The presented article covers the topic of pivot points calculating. Different pivot points are the popular and simple tools of technical analysis in Forex market trading. In this article the rules for floor, Tom Demark’s, Woodies and Camarilla pivot points are described. The following article will be useful for all Forex traders who wish to be more acquainted with the generic technical analysis.
The floor pivot points (the most basic and popular type of pivots) are widely used in Forex trading technical analysis. The main aim of a pivot point is to represent a primary level of support/resistance - the point at which the trend can become bearish or bullish. Levels of resistance and support (from first to third) serve as the additional points of possible trend breakouts or the trend range limits. These are the rules to calculate floor pivot points:
Pivot (P) = (H + L + C) / 3
Resistance (R1) = (2 X P) - L
R2 = P + H - L
R3 = H + 2 X (P - L)
Support (S1) = (2 X P) - H
S2 = P - H + L
S3 = L - 2 X (H - P)
Tom DeMark’s pivot points are not as popular as floor pivots, but it is even simpler and can be used to determine the range for a current period trading corridor using the High, Low and Close values of the previous period and the Open value of a current period. To calculate DeMark's pivot points one can use these rules:
If Close < Opencurrent Then X = H + 2 X L + C;
If Close > Opencurrent Then X = 2 X H + L + C;
If Close = Opencurrent Then X = H + L + 2 X C;
New High = X / 2 - L; New Low = X / 2 - H
Another way to calculate pivot points are Woodie's pivot points. They are very similar to floor pivot points, but are calculated giving more weight to the Close price of the previous time period. The rules to calculate Woodie's pivot points are as follows:
Pivot (P) = (H + L + 2 X C) / 4
Resistance (R1) = (2 X P) - L
R2 = P + H - L
Support (S1) = (2 X P) - H
S2 = P - H + L
Camarilla pivot points are based on the Camarilla equation method developed by Nick Scott. They are presented as a set of eight levels of support and resistance values without a middle pivot point (which is crucial for floor pivot points). The precise way of calculating these pivot points is somewhat unclear. But more important is that these pivot points can still be calculated and work for all traders. They can be used to set the stop-loss and take-profit orders to automate Forex trading. Use the following rules to calculate Camarilla pivot points:
R4 = (H - L) X 1.1 / 2 + C
R3 = (H - L) X 1.1 / 4 + C
R2 = (H - L) X 1.1 / 6 + C
R1 = (H - L) X 1.1 / 12 + C
S1 = C - (H - L) X 1.1 / 12
S2 = C - (H - L) X 1.1 / 6
S3 = C - (H - L) X 1.1 / 4
S4 = C - (H - L) X 1.1 / 2
Why Forex Newbies Shouldn't Use Robots
The article is about dangers of using the automated Forex robots without a proper experience in the field. Newbies are better to start currency trading manually, but, unfortunately, the myth suggests contrary.
FOREX: Starting your own trading
The presented article is intended for those who just turned their eyes toward FOREX. Beginning traders who are still learning the basics of the foreign exchange market may also find something of interest here. While experienced traders won’t gain anything worth their time reading this article.
FOREX: Exiting positions at a right time
The presented article covers one of the most important (in author’s opinion) aspects of trading in general and FOREX trading in particular – managing of orders and positions. This includes choosing entry points, making decisions about exit points, stop-loss and take-profit of the trader. I hope this article will help new traders, who just began to work with FOREX, and also to experienced traders who trade regularly and regularly make or loose their money to the market.
