The Dual Bollinger moving average (DBMA) consists of a moving average (MA) & two Bollinger Bands (BB), with the color of the bands representing the level of price compression. In its default settings, it is a 20-day simple moving average with 2 upper Bollinger Bands, having the standard deviation (SD) settings of 0.5 & 1, respectively.
How close the price is to the moving average?
For a pullback trader, the entry point should be close to the moving average, preferably with price compression. How close should it be, is where the bands serve as a guide. The low of the pullback candle should be within the bands, that is, at least within the far band (1 SD of the MA), or even better if it's within the near band (0.5 SD). When the price is outside the bands, it should not be considered favourable for a pullback entry.
For how long has the price been closer to the moving average?
John Carter’s TTM Squeeze indicator looked at the relationship between Bollinger Bands and Keltner's Channels to help identify period of volatility contractions. Bollinger Bands being completely enclosed within the Keltner Channels is indicative of a very low volatility. This is a state of volatility contraction known as squeeze. Using different ATR lengths (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0) for Keltner Channels, we can differentiate between levels of squeeze (High, Mid & Low compression, respectively). Greater the compression, higher the potential for explosive moves.
The High, Mid & Low compression squeezes are depicted via the color of the bands being red, orange, or yellow, respectively. With the low of the pullback candle within the bands, & the squeeze color changing to red, it should be considered favourable for a pullback entry.
Trailing the price with the lower bands
The lower bands can be used for trailing with the moving average. While trailing, once the price closes below the moving average, the trailing stoploss (TSL) is said to be triggered, & the trade is exited. Here we use the bands to give it some cushion. Let the price close below the 1SD band for labelling the TSL as being triggered to exit the trade. If the price closes below the MA but is still within the bands, the signal is to keep holding the trade.
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