Parabolic SAR and ADX Strategy – Short Term Momentum Trading Strategy

Parabolic SAR and ADX Strategy – Intro

The ADX Indicator is used as a reliable gauge to determine the strength of the trends. For traders, this means that the ADX indicator often signals potential trading opportunities where price tends to be at the strongest part of its trend. When applying the Parabolic SAR to the equation, it makes for a reliable trading set ups in the market where traders can exploit the short term momentum based trend set ups. The Parabolic SAR and ADX trading strategy is ideal for scalping and the trading strategy works across all time frames. It is up to the trader to decide which time frame works best for them. In this trading strategy, we make use of the PSAR with the default settings of 0.02 step, 0.2 maximum while the ADX is configured to 30 periods with only DI+ and DI-.

Parabolic SAR and ADX Strategy – Buy/Sell Trading Rules

PSAR – ADX Buy/Sell Signal Examples

Buy Signal Example

Parabolic SAR and ADX Strategy – Buy Signal

The chart above illustrates a PSAR ADX buy signal set up. First, the ADX Indicator signals an uptrend with DI+ crossing above DI-. The Parabolic SAR is in a buy signal mode already. However, we notice that price starts to move a bit lower with the PSAR now signaling a downtrend. Pending long order is placed at the PSAR level, which is triggered after two sessions, highlighted by the rectangle. The stops are placed at the low of the candle session where the long position was triggered. The stops are then trailed according to the PSAR levels and eventually, the long position is stopped out for a fairly decent profit.

Sell Signal Example

Parabolic SAR and ADX Strategy – Sell Signal

In the example above, we can see that the ADX indicator has signaled a downtrend. However, the Parabolic SAR still remained in a buy signal with the PSAR continuing to plot the reversal levels below price. A short position is trailed at the PSAR level, which is eventually triggered. By the time the short position is in play, the trend is already strong and price continues to move lower. Stops are initially placed at the high of the candle and then trailed to the subsequent PSAR levels. A few sessions later, the short position is closed out with price breaking the trailing stop near the PSAR level.