ATR Breakout

Definition

Average True Range Breakout (ATR Breakout) is a technical analysis method based on market volatility. It combines price breakout with the Average True Range (ATR) indicator. It determines trading signals by comparing the current market price with the sum of the closing price of the Nth candlestick back plus the average range of the previous M candlesticks.

How to Use ATR Breakout

  1. Breakout Period: Set a breakout period starting from the current candlestick, counting back to the closing price of the nth candlestick.

  2. Average True Range (ATR): Calculate the ATR value for a specified period and find its average, representing the current price volatility.

  3. Calculate Breakout Price: Add the average range to the closing price of the nth candlestick to determine the breakout threshold.

  4. Trigger Conditions: If the current market price breaks above the calculated threshold, initiate a long position; conversely, initiate a short position if the market price falls below.

Parameters of ATR Breakout

  • ATR Period: Number of candlesticks used to calculate Average True Range (ATR).

  • ATR Multiplier: Scales the size of Average True Range (ATR).

  • Breakout Period: Number of candlesticks from which to retrieve closing prices to calculate the breakout threshold.

  • Moving Average: Method to smooth ATR calculation, with options including Simple Moving Average (SMA), Exponential Moving Average (EMA), Weighted Moving Average (WMA), Double Exponential Moving Average (DEMA), Triple Exponential Moving Average (TEMA), and Triangular Moving Average (TRIMA).

Advantages and Disadvantages of ATR Breakout

Advantages:

  • Combines volatility and trend: ATR Breakout strategy more accurately reflects the average market volatility state compared to fixed ATR breakout strategies, making it more adaptive.

  • Clear trading signals: Price breakout confirmed by ATR provides relatively clear buy or sell signals.

Disadvantages:

  • During extreme market volatility, ATR calculations may lead to false breakout signals, requiring careful handling.

3.5

Last updated