Schaff Trend Cycle w/ MACD Histogram
What Is Schaff Trend Cycle? (Reference from Investopedia)
The Schaff Trend Cycle (STC) is a charting indicator that is commonly used to identify market trends and provide buy and sell signals to traders. Developed in 1999 by noted currency trader Doug Schaff, STC is a type of oscillator and is based on the assumption that, regardless of time frame, currency trends accelerate and decelerate in cyclical patterns.
How STC Works
Many traders are familiar with moving average convergence/divergence (MACD) charting tool, which is an indicator that is used to forecast price action and is notorious for lagging due to its slow responsive signal line . By contrast, STC’s signal line enables it to detect trends sooner. In fact, it typically identifies up and downtrends long before MACD indicator.
While STC is computed using the same exponential moving averages as MACD, it adds a novel cycle component to improve accuracy and reliability. While MACD is simply computed using a series of moving average, the cycle aspect of STC is based on time (e.g. number of days).
It should also be noted that, although STC was developed primarily for fast currency markets, it may be effectively employed across all markets, just like MACD. It can be applied to intraday charts, such as five minutes or one hour charts, as well as daily, weekly, or monthly time frames.
What's included the indicator?
Zero MACD lag algorithm (can be enabled/disabled)
MACD Histogram (has a different calculation to show the trend clearly. Can revert to original algo but will not truly reflect the current trend.)
Histogram peaks
STC pivots
How to use this indicator?
Use the STC overbought/oversold to determine trend strength.
Use the MACD zeroline crossover to determine the trend if bull/bear
For risky trades:
Long or cover when STC shows a bullish pivot. Exit or short on STC bear pivots
For conservative trades:
Long when MACD histogram crosses above midline. Exit or short on STC bear pivots
Settings:
Default is Fast - 5, Slow - 20. You can turn it up to Fast - 10, Slow - 30.
You can enable or disable certain features if you dont like to see them.
The Schaff Trend Cycle (STC) is a charting indicator that is commonly used to identify market trends and provide buy and sell signals to traders. Developed in 1999 by noted currency trader Doug Schaff, STC is a type of oscillator and is based on the assumption that, regardless of time frame, currency trends accelerate and decelerate in cyclical patterns.
How STC Works
Many traders are familiar with moving average convergence/divergence (MACD) charting tool, which is an indicator that is used to forecast price action and is notorious for lagging due to its slow responsive signal line . By contrast, STC’s signal line enables it to detect trends sooner. In fact, it typically identifies up and downtrends long before MACD indicator.
While STC is computed using the same exponential moving averages as MACD, it adds a novel cycle component to improve accuracy and reliability. While MACD is simply computed using a series of moving average, the cycle aspect of STC is based on time (e.g. number of days).
It should also be noted that, although STC was developed primarily for fast currency markets, it may be effectively employed across all markets, just like MACD. It can be applied to intraday charts, such as five minutes or one hour charts, as well as daily, weekly, or monthly time frames.
What's included the indicator?
Zero MACD lag algorithm (can be enabled/disabled)
MACD Histogram (has a different calculation to show the trend clearly. Can revert to original algo but will not truly reflect the current trend.)
Histogram peaks
STC pivots
How to use this indicator?
Use the STC overbought/oversold to determine trend strength.
Use the MACD zeroline crossover to determine the trend if bull/bear
For risky trades:
Long or cover when STC shows a bullish pivot. Exit or short on STC bear pivots
For conservative trades:
Long when MACD histogram crosses above midline. Exit or short on STC bear pivots
Settings:
Default is Fast - 5, Slow - 20. You can turn it up to Fast - 10, Slow - 30.
You can enable or disable certain features if you dont like to see them.