Search
× Search
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Knowledge BaseGlossary

Glossary

Algorithmic Trading can be a complex subject. Keep your knowledge current with this glossary of key concepts, terminology, and technical indicators.

False Signal

False Signal

In technical analysis, a false signal refers to an indication of future price movements which gives an inaccurate picture of the economic reality. False signals may arise due to a number of factors, including timing lags, irregularities in data sources, smoothing methods or even the algorithm by which the indicator is calculated.

Fibonacci Clusters

Fibonacci Clusters

A tool used in technical analysis that combines various numbers of Fibonacci retracements, all of which are drawn from different highs and lows. Fibonacci clusters are indicators which are usually found on the side of a price chart and look like a series of horizontal bars with various degrees of shading. Each retracement level that overlaps with another makes the horizontal bar on the side darker at that price level. The most significant levels of support and resistance are found where the Fibonacci cluster is the darkest.

Fibonacci Numbers/Lines

Fibonacci Numbers/Lines

Leonardo Fibonacci was an Italian mathematician born in the 12th century. He is known to have discovered the "Fibonacci numbers," which are a sequence of numbers where each successive number is the sum of the two previous numbers.

Fibonacci Retracement

Fibonacci Retracement

Fibonacci Retracement

A term used in technical analysis that refers to areas of support (price stops going lower) or resistance (price stops going higher). The Fibonacci retracement is the potential retracement of a financial asset's original move in price. Fibonacci retracements use horizontal lines to indicate areas of support or resistance at the key Fibonacci levels before it continues in the original direction. These levels are created by drawing a trendline between two extreme points and then dividing the vertical distance by the key Fibonacci ratios of 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8% and 100%.

Force Index

Force Index

The Force Index is an oscillator that fluctuates above and below zero. It combines price movement and volume to assess the force behind price movements and spot potential trend changes. Use the following calculation to produce a 1-period Force Index:

Forex Charts

Forex Charts

A charting package that allows a trader to view historical currency exchange rates. Currency charts are provided within forex charting software, which usually comes free of charge when a trading account is opened with a forex broker. As with charts used for trading other securities, like stocks or futures, they are used primarily by the technical analyst, or chartist.

Forex Forecasting Software

Forex Forecasting Software

An analytical tool used to help currency traders with forex trading analysis through charts and indicators. Forex forecasting software provides charts of currency pairs that display price changes over time as well as indicator overlays including moving averages, which aid analysts and traders in determining appropriate and profitable entry and exit points for their forex trades. As with charting software used for trading other securities, forex charting software is used primarily by technical analysts to forecast future price movements.

Forex Pivot Points

Forex Pivot Points

A set of indicators developed by floor traders in the commodities markets to determine potential turning points, also known as "pivots". Forex pivot points are calculated to determine levels in which the sentiment of the market could change from "bullish" to "bearish." Currency traders see pivot points as markers of support and resistance.

Forex pivot points are calculated as the average of the high, low and close from the previous trading session:

Forex Pivot Point = (High + Low + Close) / 3

Forex Signal System

Forex Signal System

A set of analyses that a forex trader uses to determine whether to buy or sell a currency pair at any given time. Forex signal systems could be based on technical analysis charting tools or news-based events. The day trader's currency trading system is usually made up of a multitude of signals that work together to create a buy or sell decision. Forex trading signals are available for free, for a fee or are developed by the traders themselves.

Forex System Trading

Forex System Trading

A method of trading forex that is based on a series of analyses to determine whether to buy or sell a currency pair at a given time. Forex system trading could be based on a set of signals derived from technical analysis charting tools or fundamental news-based events. The day trader's currency trading system is usually made up of technical signals that create a buy or sell decision when they point in a direction that has historically led to a profitable trade.

Fractal

Fractal

A type of pattern used in technical analysis to predict a reversal in the current trend. A fractal pattern consists of five bars and is identified when the price

Gann Fans

Gann Fans

A form of technical analysis based on the ideas that the market is geometric and cyclical in nature. A Gann fan consists of a series of diagonal lines called Gann angles, of which there are nine. These angles are superimposed over a price chart to show a security's support and resistance levels. The resulting image is supposed to help technical analysts predict price changes. Although once drawn by hand, today Gann fans can be drawn with software programs.
1234567891011121314151617181920Last
TRADING FUTURES AND OPTIONS INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF LOSS AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS
Terms Of UsePrivacy StatementCopyright 2018 Algorithmic Traders Association