price rather than penetrating the band in a trend. The identification of trend reversals is also handled by Bollinger B%.

The formula is:

BLG B% =  (Close – Band Low)
(Band high – Band Low)

Basically this is an almost identical formula to that for stochastics – comparing the percentage position of current price within the recent range, only in the case of Bollinger B%, the range is measured by the bands rather than price. Clearly, while stochastics will always oscillate in a range between zero and 100 since price can never penetrate above the price range (else it will increase the price range itself), price does penetrate the Bollinger Bands on quite frequent occasions. Thus Bollinger B% can move above 100 and below zero, this merely indicating that the close is outside of the bands.

Perhaps the most useful feature of Bollinger B% is the use of divergences. There is a common occurrence with Bollinger Bands for price to penetrate the bands during a directional move, then on a new price extreme fail to penetrate the band again. This causes a divergence of price against the indicator and can be an early signal of reversal. Also note from the chart displayed how trend lines can be drawn on the indicator itself, breach of the line indicating a change in price direction.

GBP/USD (4hr. 20 day)


Interested in forex trading? forex brokerage firms!


ACM Advanced Currency Markets SA
Contact the broker/FDM
Open a demo account
MG Financial Group
Contact the broker/FDM
Open a demo account
MIG INVESTMENTS SA
Contact the broker/FDM
Open a demo account
IG Markets
Contact the broker/FDM
Open a demo account
Alpari (US), LLC
Contact the broker/FDM
Open a demo account

GET CASH BACK FOR YOUR TRADES!   Learn more about the Pip Rebate Program

Note: All information on this page is subject to change. The use of this website constitutes acceptance of our user agreement. Please read our privacy policy and legal disclaimer.

Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to trade foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.

Opinions expressed at FXstreet.com are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of FXstreet.com or its management. FXstreet.com has not verified the accuracy or basis-in-fact of any claim or statement made by any independent author: errors and Omissions may occur.

Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained on this website, by FXstreet.com, its employees, partners or contributors, is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. FXstreet.com will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to, any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.

©2009 "FXstreet.com. The Forex Market" All Rights Reserved.