Trading Academy

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Moving Averages & VWAP

Graph showing Moving Averages
SMA = (P₁ + ... + Pₙ) / n
EMA = (Price × k) + (Prev EMA × (1 − k))
VWAP = Σ(Price × Volume) / Σ(Volume)
  • SMA: Smoothes price data to show long-term trends.
  • EMA: Reacts faster to recent price changes (better for day trading).
  • VWAP: Used by institutions; represents the true average price weighted by volume.
  • Trading Signal: Price > VWAP is typically bullish; Price < VWAP is bearish.

Bollinger Bands & RSI

RSI Indicator
Upper Band = SMA + (2 × Std Dev)
Lower Band = SMA − (2 × Std Dev)
RSI = 100 − [100 / (1 + RS)]
  • Bollinger Bands: Measure volatility. Expanding bands = high volatility.
  • Squeeze: Contracting bands often precede a major breakout.
  • RSI > 70: Overbought (Potential reversal down).
  • RSI < 30: Oversold (Potential bounce up).

Candlestick Reversals

Candlestick Patterns
Logic: Rejection of Price Levels
Context: Look for these at Support/Resistance
  • Hammer: Long lower wick after a downtrend. Buyers are stepping in.
  • Shooting Star: Long upper wick after an uptrend. Sellers are rejecting high prices.
  • Bullish Engulfing: A large green candle completely consumes the previous small red candle.

Market Trends & Patterns

Chart Patterns
Trend = Direction of Highs & Lows
Uptrend = Higher Highs + Higher Lows
  • Morning Star: 3-candle pattern signaling a bottom (Bearish -> Indecision -> Bullish).
  • Three White Soldiers: Three consecutive strong green candles (Continuation).
  • Doji: Looks like a cross. Represents market indecision and potential reversal.