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Factor 1: Trading style
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Factor 2: Market conditions
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Factor 3: Indicator settings
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Tip 2: Use other technical tools
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Here’s what else to consider
Momentum indicators are tools that measure the strength and speed of a price movement in a given direction. They can help you identify trends, reversals, and trading opportunities in the market. But how do you choose the best time frame for using momentum indicators? In this article, we will explore some factors and tips that can help you make this decision.
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1 Factor 1: Trading style
The first factor to consider is your trading style and objectives. Are you a scalper, a day trader, a swing trader, or a long-term investor? Depending on your time horizon and risk tolerance, you may prefer different time frames for momentum indicators. For example, a scalper may use a 1-minute or 5-minute chart to capture short-term price movements, while a long-term investor may use a daily or weekly chart to analyze the overall trend direction. Generally, the shorter the time frame, the more sensitive and volatile the momentum indicators will be, and vice versa.
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- Saurav Singh Growth Marketer
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In my experience we should check 15m , 30m, and 1 Hr chart before making a strong decision in options.Many I have regretted after jumping in a trade with 15 m charts and later finding 30m indicating the opposite signal.
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- Karthik Siddhun DGM - Technical Program Manager - PMO IDC, Softwares deployment, Implementation Projects, Data Migration, Hybrid Cloud Application deployments, IT Service Management, Managed Services, Process Management, IDC Operations.
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I use 3min TF on the price chart on which I trade. I take decisions on whether upside/downside trend from 5mins TF on the chart with Heikin Ashi candle stick pattern which filter out the noises and strictly follow my strategy of 9ema. If price falls below 9ema, I will short it, if it is moving abv 9ema, I prepare to buy on 3min TF chart for a predefined target.
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2 Factor 2: Market conditions
The second factor to consider is the market conditions and volatility. Different time frames may show different levels of momentum and divergence in different market phases. For example, in a strong trending market, a longer time frame may show a consistent momentum and alignment with the price direction, while a shorter time frame may show frequent fluctuations and divergence signals. Conversely, in a ranging or choppy market, a shorter time frame may show more clear momentum and reversal signals, while a longer time frame may show a flat or indecisive momentum. Therefore, you should adjust your time frame according to the market context and avoid using conflicting signals from different time frames.
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- Karthik Siddhun DGM - Technical Program Manager - PMO IDC, Softwares deployment, Implementation Projects, Data Migration, Hybrid Cloud Application deployments, IT Service Management, Managed Services, Process Management, IDC Operations.
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I may put in different words here. If you want to know the overall trend or direction of price movement, keep 5min TF on the price chart with Indicators supporting it or for your ref. Don't disturb it.Open the same chart with 3min TF to take a trade with your fav technical indicator on which you firmly believe on, to follow and take a trade with a pre-defined target level to exit.
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3 Factor 3: Indicator settings
The third factor to consider is the indicator settings and parameters. Most momentum indicators have adjustable settings that can affect their calculation and responsiveness. For example, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has a period setting that determines how many bars are used to calculate the indicator value. The higher the period, the smoother and slower the RSI will be, and the lower the period, the more erratic and faster the RSI will be. Similarly, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) has three settings that determine the length of the moving averages and the signal line. The longer the settings, the more lagging and less sensitive the MACD will be, and the shorter the settings, the more leading and more prone to false signals the MACD will be. Therefore, you should experiment with different settings and find the optimal ones for your time frame and indicator.
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- Karthik Siddhun DGM - Technical Program Manager - PMO IDC, Softwares deployment, Implementation Projects, Data Migration, Hybrid Cloud Application deployments, IT Service Management, Managed Services, Process Management, IDC Operations.
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I completely agree. One more good leading indicator which is missed out here, which is StochasticsRSI. It's a good one to trust, in conjunction with Relative Vigor Index(10) which is absolutely smooth, incorporating volume. I started avoiding MACD & RSI which had been tested and worked for many in the past, present days. I have chosen something which works with me better.
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4 Tip 1: Use multiple time frames
One tip to improve your use of momentum indicators is to use multiple time frames for analysis and confirmation. For example, you can use a longer time frame to identify the dominant trend and momentum direction, and then use a shorter time frame to find entry and exit points based on momentum signals. This way, you can align your trades with the higher time frame momentum and avoid trading against it. However, you should not use too many time frames or indicators, as this can cause confusion and paralysis by analysis. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than three time frames or indicators at a time.
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- Karthik Siddhun DGM - Technical Program Manager - PMO IDC, Softwares deployment, Implementation Projects, Data Migration, Hybrid Cloud Application deployments, IT Service Management, Managed Services, Process Management, IDC Operations.
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No. Don't change the TF when you set on the Price chart along with its Indicator you have taken it for reference. It's like a SOP (Std Operating Procedure) for often looking at the direction on which price intend to move ( ofcourse, we all look forward for predicted move or leading signal provider). If you change the price chart TF quite often, Indicator would show totally difft perspective as it simply works with mathematical calculation only.And to some extend, It is true to avoid too many indicators for taking as reference. Just have 2 confirmation pointers for the price level on the chart in which direction it is heading on, to take a trade. That's it.
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5 Tip 2: Use other technical tools
Another tip to enhance your use of momentum indicators is to use other technical tools to complement and validate your momentum signals. For example, you can use trend lines, support and resistance levels, chart patterns, candlestick patterns, and volume indicators to confirm the momentum direction, strength, and divergence. This way, you can increase your confidence and accuracy in your momentum analysis and trading decisions. However, you should not rely solely on momentum indicators or any other technical tool, as they are not infallible and can give false or misleading signals. You should also consider the fundamental factors, news events, and market sentiment that can affect the price action and momentum.
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- Karthik Siddhun DGM - Technical Program Manager - PMO IDC, Softwares deployment, Implementation Projects, Data Migration, Hybrid Cloud Application deployments, IT Service Management, Managed Services, Process Management, IDC Operations.
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It is true. I totally agree. Trend lines improve us to even find a clear exit points when we take a trade. i.e Entry & Exit levels.
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6 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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- Philip Davis Managing Partner at Capital Trading Ideas (Hedge Fund)
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The fourth factor to consider is the asset class and instrument type that you are trading. Different assets and instruments have different volatility, liquidity, and trading hours, which can affect the optimal time frame for momentum indicators. For example, forex pairs may have more volatile and frequent price movements than stocks, and commodities may have seasonal or fundamental factors that influence their momentum. Similarly, options and futures may have expiry dates or contract specifications that require a specific time frame for trading. Therefore, you should choose a time frame that suits the characteristics of the asset and instrument you are trading and avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach.
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- Philip Davis Managing Partner at Capital Trading Ideas (Hedge Fund)
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Tip 3: Keep an eye on economic eventsIt is important to keep an eye on economic events and news releases that can affect the market and the momentum of the price. These events can cause sudden spikes or drops in price, and can also affect the sentiment and direction of the market. Therefore, you should be aware of the economic calendar and avoid trading during high-impact events or use tighter stop losses and risk management strategies. Additionally, you can use momentum indicators that are specifically designed to capture news-driven momentum, such as the Chaikin Volatility Indicator or the Average Directional Index (ADX).
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Check out Hoffman Financial Storm Chaser Newsletter Article on LinkedIn that Describes a unified approach for: capturing Momentum Trends, Extreme Reversion Events; andlevering Momentum Crashes for competitive advantage, with Momentum Perception Maps and Crowd Physics.Here is the link:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/efremhoffman_preciousmetals-goldmining-juniormining-activity-7042176554424045568-AE_R?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
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