Hull Moving Average

Description

There are many types of moving averages, the most basic being the Simple Moving Average (SMA). Of all the moving averages the SMA lags price the most. The Exponential and Weighted Moving Averages were developed to address this lag by placing more emphasis on more recent data. The Hull Moving Average (HMA), developed by Alan Hull, is an extremely fast and smooth moving average. In fact, the HMA almost eliminates lag altogether and manages to improve smoothing at the same time.

Chart 1: Hull Moving Average

A longer period HMA may be used to identify trend. If the HMA is rising, the prevailing trend is rising, indicating it may be better to enter long positions. If the HMA is falling, the prevailing trend is also falling, indicating it may be better to enter short positions.

Chart 2: Hull Moving Average

A shorter period HMA may be used for entry signals in the direction of the prevailing trend. A long entry signal, when the prevailing trend is rising, occurs when the HMA turns up and a short entry signal, when the prevailing trend is falling, occurs when the HMA turns down.

Chart 3: Hull Moving Average
Chart 4: Hull Moving Average
  1. Calculate a Weighted Moving Average with period n / 2 and multiply it by 2
  2. Calculate a Weighted Moving Average for period n and subtract if from step 1
  3. Calculate a Weighted Moving Average with period sqrt(n) using the data from step 2

HMA= WMA(2*WMA(n/2) − WMA(n)),sqrt(n))

Technical analysis focuses on market action — specifically, volume and price. Technical analysis is only one approach to analyzing stocks. When considering which stocks to buy or sell, you should use the approach that you're most comfortable with. As with all your investments, you must make your own determination as to whether an investment in any particular security or securities is right for you based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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