Williams %R IndicatorWilliams %R is a simple but effective momentum oscillator and was described by Larry Williams for the first time in 1973. It shows the relationship of the close relative to the high-low range over a set period of time. Typically, Williams %R is calculated using 14 periods and can be used on intraday, daily, weekly or monthly data. The time frame and number of periods will likely vary according to desired sensitivity and the characteristics of the individual security. The scale ranges from 0 to -100 with readings from 0 to -20 considered overbought, and readings from -80 to -100 considered oversold. How Williams %R is created. William %R shows the relationship of the close relative to the high-low range over a set period of time. The nearer the close is to the top of the range, the nearer to zero (higher) the indicator will be. The nearer the close is to the bottom of the range, the nearer to -100 (lower) the indicator will be. If the close equals the high of the high-low range, then the indicator will show 0 (the highest reading). If the close equals the low of the high-low range, then the result will be -100 (the lowest reading). Market Psychology Each price is a consensus of value among traders. The recent high range shows the bulls or buyers maximum power. The low of the recent range reflects the maximum power of the bears during that trading range. The most important consensus is as always the closing price. Trading Rules Divergences between price and Williams %R rarely occur, when they do these divergences identify the best trading opportunities using Williams %R. Below is a 1hr price chart of the EUR/USD with Williams %R set at 14 showing bearish divergence: The A-B line indicates the price advancing and the C-D line indicates the Williams %R nudging downwards showing bearish divergence. You would look for opportunities to short the market when bearish divergence occurs on the Williams %R. Below is a 1hr price chart of the EUR/USD with Williams %R set at 14 showing bullish divergence: The A-B line indicates price declining and the C-D line indicates the Williams %R nudging upwards showing bullish divergence. You would look for opportunities to go long the market when bullish divergence occurs on the Williams %R. There are also less significant ways to trade Williams %R but this method is oneof the most poular. The second way to use Williams %R is to identify overbought and oversold conditions. More on the Williams %R It is important to remember that overbought does not necessarily imply time to sell, and oversold does not necessarily imply time to buy. A security can be in a downtrend, become oversold and remain oversold as the price continues to trend lower. Once a security becomes overbought or oversold, traders should wait for a signal that a price reversal has occurred. As always, price reversal confirmation can also be accomplished by using other indicators or aspects of technical analysis with Williams %R. One method of using Williams %R might be to identify the underlying trend and then look for trading opportunities in the direction of the trend. In an uptrend, traders may look to oversold readings to establish long positions. In a downtrend, traders may look to overbought readings to establish short positions. May The Trade Be With You Danie van Wyk Williams %R Indicator
Information, charts or examples contained in this lesson are for illustration and educational purposes only. It should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or financial instrument. We do not and cannot offer investment advice. For further information please read our disclaimer. |