Trade Forex Trading

Moving average whipsaws and fake outs - what happens in sideways markets.

Range Markets Systems

The moving average is a helpful tool for trading when the price is generally going up or down. But, the moving average can give false signals when the price is bouncing around in a limited range.

The Moving Average indicator frequently generates false signals (fake outs) when the market is characterized by sideways consolidation because price action becomes erratic, oscillating closely around the average value. This causes the MA technical indicator to issue signals suggesting an uptrend, only to quickly switch and provide sell signals shortly thereafter, resulting in numerous 'whipsaw' signals.

For this reason, the MA indicator is not suitable for trading XAUUSD in a market that is moving sideways.

Range Trading XAUUSD with Moving Averages Strategy

Trading in a Ranging Market and Whipsaws with Gold Moving Averages - How to Trade XAUUSD in a Range-Bound Market.

This is why it's best to combine this moving average indicator with other indicators when generating signals to trade with.

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XAUUSD Broker