Any usage statistics on indicators, signals out there ?

B

bernied

Hi, I consider myself an intermediate (although full-time practically for 2 years) trader. Just to say I have a decent amount of education about markets, trading and T.A. But one topic that I'd like a clearer answer on, other than anecdotal points (I use this and that, he uses indicators ABC, BCD, etc):

Are there some resources out there which break down statistics about what indicators, signals and technical analysis concepts market participants use ? Likely in the form of surveys, or perhaps from brokers (via the usage stats from their software) ? I understand an obvious reason why would most people (pros at least) don't want to share this data, since this is part of what is often referred to "your edge".

But still this is an essential topic and very important, to me at least. And I feel this'd help me at this point reach the next level in my trading journey, and make sure I'm not missing some important tools in my arsenal. Something like (bogus example):
  • 50% use support & resistance
  • 20% use Fibonnacci retracements
  • 75% use moving averages. 50% of these use 200 SMA, 40% use EMAs
  • 40% use volume
And some data on how much of the traders crowd is made of (day traders, investors, funds, ETF, etc).

I've been gathering lots of anecdotal info over the years, but rarely have I ever got some actual / semi actual data on this topic. So, anyone here knows ?
 
SunTrader said:
In 20+ years of trading I've never come across any such data.

I personally never felt the need for it and can't see how it would help anyone to know.
More...
"Comfort in company."
I dunno.

OP: I can tell you this much: I in ~15 years of full-time trading, I've never even *heard* of someone making reliable returns from the default T/A available on any trading/charting platform. Not a single soul.

On the other hand, every profitable algo-driven market hedge vehicle uses market prices and market volume. What are they doing with them? What is the magic?

Look into algo trading -- 50%-75% is profitable application of what is *called* "T/A" -- sometimes the modifications are dynamic and can be quite complicated. Sometimes, not.

First? Examine the calculations of the various T/A tools, and decide what you yourself would purport as the best representation of market action. Then, construct trading rules -- when to trade; entry conditions; exit conditions.

The numbers you seek will be highlighting losses. Do something different.
 
By far, the most used indicator is the moving average, followed by stochastic oscillators.

In the price-action arena, trendlines and support/resistance lines rule.

Next come chart patterns, like head and shoulders, triangles or candlestick formations.
 
Last edited:
SunTrader said:
In 20+ years of trading I've never come across any such data.

I personally never felt the need for it and can't see how it would help anyone to know.
More...


There are people here worried they should trade 20 different accounts because the evil brokers might somehow deduce their triple MACD strategy that is a literal money printer.

It's wishful thinking to think the same paranoid losers would volunteer the use of any indicator.
 
bernied said:
Hi, I consider myself an intermediate (although full-time practically for 2 years) trader. Just to say I have a decent amount of education about markets, trading and T.A. But one topic that I'd like a clearer answer on, other than anecdotal points (I use this and that, he uses indicators ABC, BCD, etc):

Are there some resources out there which break down statistics about what indicators, signals and technical analysis concepts market participants use ? Likely in the form of surveys, or perhaps from brokers (via the usage stats from their software) ? I understand an obvious reason why would most people (pros at least) don't want to share this data, since this is part of what is often referred to "your edge".

But still this is an essential topic and very important, to me at least. And I feel this'd help me at this point reach the next level in my trading journey, and make sure I'm not missing some important tools in my arsenal. Something like (bogus example):
  • 50% use support & resistance
  • 20% use Fibonnacci retracements
  • 75% use moving averages. 50% of these use 200 SMA, 40% use EMAs
  • 40% use volume
And some data on how much of the traders crowd is made of (day traders, investors, funds, ETF, etc).

I've been gathering lots of anecdotal info over the years, but rarely have I ever got some actual / semi actual data on this topic. So, anyone here knows ?
More...
%%
Well here is some accurate stats on part of your theory.
Some use VWMA, I seldom do because only one of my chart services has that .
[2] 100% use volume. How do I know that?? 100% of brokers require a volume amount to be entered for any order tobe filled. As for the % of people that would answer/admit to a poll, especially their trading details/ not near 100%. Since price moVes,on vol up or down on any vol, keep looking...………………………………………………………………………………………………..
 
Tradex said:
By far, the most used indicator is the moving average, followed by stochastic oscillators.

In the price-action arena, trendlines and support/resistance lines rule.

Next come chart patterns, like head and shoulders, triangles or candlestick formations.
More...

Triangles are the most powerful strategy within the market. It's the only thing on my charts.
 
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