Learning ichimoku is a highly advantageous tool for new traders. As a multifaceted Forex trading system, ichimoku offers multiple technical indicators and strategies. Ichimoku is a Japanese term meaning ”one glance”. In the Forex market, many traders rely on ichimoku trading as a way to make well-informed trading decisions. Although the technique can be complicated in nature, with a little practice and dedication, novice traders can develop the skills needed to prosper with ichimoku.
Ichimoku is based on the five elements of analysis: the 5-period Tenkan-sen or conversion line, the 52-period Kijun-sen or baseline, the 26-period Senkou Span A (leading span A), the 26-period Senkou Span B (leading span B) and the Chikou Span (lagging span). Ichimoku measures the trend direction and strength, helps to confirm signals and indicates future momentum. During an uptrend, the Tenkan-sen crosses above both Senkou Spans and the Kijun-Sen. During a downtrend, the Tenkan-sen crosses below both Senkou Spans and Kijun-Sen.
Novice traders have much to benefit by learning the techniques associated with ichimoku. The most important step for a new trader is to understand and master the basics of ichimoku. Visualizing the ichimoku clouds is essential to reading the trend; both Tenkan-sen and Kijun-sen should be studied when analyzing market movement. Once familiar with the components of ichimoku, traders should begin by focusing on the 5/15 crossover (Tenkan-sen/Kijun-sen). Tenkan-sen can also be used in tandem with other indicators to confirm a buy or sell signal. Incorporating ichimoku into a trading strategy is essential to better optimize profits, both short- and long-term.
In addition to predicting trend changes, ichimoku is also useful in risk management. If a trader is uncertain about the outcome of a trade, they can use the ichimoku clouds as support and resistance. For example, the cloud support level can be calculated by taking the mid point between the two Senkou girdles when the Chikou Span is below that mid point. Positioning a stop loss in this area can help traders reduce their losses by limiting their downside risk.
In order to create an effective trading strategy and improve overall performance, novice traders can use ichimoku as an alternative technical indicator to enhance their trading skills. However, comparing ichimoku to other trading strategies is necessary to determine the best perspective. Wave Analysis, a popular technical analysis indicator, is similar to ichimoku in that it also measures market trends. While wave analysis does not have a formal trend confirmation indicator, ichimoku does. Also, wave analysis does not formally address the issue of stop losses, unlike ichimoku.
From predicting trend changes to helping with risk management, ichimoku provides a multitude of tools for novice traders to generate trading success. Once traders master the ichimoku technique, they can use its powerful set of indicators such as the five elements of analysis, Tenkan-sen/Kijun-sen crossover, and the ichimoku clouds as resistance and support to increase their profits. By understanding and comparing ichimoku to other trading strategies, novice traders can optimize their trading performance and benefit from using this powerful tool.
