The Stochastic Oscillator

The stochastic oscillator compares the price of a security to its price range over any time period. The stochastic oscillator is made up of two lines: %K (the primary line) and %D (the secondary line). The %K is normally depicted as a solid line; the %D is usually dashed. The %K line is the stochastic oscillator and the %D line smoothes the %K line, usually by three periods.

The formula for calculating the %K line is as follows:

K = [(C - L)/(H - L)] * 100

C = Today's close
L = Lowest low of n periods
H = Highest high of n periods

Between five and 21 periods is recommended, although n can be any number.

The formula for the % D line is:

%D = 100 * (H3/L3)

INTERPRETING STOCHASTICS

According to Steven Achelis, the following are the popular methods for interpreting the oscillator:

1 When either %K or %D falls below a specific level (usually 20) and then rises above that level, you should buy. Likewise, when the oscillator rises above a specific level (usually 80) and then falls below that level, you should sell.

2 When the %K line rises above %D line, it usually suggests an entry point, whereas when the %K line crosses below the %D line, it's considered a sell signal.

3 Divergences can also reveal much about price movements. When prices continue moving up but the stochastic oscillator doesn't, it's a negative divergence. When you see this appear, it usually means a downtrend in prices is likely. Likewise, when prices are moving down but the stochastic oscillator doesn't follow the price movement, it usually means prices will move up.

Figure 1 illustrates the signals generated by the stochastics oscillator.

Figure 1: Stochastic oscillator. Buy and sell signals are generated when the %K and %D lines cross.

SUMMARY

Stochastics are useful in identifying oversold and overbought levels and in determining turning points in prices. Since the value of the oscillator differs from day to day, however, it can sometimes display erratic movements, leading to false signals. Because of that, the stochastics oscillator is generally best used in conjunction with other indicators.

Amy Wu is a student at Princeton University.

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