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Key Takeaways

Difficulty:Beginner
Reliability:Moderate
Category:momentum
Timeframes:15M, 1H, 4H

Stochastic Oscillator

momentumšŸ“Š 15M, 1H, 4H

Compares closing price to price range over a period. Consists of %K (fast) and %D (slow) lines.

Formula

Code
%K = 100 Ɨ (Close - Lowest Low) / (Highest High - Lowest Low)
%D = 3-period SMA of %K

Detailed Explanation

The Stochastic Oscillator, developed by George Lane, compares a security's closing price to its price range over a specific period. It generates values between 0 and 100.

**Components:** - **%K (Fast Line)**: Main oscillator - **%D (Slow Line)**: Signal line (SMA of %K)

**Key Concepts:** - In uptrends, prices tend to close near their highs - In downtrends, prices tend to close near their lows

Parameters

%K Period
Default: 14
Lookback period for %K
%D Period
Default: 3
Smoothing period for %D
Slowing
Default: 3
Additional smoothing

šŸ“ˆ Bullish Signals

%K crosses above %D in oversold zone, bullish divergence

šŸ“‰ Bearish Signals

%K crosses below %D in overbought zone, bearish divergence

Python Implementation

Stochastic with pandas-ta

Python
import pandas_ta as ta
stoch = ta.stoch(df['high'], df['low'], df['close'], k=14, d=3, smooth_k=3)
df['STOCH_K'] = stoch['STOCHk_14_3_3']
df['STOCH_D'] = stoch['STOCHd_14_3_3']

TradingView Pine Script

Try on TradingView
JavaScript
//@version=5
indicator("Stochastic")
k = ta.stoch(close, high, low, 14)
d = ta.sma(k, 3)
plot(k, "K", color=color.blue)
plot(d, "D", color=color.orange)
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MT5 MQL5 Code

C++
int stoch_handle = iStochastic(_Symbol, _Period, 14, 3, 3, MODE_SMA, STO_LOWHIGH);
double stoch_k[], stoch_d[];
CopyBuffer(stoch_handle, 0, 0, 3, stoch_k);
CopyBuffer(stoch_handle, 1, 0, 3, stoch_d);

Python Libraries

pandas-ta
Technical analysis
pip install pandas-ta

Common Mistakes

āœ—Trading every crossover without zone context
āœ—Using in strong trending markets

Confirmation Signals

Crossover in extreme zones
Price at support/resistance

Best For

Overbought/oversold identificationReversal signalsRange-bound trading

šŸ’” Pro Tips

  • ā€¢More sensitive than RSI - generates earlier signals but more false signals
  • ā€¢Best used in ranging markets, less reliable in strong trends
  • ā€¢Wait for crossover in extreme zones (>80 or <20) for best signals
Last updated: December 29, 2024

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Trading involves significant risk and you may lose your capital. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Investopedia - Technical IndicatorsBabyPips - Technical IndicatorsMetaTrader 5 Docs

Frequently Asked Questions

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Williams %R

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