How To Tell If The Market Is Ranging Or Trending

By Dave Norman


For forex traders, knowing if the market is ranging or trending is important because it helps them define their entry points and exit levels for their trade. A trending market is defined as a period when price makes higher lows (uptrend) or lower highs (downtrend). Meanwhile, a ranging market is characterized by sideways movement between support and resistance levels.

One of the best methods to tell if a market is ranging or trending is by using trend lines in connecting highs or lows of price action. Descending highs can be connected by a falling trend line and this indicates that the market is currently in a downtrend. The falling trend line can be used as an entry point, especially when combined with re-tracement tools. Meanwhile, ascending lows can be connected by a rising trend line and this indicates that the market is currently in an uptrend. You can use the rising trend line as an entry point, particularly when it lines up with Fibonacci re-tracement levels.

Note, however, that horizontal lines connecting the highs or lows means that the market is ranging. These can be used as boundaries for the range, as well as inflection points for entries. You can buy at the bottom of the range or at the support level then aim for the top or resistance. Similarly, you can sell at the top of the range or resistance and aim for the support or bottom of the range.

Chart indicators can complement this trend analysis as well. A good example is the ADX or average directional index. This gives a reading of below or above 25, as a reading greater than 25 means that the market is in a trending environment while a reading below 25 means that it is in a range.

Another useful technical indicator is the moving averages. When the highest moving average is at the bottom and the lowest moving average is on top, it means that the market is trending higher. When the lowest moving average is at the bottom and the highest moving average is on top, it means that the market is trending lower.

Bollinger bands are also useful in reflecting market behavior as it tends to widen when the market is trending and forms a squeeze when the market is ranging. In ranging market environments, the stochastic tool is useful in confirming if a bounce is about to occur. If stochastic is overbought and price is at the top of the range, a sell-off could take place soon. If stochastic is oversold and price is at the bottom of the range, a rally could happen next.




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