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How to Use Awesome Oscillator in Forex Trading

How to Use Awesome Oscillator in Forex Trading

The Forex Awesome Oscillator, or AO for short, is a technical indicator with a fascinating history and an exciting potential for helping traders make more informed decisions in the foreign exchange market. Don’t be fooled by its silly name, this technical indicator is the Bruce Lee of Forex trading, packing a punch of accuracy and awesomeness in every signal. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to navigate the complex world of forex trading with confidence! 

Forex Trading with Awesome Oscillator: Key Takeaways

1. Improved Trend Identification: The Forex Awesome Oscillator helps traders identify trends and momentum in the market, allowing for more informed decision-making. 

2. Reversal Signals: The FAO can help traders identify potential reversals by showing divergences and other key patterns, such as the twin peaks and saucer patterns. 

3. Confirmation of Price Action: By combining the FAO with other technical indicators and price action analysis, traders can increase the reliability of their signals and make more informed trading decisions. 


4. Increased Flexibility: The Forex Awesome Oscillator can be used in a variety of trading styles and strategies, making it a versatile tool for traders of all levels. 

5. Better Risk Management: By providing a comprehensive view of market trends and momentum, the FAO can help traders make informed decisions about risk management and limit exposure to losses. 

What is an Awesome Oscillator (AO)? 

The Awesome Oscillator (AO) is a technical indicator used in the financial markets to assess and confirm the trends observed in price charts. This indicator compares the current data to historical data with the goal of predicting the momentum in the market, thereby determining if the trend is bullish or bearish and the likelihood of its continuation or reversal.  

How to Use Awesome Oscillator in Forex Trading

The Awesome Oscillator is crucial for short-term trading strategies such as day trading and scalping. It is an essential component of technical analysis where traders study the price action on trading charts, usually in the form of candlestick charts, to identify buying opportunities and potential points for a trend reversal. The use of this oscillator helps traders make informed decisions before opening a trade position. 

This indicator was developed by legendary American trader Bill Williams and is based on his groundbreaking theories of market behavior and psychology. The AO is unique in that it blends traditional technical analysis with insights into market behavior, providing a comprehensive view of market trends and momentum.  

The Awesome Oscillator is a technical indicator designed for trading stocks, forex, and commodities. It offers a large range of flexibility when it comes to the timeframe used, which can range from minutes (extremely short-term), hours (short-term), days (medium-term), and months (long-term). Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting out, this oscillator is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of forex trading with confidence. 

How is the Awesome Indicator Calculated?  

The Awesome Oscillator is calculated using the difference between a 34-period and a 5-period simple moving average (SMA) of the underlying security’s median price. The median price is calculated by taking the average of the high and low prices of a specified time period. The 34-period SMA is subtracted from the 5-period SMA to give the AO value, which is plotted as a histogram above or below a zero line. 

A difference in simple moving average (SMA) between these two timeframes is used to calculate the value. The awesome oscillator formula is as follows: 

Awesome Oscillator Formula 

AO = SMA (Median Price, 5) - SMA (Median Price, 34) 

Where: 

  • Median Price = (High Price + Low Price) / 2 
  • SMA (Median Price, n) is the simple moving average of the median price over n periods 
  • AO is the Awesome Oscillator value 

If the histogram is above the zero line, it indicates bullish momentum, and if it is below the zero line, it indicates bearish momentum. The height of the histogram also reflects the strength of the momentum, with a taller histogram indicating a stronger momentum. This information can be used to confirm or dispute trends on price charts and aid traders in making informed trading decisions.


What does Awesome Oscillator tell you?  How to Read?

There is something you must know in order to understand how to read the Awesome Oscillator. The AO is often depicted on trading platforms as green and red bars or lines. The green bars indicate an increase, where the current Awesome Oscillator value is higher than the previous bar, and the red bars represent a decrease, where the value is lower than the previous bar. The indicator is centered around a zero line, and the height of the bars is determined by the calculation of the two moving averages. 

The Awesome Oscillator is plotted as a histogram above or below a zero line. The histogram’s height and position relative to the zero line provide valuable information for traders. 

How to Use Awesome Oscillator in Forex Trading
  1. Above the Zero Line: If the histogram is above the zero line, it indicates bullish momentum, and traders may look for buying opportunities. A rising histogram indicates increasing bullish momentum, while a falling histogram indicates decreasing bullish momentum. 
  1. Below the Zero Line: If the histogram is below the zero line, it indicates bearish momentum, and traders may look for selling opportunities. A rising histogram indicates decreasing bearish momentum, while a falling histogram indicates increasing bearish momentum. 
  1. Zero Line Crossovers: Zero-line crossovers, where the histogram crosses the zero line, can also provide trading signals. A cross from below the zero line to above indicates a potential change from bearish to bullish momentum, and traders may look for buying opportunities. A cross from above the zero line to below indicates a potential change from bullish to bearish momentum, and traders may look for selling opportunities. 
  1. Divergences: Traders may also look for divergences between the Awesome Oscillator and the underlying security’s price action. A bullish divergence occurs when the histogram is making higher lows while the security’s price is making lower lows. A bearish divergence occurs when the histogram is making lower highs while the security’s price is making higher highs. These divergences can indicate a potential trend reversal. 

It’s important to keep in mind that technical indicators are only used to predict market trends and strengths, and they do not guarantee that the price will move in a certain direction. There may be instances where the price temporarily diverges from the trend but eventually moves back in line. If you observe divergence on your trading chart, it may be best to wait until the color of this oscillator lines changes before making any trading decisions.


Trading with Awesome Oscillator Signals 

Forex traders have a variety of Awesome Oscillator strategies to choose from, based on the market’s momentum. Each strategy aims to verify or challenge trends and identify potential points of reversal. This helps the trader decide whether to enter a long or short position, based on the signals generated by the Awesome Oscillator. 

Here are the three main strategies typically used to identify opportunities with the AO: the zero-line crossover, the twin peaks, and the saucer. We’ll take them one by one. 

1. Awesome Oscillator and zero-line Crossovers 

Awesome Oscillator zero-line crossovers refer to instances where the oscillator line crosses the zero line on a chart.  

How to Use Awesome Oscillator in Forex Trading
  • A bullish crossover occurs when the Awesome Oscillator moves from below the zero line to above it, indicating that momentum is shifting from bearish to bullish.  
  • Conversely, a bearish crossover occurs when the Awesome Oscillator moves from above the zero line to below it, indicating that momentum is shifting from bullish to bearish.  

Trading positions are typically initiated when the oscillator crosses the zero line. If the oscillator moves from above to below the zero line, traders will often initiate a short position. Conversely, if the oscillator moves from below to above the zero line, traders will usually open a long position. 

These crossovers can be used by traders as signals to enter or exit trades or to confirm signals from other indicators. However, it is important to use multiple time frames and to consider other factors, such as volume, price action, and macroeconomic events, before making any trading decisions based on AO crossovers. 

2. Awesome Oscillator and Twin Peaks 

The twin peaks are a pattern that can be identified using the Awesome Oscillator. It is formed when two peaks form above or below the zero line and are separated by a trough. Depending on how the scenario plays out, the setup could be bullish or bearish.

How to Use Awesome Oscillator in Forex Trading

Bullish twin peaks form when two momentum peaks are situated below the zero line, with the second peak closer to the zero line than the first. The oscillator must remain below the zero line during the formation of both peaks and the subsequent histogram bar after the second peak must be green, indicating sustained bullish momentum. 

For the twin peaks pattern to be considered valid, the trough between the two peaks must not exceed the zero line. The green bar that follows is often seen as a buy signal, and traders may look to capitalize on the upward momentum to earn profits. 

Bearish twin peaks form when the opposite conditions are met. Both peaks must occur in momentum above the zero line, with the second peak lower or closer to the zero line than the first. Additionally, the next histogram bar after the second peak must be red, demonstrating the formation of the second peak and the end of upward momentum. 

If the trough between the two peaks dips below the zero line, the pattern is deemed invalid. The red bar that precedes the second peak is considered a sell signal, and traders using this strategy may opt to open a short position. 

3. Awesome Oscillator Saucer Strategy 

The Awesome Oscillator saucer strategy is a trading technique used to identify potential reversal points in the market. The strategy involves looking for instances when the oscillator crosses the zero line and forms a saucer pattern, which signals a change in momentum. The saucer strategy involves looking for changes in three consecutive bars that are on the same side of the zero line. 

How to Use Awesome Oscillator in Forex Trading

The Awesome Oscillator saucer can indicate either a bullish or bearish reversal.  

  • Bullish saucer is identified when the Awesome Oscillator is above the zero line and consists of two consecutive red bars, with the second bar is lower than the first, followed by a green bar. 
  • In contrast, a Bearish saucer is identified by two consecutive green bars below the zero line, with the second bar lower than the first, immediately followed by a red bar. 
Traders may choose to enter a long position during or after the third bar (if it is green) to take advantage of the potential upward momentum. Many traders also use a stop loss to manage their risk.

Advantages of Using Awesome Oscillator in Forex Trading 

The Awesome Oscillator has several advantages in Forex trading, including: 

1. Trend Confirmation using Awesome Oscillator: 

The Awesome Oscillator is commonly used for trend confirmation in Forex trading. The indicator provides a visual representation of market momentum by comparing the current data to historic data.  

When the bars or lines are predominantly green, this is an indication that momentum is bullish and the trend is likely to continue in an upward direction. Conversely, when the bars or lines are predominantly red, this is an indication that momentum is bearish and the trend is likely to continue in a downward direction. 

Trend confirmation with the Awesome Oscillator can help traders to make more informed trading decisions, as it provides a quick and easy way to assess market momentum. 

2. Identifying Reversal Signals using Awesome Oscillator: 

The Awesome Oscillator can be used to identify potential reversal signals in Forex trading. Traders look for divergences between the price action and the Awesome Oscillator, as well as zero-line crossovers, to help determine if a trend is likely to reverse. 

  • A bullish divergence occurs when the price is making lower lows, but the Awesome Oscillator is making higher lows. This can indicate that the downward momentum is losing strength, and a potential reversal to the upside may be imminent. 
  • A bearish divergence occurs when the price is making higher highs, but the Awesome Oscillator is making lower highs. This can indicate that the upward momentum is losing strength, and a potential reversal to the downside may be imminent. 

A zero-line crossover occurs when the Awesome Oscillator crosses the zero line from below to above, which can indicate a potential trend reversal from bearish to bullish. Conversely, when the Awesome Oscillator crosses the zero line from above to below, this can indicate a potential trend reversal from bullish to bearish. 

3. Short-term Trading with Awesome Oscillator: 

The Awesome Oscillator is often used as a technical indicator in short-term Forex trading strategies, such as day trading and scalping. The indicator’s ability to quickly identify market momentum and potential reversal signals can help traders make quick and informed decisions in fast-moving markets. 

For day traders, the Awesome Oscillator can be particularly useful in identifying potential entry and exit points, as well as determining the overall trend and market momentum. Scalpers can also benefit from using the Awesome Oscillator, as the indicator provides a clear visual representation of market momentum that can help traders make rapid buy and sell decisions. 

4. Awesome Oscillator is Easy to Use 

Awesome Oscillator is considered simple to use because it consists of only one line that oscillates above and below a zero line. It uses the difference between a 34-period simple moving average and a 5-period simple moving average of the midpoint (H+L)/2, where H is the high price and L is the low price, to determine if a security is bullish or bearish.  

This information can then be used to make trading decisions. Additionally, it can be easily plotted on a chart, making it visually accessible to interpret, even for traders who are new to technical analysis. 

5. Awesome Oscillator works on Multiple Timeframes 

Yes, the Awesome Oscillator can be applied to multiple timeframes, such as daily, weekly, or monthly charts. The choice of time frame will depend on the trader’s individual trading style and investment horizon. Shorter time frames, such as 5-minute or 15-minute charts, may be used for day trading or scalping, while longer time frames, such as daily or weekly charts, may be used for swing trading or position trading.  

Regardless of the time frame chosen, the basic interpretation of the Awesome Oscillator remains the same. This allows traders to adjust the indicator to their preferred trading style

6. Awesome Oscillator as a Supplemental Tool 

Yes, the Awesome Oscillator is often considered a complementary tool in technical analysis. It is used in conjunction with other indicators and analysis techniques to gain a more comprehensive understanding of market conditions and to make informed trading decisions. Some traders use the Awesome Oscillator to confirm signals from other indicators, such as trend line breaks or chart patterns, while others use it to identify potential changes in momentum. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Awesome Oscillator is just one tool in an analyst’s toolbox and should not be relied upon solely for making investment decisions.


How to set up Awesome Oscillator on MT4? 

Awesome Oscillator Forex Education

Here are the steps to set up the Awesome Oscillator on the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform: 

  1. Open the MT4 platform and go to the “Insert” menu. 
  1. Select “Indicators” and then “Oscillators.” 
  1. Find the “Awesome Oscillator” in the list of oscillators and click on it. 
  1. A new window will appear where you can set the parameters for the Awesome Oscillator. You can leave the default settings or change them as you see fit. 
  1. Click “OK” to apply the Awesome Oscillator to the chart. 

You should now be able to see the Awesome Oscillator plotted on the chart, along with its histogram bars and the zero line. You can use this indicator to identify potential reversal points and make informed trading decisions based on its signals.


Best Indicator Combinations for Awesome Oscillator 

Awesome Oscillator is commonly used in combination with other technical indicators to provide more robust trading signals. Some popular combinations include: 

  • Awesome Oscillator and Bollinger Bands: Bollinger Bands help to measure volatility, while the Awesome Oscillator provides trend and momentum information. When the bands are tight, it suggests low volatility, and when the bands are wide, it suggests high volatility. The Awesome Oscillator can help to identify potential trend reversals when used in conjunction with Bollinger Bands. 
  • Awesome Oscillator and Moving Averages: Moving averages help to smooth out price action and highlight trends. When the Awesome Oscillator crosses above or below a moving average, it can be a strong indication of a trend reversal. 
  • Awesome Oscillator and Relative Strength Index (RSI): RSI is a momentum indicator that helps to identify potential overbought or oversold conditions. When the Awesome Oscillator crosses above or below the zero line and coincides with an overbought or oversold reading on the RSI, it can be a strong signal of a trend reversal. 

These are just a few examples, and traders can experiment with different combinations of indicators to find the combination that works best for their specific trading style and market conditions.


How to use ‘Awesome Oscillator’ in Scalping strategy? 

To use the Awesome Oscillator in a scalping strategy, traders adjust the chart’s timeframe to a shorter period, making it an effective indicator for scalping when combined with other indicators, such as Bollinger Bands.  

Here is a basic scalping strategy using the AO: 

  1. Identify a clear trend: Before scalping, you should have a clear understanding of the trend in the market. Use the AO to confirm the trend, as it will provide more reliable signals in trending markets. 
  1. Look for crossovers: One of the most common signals for scalping using the AO is the zero-line crossover. A buy signal is generated when the AO crosses from below to above the zero line, while a sell signal is generated when the AO crosses from above to below the zero line. 
  1. Use twin peaks: Another signal for scalping is the twin peaks formation. A bullish twin peak formation occurs when two peaks form below the zero line, with the second peak closer to the zero line than the first. This is a bullish reversal signal, and you can look to buy at the break of the second peak. On the other hand, a bearish twin peak formation is a bearish reversal signal and can be used as a sell signal. 
  1. Set stop loss: Scalping involves taking multiple trades in a short time frame, so it is essential to have a proper risk management strategy in place. Set a stop-loss order to minimize your risk and protect your capital. 
  1. Take profit: Set a target profit level to take advantage of the short-term momentum. You can use a fixed profit target or a trailing stop to maximize your profits. 

The Awesome oscillator provides rapid and accurate trading signals, allowing scalpers to enter and exit trades in a matter of moments, potentially profiting from bullish or bearish markets, especially in the forex market when trading currency pairs.


Forex Trading with Awesome Oscillator: FAQ

What does Awesome Oscillator tell you? 

The Awesome Oscillator (AO) tells traders the difference between a 5-period simple moving average (SMA) and a 34-period SMA, plotted as a histogram. Forex traders use the AO to determine market momentum and identify potential turning points. For informed trading decisions, traders also combine the AO with other indicators.

Which indicator is best with Awesome Oscillator?

The best indicator to use with Awesome Oscillator is subjective and depends on a trader’s individual preferences and market analysis. However, some popular combinations include: 
*Bollinger Bands, for analyzing market volatility and validating Awesome Oscillator signals. 
*Moving Averages, which smooth out oscillator signals and reveal trends more clearly. 
*Relative Strength Index (RSI), which is useful for identifying overbought and oversold market conditions.

Is Awesome Oscillator a good indicator?

Yes, the Awesome Oscillator can be considered a good indicator due to its ability to detect momentum changes and potential reversal points. This tool can be combined with other indicators to provide quick and precise signals that can be used to confirm trends during periods of market volatility.

Which is better MACD or Awesome Oscillator? 

The choice between MACD and Awesome Oscillator ultimately depends on a trader’s individual preferences and market analysis. Some traders prefer the simplicity of Awesome Oscillator, while others prefer the additional information provided by MACD. 

Which time frame is best for Awesome Oscillator? 

The best time frame for Awesome Oscillator is subjective and depends on the trader’s individual preferences and market analysis. Some traders prefer to use the indicator on smaller time frames, such as 5-minute charts, for quick signals, while others prefer to use it on daily charts for a longer-term view. 

How do you trade with awesome oscillators? 

Awesome Oscillator (AO) is a technical indicator used to identify trends, momentum, and divergences in a financial asset’s price. You can use it to, identify the trend (an uptrend is above zero, and a downtrend is below zero), detect momentum (a rising AO histogram indicates momentum building), and look for divergences (bullish divergence = potential buy signal; bearish divergence = potential sell signal).


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