Sometimes very simple technical tools can be very helpful when you are trading, especially when you have a clear idea of the underlying macro picture. Large moves in most markets are generally underpinned by a key macro story revolving around the path of interest rates and where a country is at in its economic cycle. So, let’s say that you are convinced of a major narrative, but are unsure of which technical tool to use. The answer can be surprisingly simple.

The direction of the moving average.

The moving average is a simple average of the last prices in a sequence. A 10-day moving average is the average of the last 10 days of trading and a 20-day moving average is the average of the last 20 days of trading. The average is constantly updated when the last day of the sequence drops off and a new day of price is printed. So, all straightforward enough.

One very simple technique – and remember just because it is simple it does not mean it is ineffective – is to trade in the direction of the moving average. When it points up, go long and when it changes direction exit the trade. Below you can see the approach that could have been taken when the Federal Reserve announced significant support packages to help the US economy through COVID. Would that support US stocks as interest rates plunged and support grew? Yes. How could you have benefitted from that move and managed the trade? Simply by using the direction of the longer term moving average.

(Click on image to enlarge)

So, one interesting way to trade major indices on huge macro moves is just the underlying direction of the moving average.

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