Bollinger BandWidth
Bollinger BandWidth is an indicator derived from Bollinger Bands. In his book, Bollinger on Bollinger Bands, John Bollinger refers to Bollinger BandWidth as one of two indicators that can be derived from Bollinger Bands. The other indicator is %B.
BandWidth measures the percentage difference between the upper band and the lower band. BandWidth decreases as Bollinger Bands narrow and increases as Bollinger Bands widen. Because Bollinger Bands are based on the standard deviation, falling BandWidth reflects decreasing volatility and rising BandWidth reflects increasing volatility
Defining Narrowness and free forex signals
Narrow BandWidth is relative. BandWidth values should be gauged relative to prior BandWidth values over a period of time. It is important to get a good look-back period to define BandWidth range for a particular ETF, index or stock.
free forex signals : The Squeeze
Bollinger BandWidth is best known for identifying The Squeeze. This occurs when volatility falls to a very low level, as evidenced by the narrowing bands. The upper and lower bands are based on the standard deviation, which is a measure of volatility. The bands narrow as price flattens or moves within a relatively narrow range. The theory is that periods of low volatility are followed by periods of high volatility. Relatively narrow BandWidth (a.k.a. the Squeeze) can foreshadow a significant advance or decline. After a Squeeze, a price surge and subsequent band break signal the start of a new move. A new advance starts with a Squeeze and subsequent break above the upper band. A new decline starts with a Squeeze and subsequent break below the lower band.
The BandWidth indicator can be used to identify the Bollinger Band Squeeze. This free forex signals chartists to prepare for a move, but direction depends on the subsequent band break. A squeeze followed by a break above the upper band is bullish forex signals , while a squeeze followed by a break below the lower band is bearish. Be careful of head-fakes however. Sometimes the first break fails to hold as prices reverse the other way. Strong breaks hold and seldom look back. An upside breakout followed by an immediate pullback should serve as a warning.