What is ATR in trading?
While longer timeframes will be slower and likely generate fewer trading signals, shorter timeframes will increase trading signals. For example, a shorter average, such as 2 to 10 days, is preferable to measure recent volatility (for day and swing traders). For gauging longer-term volatility, on the other hand, a 20 to 50-day moving average should be used. Although it was initially developed for commodity markets, traders now employ the ATR indicator in various financial markets, including trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, or indices.
ATR indicator explained
An asset’s range is the difference between the high and low prices during a specified time period. It reveals information about the asset’s volatility, with large ranges indicating high volatility and small ranges indicating low volatility. The ATR indicator fluctuates as the price moves in the security become larger or smaller. Therefore, a new ATR reading is calculated as each period passes. For example, a new ATR reading is calculated every minute on a one-minute chart. On a daily chart, on the other hand, a new ATR is calculated every day. The readings are then plotted on a graph to form a continuous line, giving traders an idea of how volatility has fluctuated over time. To determine the ATR for today, you must first calculate a series of true ranges. The true range value is derived by taking the greatest of the following:
Today’s high minus today’s low; The absolute value of today’s high minus yesterday’s close; The absolute value of today’s low minus yesterday’s close.
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ATR formula
The formula to calculate ATR (with a previous ATR calculation) is: ATR = (Previous ATR * (n – 1) + TR) / n Where: ATR: average true range; n: number of periods; TR: true range. If the previous ATR is not calculated, you must use the following arithmetic mean (the sum of all observations divided by the number of observations) formula: Where: TRi: particular true range, like first day’s TR, then second, then third; n: number of periods.
ATR calculation example
Typically, 14 periods are used, and therefore the calculation is expressed as: Current ATR = ((Previous ATR x 13) + Current TR) / 14 Let’s assume the previous 14-day ATR for stock X is $2. Looking at stock X today, you collect the following data:
Today’s high: $42 Today’s low: $39 Yesterday’s close: $40
We find the current true range by taking the greatest value from these three calculations:
$42 – $40 = $2 $39 – $40 = -$1 $42 – $39 = $3
The true range is $3 because it’s the highest. We can now use this to determine the current 14-day period ATR to assess stock X’s volatility by using the following formula: (($2 x 13) + $3) / 14 = $2.07 Now, let’s imagine that stock X is up $3 on the day, i.e., the trading range (high minus low) is $3. Therefore, the price has increased 47% from the average true range of $2.07, signaling the trader to take a long position. However, though the buy signal may be valid, since the price has already moved substantially more than average, betting on the price’s continued rise may not be wise (unless there is a news event that indicates the price might rally further). Instead, because it has moved significantly more than the average, it is more likely to fall and stay within the established price range. Assuming a valid sell signal is triggered, traders might take a short position in this case. So, while the ATR can’t tell us the direction of the breakout, it can be added to the closing price and used as a buy signal whenever the price is seen trading above that value the next day. To sum up, a change in volatility occurs whenever the price closes more than an ATR value above the most recent close.
How to use the ATR indicator in trading
Although Wilder originally developed the ATR for commodities, the ATR indicator can also be used for various other financial instruments, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, or indices. In short, an asset experiencing a high level of volatility has a higher ATR, while lower volatility is characterized by lower ATR values for the period evaluated. The ATR is a valuable technical tool for finding entry and exit points, particularly because it’s relatively straightforward to calculate and only requires historical price data. Importantly, the indicator cannot indicate price direction. Instead, it is used mainly to gauge volatility caused by gaps (a discontinuous space in the price of an asset, often occurring between trading hours) and limit moves (the maximum amount of change a commodity futures contract’s price is authorized to undergo in a day, set by an exchange). To conclude, the ATR indicator can be used as part of your entry or exit strategy:
Exit: The ATR is commonly used as an exit method that can be applied regardless of the type of entry used. For example, one popular technique is referred to as the “chandelier exit,” designed to keep traders in a trend and prevent an early exit as long as the trend prevails. In short, traders use the “chandelier exit” as a trailing stop-loss and as a hedge against losses resulting from trend reversals.
ATR trailing stop indicator
As mentioned above, the ATR indicator can be used to form an exit strategy by placing trailing stop-losses. A rule of thumb is multiplying the current ATR by two to determine a prudent stop-loss point. So, if you’re going long, you might place a stop-loss at a level twice the ATR lower than the entry price. If you’re going short, you might place a stop-loss at a level twice the ATR above the entry price. If you’re going long and the price moves favorably, you can continue to move the stop-loss to twice the ATR below the price. In this case, the stop-loss only moves up, not down. After it has moved up, it remains there until it can be moved up again. Alternatively, the trade is closed if the price falls and hits the trailing stop-loss level. This also applies to short trades. In that case, however, the stop-loss only moves down.
Pros and cons of the ATR indicator
Like most other technical analysis tools, the ATR indicator also comes with its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. To effectively implement this technical indicator in your trading strategy, it’s essential to understand where it triumphs and where it can fall short.
In conclusion
The ATR is a unique volatility indicator that reflects the degree of enthusiasm/commitment or disinterest in a move. Large or increasing ranges typically demonstrate traders are prepared to continue to bid up or sell short a stock throughout the day. Conversely, decreasing or narrow ranges suggest waning interest. As such, the ATR is a valuable tool for providing traders with entry and exit points. While calculating an investment’s ATR is relatively simple, still, employing this indicator alongside other technical analysis devices is highly recommended. As with any technical indicator, the more confirming factors are present, the more reliable a trade signal is likely to be. Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
