Average Directional Index - ADX Indicator

Average Directional Index - ADX Indicator

ADX Definition

Average Directional Index (ADX) is a technical indicator developed by Welles Wilder to estimate trend strength and determine probable further price movements by comparing the difference between two consecutive lows with the difference between the highs.

How to Use ADX Indicator

ADX is a complex indicator, which results from calculation of the Plus Directional Indicator (+DI – green line) and the Minus Directional Indicator (-DI – red line), but all of them may be used for trend analysis.

In general the indicator (bold line) move is believed to reflect current trend strength:

• Rising ADX (usually climbing above 25) suggests strengthening market trend – trend following indicators are becoming more useful;
• Falling ADX suggests the trend development is doubtful. ADX values below 20 may indicate neutral trend is present – oscillators are becoming more useful.

Use of complex ADX trading system may require additional confirmation signals:

• Normally if +DI (green line) climbs above -DI (red line), a buy signal is generated;
• Normally if -DI climbs above +DI, a sell signal is generated.

Average Directional Index (ADX) Indicator

ADX Trading Strategy

ADX trading strategy aims to identify the strongest trends and distinguish between trending and non-trending conditions.
ADX reading above 25 indicates trend strength, while when ADX is below 25, this shows trend weakness. Breakouts, which are not difficult to spot, also help to identify whether ADX is strong enough for the price to trend or not. Thus, when ADX rises from below 25 to above 25, trend is considered strong enough to continue in the direction of the breakout.
It’s a common misperception that when ADX line starts falling this is a sign of trend reversal. Whereas, it only means that the trend strength is weakening. As long as ADX is above 25, it should be considered that a falling ADX line is simply less strong.

ADX Formula (Calculation)

ADX = MA [((+DI) – (-DI)) / ((+DI) + (-DI))] x 100;
where:
+DI – Plus Directional Indicator;
-DI – Minus Directional Indicator.

How to use in trading platform

Use the indicator in action, download one of the trading platforms offered by IFC Markets

Download

Download

See how to use in NetTradeX trading platform, watch the video.

For more information how to set the indicator in the terminal please click here.

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