MTF HalfTrend

3月12日

Introduction
A half-trend indicator is a technical analysis tool that uses moving averages and price data to find potential trend reversal and entry points in the form of graphical arrows showing market turning points.

The salient features of this indicator are:

- It uses the phenomenon of moving averages.
- It is a momentum indicator.
- It can indicate a trend change.
- It is capable of detecting a bullish or bearish trend reversal.
- It can signal to sell/buy.
- It is a real-time indicator.

Multi-Timeframe Application
A standout feature is its flexibility across timeframes. Traders have the liberty to choose any timeframe on the chart, enhancing the tool's versatility and making it suitable for both short-term and long-term analyses.

Principle of the Half Trend indicator
This indicator is based on the moving averages. The moving average is the average of the fluctuation or change in the price of an asset. These averages are taken for a time interval.

So, a half-trend indicator takes the moving averages phenomenon as its principle for working. The most commonly used moving averages in a half trend indicator are:

- Relative strength index (RSI)
- EMA (estimated moving average)

Components of a Half Trend indicator
There are two main components of a half trend indicator:

- Half trend line
- Arrows
- ATR lines

Half trend line
Half trend line represents this indicator on a candlestick chart. This line shows the trend of a chart in real-time. A half-trend line is based on the moving averages.

There are two further components of a half-trend line:

- Redline
- Blue line

A red line represents a bearish trend. When the half-trend line turns red, a trend is facing a dip. It is time for the bears to take control of the market. A bearish control of the market represents the domination of sellers in the market.

On the other hand, the blue line represents the bullish nature of the market. It tells a trader that the bullish sentiment of the market is prevailing. A bullish market means the number of buyers is significantly greater than the number of sellers.

Moreover, a trader can change these colors to his choice by customization.

Arrows
There are two types of arrows in this indicator which help a trader with the entry and exit points. These arrows are,

- Blue arrow
- Red arrow

A blue arrow signals a buying trade; on the other hand, a red arrow tells a trader about the selling of the assets. These arrows work with the moving average line to formulate a trading strategy.

The color of these arrows is changed if a trader desires so.

ATR lines
The ATR blue and red lines represent the Average True Range of the Half trend line. They may be used as stop loss or take profit levels.

Pros and Cons
Pros

- It is a very easy to eyes indicator.
- This is a very useful friendly indicator.
- It provides sufficient information to beginner traders.
- It provides sufficient information for entry points in a trade.
- A half-trend indicator provides a good exit strategy for a trader.
- It provides information about market reversals.
- It helps a trader to find a bullish and bearish sentiment in the market.

Cons
- It is a real-time indicator. So, it can lag.
- The lagging of this indicator can lead to miss opportunities.
- The most advanced and professional traders may not rely on this indicator for crucial trading decisions.
- The lagging of this indicator can predict false reversals of the market.
- It can create false signals.
- It requires the confluence of the other technical tools for a better success ratio.

Settings for Half Trend indicator
The default settings for half trend indicator are:

Amplitude = 2
Channel deviation = 2

Different markets or financial instruments may require different settings for optimal execution.

Amplitude: The degree that the Half trend line takes the internal variables into consideration. The higher the number, the fewer trades. The default value is 2.

Channel deviation: The ATR value calculation from the Half trend line. The default value is 2.

Trading strategy
It is an effective indicator in terms of strategy formation for a trading setup. The new and beginner trades can take benefit from this indicator for the formulation of a good trading setup. This indicator also helps seasoned and professional traders formulate a good trading setup with other technical tools.

The trading strategy involving a half-trend indicator is divided into three parts:

- Entry and exit
- Risk management
- Take profit

Entry and exit
It is an effective indicator that provides sufficient information about the entry and exit points in a trading setup. The profit of a trader is directly proportional to the appropriate entry and exit points. So, it is a crucial step in any trading setup.

The blue and red arrows provide information about the entry and exit points in a trading setup. Furthermore, the entry and exit for the bullish and bearish setups are as follows.

Entry and exit for a bullish setup
If a blue arrow appears under the half-trend line, it means the bullish sentiment of the market is getting stronger in the future. So, it is a signal for entry in a bullish setup.

As the red arrow appears on the chart, it is a signal to exit your trade. The red arrow represents a reversal in the market, so it is a good opportunity to close your trade in a bullish setup.

Entry and exit for a bearish setup
Suppose a red arrow appears above the red moving average line. It is a good opportunity to enter a trade in a bearish setup. The red line represents that sooner the sellers are going to take control and the value of the asset is about to face a dip. So it is the best time to make your move.

As the opposite arrow appears in the chart, it is time to exit from a bearish trade setup.

Re-entering a position
Bullish setup
- The half-trend line is blue.
- At least one candle closes below the blue half-trend line.
- Enter on the candle that closes above the blue half-trend line.

Bearish setup
- The half-trend line is red.
- At least one candle closes above the red half-trend line.
- Enter on the candle that closes below the red half-trend line.

Risk management
Risk management is an integral part of a trading setup. It is an important step to protect your potential profits and losses.

When trading in a bullish market, place the stop loss at the prior swing low. It will help you to cut your losses in case the prices move to the lower end.
In the case of a bearish market, place your stop loss above the prior swing high.
A trader may trail the stop loss using the ATR lines.

The new trader often makes mistakes in the placement of the stop loss. If you don’t place the stop loss at an appropriate point. It can drain your bank account and ruin your trading experience. Is is recommended not to risk more than 2% of your trading account, per trade.

Take profit
The blue ATR line may be used as one take profit level on a bullish setup followed by the previous swing high. The signal reversal would indicate the final take profit and closing of any position.
The red ATR line may be used as one take profit level on a bearish setup followed by the previous swing low. The signal reversal would indicate the final take profit and closing of any position.

Conclusion
A half trend indicator is a decent indicator that can transform your trading experience. It is a dual indicator that is based on the moving averages as well as helps you to form a trading strategy. If you are a new trader, this indicator can help you to learn and flourish in the trading universe. If you are a seasoned trader, I recommend you use this indicator with other technical analysis tools to enhance your success ratio.

All credits go to:
- everget the original creator of this indicator (I just added the MTF capability).
- Ali Muhammad original author of much of the description used.

8月14日

版本注释

Updated to Pinescript v5 with timeframe parameter.