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The Aroon Indicator: How to Calculate, Identify & Use It

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Written by Timothy Sykes
Updated 5/9/2024 13 min read

The Aroon Indicator is a powerful tool in technical analysis used to identify trend changes and gauge the strength of trends. Developed by Tushar Chande in 1995, the Aroon Indicator helps traders anticipate shifts in market momentum and direction, facilitating timely decisions in a range of trading scenarios.

You should read this article because it will show how to use the Aroon Indicator for trend prediction and timing the market effectively.

I’ll answer the following questions:

  • What is the Aroon indicator?
  • How do you calculate the Aroon indicator?
  • What are the components of the Aroon indicator?
  • Can the Aroon indicator predict market reversals accurately?
  • How does the Aroon indicator perform in different market conditions?
  • What does the Aroon indicator tell you about price highs and correction periods?
  • What role does the Aroon indicator play in stock analysis?
  • How can Aroon indicator readings improve trade decisions on securities?

Let’s get to the content!

What Is the Aroon?

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The Aroon Indicator is designed to help traders predict when trends are likely to change direction and to determine how strong a trend is. The name ‘Aroon’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘dawn’s early light’, emphasizing its role in signaling new trends.

Components of the Aroon Indicator include:

  • Aroon-Up: Measures the number of periods since a 25-period high.
  • Aroon-Down: Measures the number of periods since a 25-period low.
  • Aroon Oscillator: Subtracts Aroon-Down from Aroon-Up, providing a single line signal.

What Is the Difference Between Aroon and ADX?

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While both Aroon and the Average Directional Index (ADX) serve to analyze trends, their focus differs significantly. Aroon is designed to signal the likelihood of a new trend emerging or an existing trend continuing, while ADX quantifies the strength of a trend.

Comparative analysis of Aroon vs. ADX includes:

  • Focus: Aroon identifies when trends begin, ADX measures how strong they are.
  • Calculation: Aroon looks at the time since highs and lows, ADX calculates the expanding range between highs and lows.
  • Usage: Aroon is better for identifying start points, ADX excels in confirming trend strength.

The Aroon Indicator’s adaptability can be expanded by applying ADX indicator strategies to measure trend strength comprehensively. While Aroon excels in timing trend changes, ADX quantifies the strength of these trends, providing a layered analysis of market conditions. Combining these indicators allows traders to make more informed decisions on when to enter or exit trades based on confirmed trends. Explore our guide on ADX Indicator Techniques for practical insights into effectively leveraging the ADX for confirmation.

What Does the Aroon Indicator Tell You?

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The Aroon Indicator is particularly effective in environments where identifying the start of a trend is crucial.

Key signals provided by the Aroon Indicator:

  • Trend Beginnings: Aroon-Up crossing above Aroon-Down signals potential uptrends.
  • Trend Endings: Aroon-Down crossing above Aroon-Up can indicate downtrends.
  • Strength of Trend: High Aroon-Up values (close to 100) suggest strong upward momentum and vice versa for Aroon-Down.

Understanding market trends is also helped by applying the concept of confluence. Confluence occurs when multiple indicators provide the same trading signal, thereby strengthening the confidence in the trade. When used alongside the Aroon Indicator, confluence can highlight robust entry and exit points, optimizing trading strategies. For a comprehensive breakdown on how to use confluence, check out our article on Utilizing Confluence in Trading.

What Is the Formula?

The formula for the Aroon Indicator helps determine the presence and strength of trends by calculating the periods since price recorded highs and lows.

How Do You Calculate It?

Calculating the Aroon Indicator involves several steps:

Identify the number of periods since the highest high and lowest low within a selected timeframe.

Calculate Aroon-Up and Aroon-Down using the formula:

  • Aroon−Up = (25−periods since 25−period high) / 25 × 100
  • Aroon−Down = (25−periods since 25−period low) / 25 × 100

Example: If the highest price was 5 days ago in a 25-day cycle, the Aroon-Up would be (25−5)/25×100=80.

Incorporating the Heikin Ashi technique can provide smoother price data, reducing noise and allowing clearer trend identification when combined with the Aroon Indicator. This method changes how price values are calculated and plotted, creating a cleaner chart that helps traders distinguish between trending and consolidation phases more effectively. For intel on using Heikin Ashi charts, check out our guide in the link.

How to Use the Aroon Indicator for Trading

Integrating the Aroon Indicator into trading strategies can significantly enhance decision-making processes by providing early signals of potential trend changes.

Effective integration involves:

  • Combining Aroon with other indicators like moving averages and volume for confirmation.
  • Observing Aroon Oscillator values to gauge the overall trend momentum.

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What Are the Best Aroon Indicator Settings?

The optimal settings for the Aroon Indicator can vary depending on the trader’s specific needs and the market conditions.

  • Short-term trading: Faster settings like a 14-period Aroon can provide quicker signals.
  • Long-term trading: A 25-period or longer Aroon may better filter out market noise and provide more reliable signals.

Best Aroon Trading Strategies

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Incorporating the Aroon Indicator into your trading arsenal can offer distinct advantages when it comes to trend analysis and timing market entries and exits. This momentum oscillator is particularly adept at highlighting the emergence of new trends or the continuation of existing ones. Whether dealing with bullish or bearish trends, the Aroon Indicator provides clear trading signals that can guide users through complex market actions.

One effective strategy involves closely monitoring the Aroon-Up and Aroon-Down indicators. When Aroon-Up crosses above Aroon-Down significantly, it suggests an emerging bullish trend, potentially offering a strong buy signal as the price action might continue to rise. Conversely, when Aroon-Down crosses above Aroon-Up, it might signal an impending bearish move, indicating a potential sell or short position. These crossings, especially when they occur outside of consolidation phases, can signal the start of significant price moves.

The Aroon Indicator can be invaluable in identifying periods of consolidation when both Aroon-Up and Aroon-Down remain low within a trading range. This pattern often precedes a breakout, which could be either upward or downward depending on subsequent Aroon movements and other market conditions such as support and resistance levels, trendlines, and overall market sentiment. Traders should note the context in which these crossovers and consolidations occur to better understand the potential risk and to strategically place entry and exit orders.

Traders can also use the Aroon indicators to identify overbought or oversold conditions. Typically, if Aroon-Up remains high (close to 100) for an extended period, the market may be overbought, signaling a potential reversal or price correction. Similarly, a persistently high Aroon-Down might indicate an oversold market, potentially foreshadowing a bullish reversal. This insight is particularly useful in avoiding common pitfalls associated with misinterpreting market moves solely based on price action without understanding the underlying momentum and trend strength.

Combining Aroon with other technical analysis tools such as divergence, moving averages, or additional oscillators can refine these strategies, creating a robust framework for making informed trading decisions. By integrating multiple indicators, traders can confirm the signals provided by Aroon, enhancing the accuracy of their predictions and effectively managing the inherent risks of trading.

Breakout Trading Strategy

Utilizing the Aroon Indicator for breakout strategies involves:

  1. Identifying a consolidation range where Aroon-Up and Aroon-Down are low.
  2. Entering a trade when either Aroon-Up crosses 70, indicating a potential breakout upward, or Aroon-Down crosses 70, signaling a potential downward breakout.

Trend Strength Strategy

To gauge the strength of a trend using the Aroon Indicator:

  1. Monitor the Aroon-Up and Aroon-Down for values above 70 to confirm trend strength.
  2. Use these high readings as confirmation of strong uptrends or downtrends, respectively.

Key Takeaways

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  • The Aroon Indicator helps traders identify when trends might start and how strong they are.
  • It is crucial to combine Aroon with other technical analysis tools for best results.
  • Understanding the settings and proper calculations of Aroon can optimize its use in various trading scenarios.
  • Aroon is invaluable for identifying trend strengths and potential breakouts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Aroon Indicator Predict Market Reversals Accurately?

While the Aroon Indicator is adept at signaling the start of trends, its effectiveness at predicting market reversals can vary. It should be used in conjunction with other indicators to confirm potential reversals.

How Does Aroon Indicator Perform in Different Market Conditions?

The Aroon Indicator performs well in markets where clear trends are present but may provide less reliable signals in sideways or consolidating markets. Traders should adjust their strategies accordingly and use additional analysis to confirm signals provided by Aroon.

What Are the Common Misinterpretations of the Aroon Indicator?

Common misconceptions about the Aroon Indicator include mistaking temporary crossovers as confirmations of trend reversals, and over-relying on Aroon without additional confirmatory signals from other technical tools.

How Can the Aroon Indicator Identify Market Trends?

The Aroon Indicator uses the Aroon up and Aroon down metrics formulated to signal potential trends in the prices of stocks or securities. These signals help traders gauge whether a stock is entering a trend, whether up or down.

What Does Aroon Tell You About Price Highs and Correction Periods?

By analyzing the price highs and correction periods through Aroon formulas, investors can determine the strength of the current market trend and anticipate potential reversals or continue in asset prices.

How Is the Aroon Indicator Used in Asset Trading?

Traders utilize the Aroon Indicator to understand the price trend and momentum of assets and securities. It provides insights on optimal positions to enter or exit trades, enhancing trade strategy on a technical basis.

What Role Does the Aroon Indicator Play in Stock Analysis?

In stock analysis, the Aroon Indicator helps identify when stocks are likely to start a new trend or if a current trend is ending. This is crucial for making informed trading decisions based on price movements and trade signals.

Can Aroon Indicator Readings Improve Trade Decisions on Securities?

Yes, readings from the Aroon Indicator can significantly improve trade decisions by highlighting the strengths and potential turnaround times of securities’ price trends, aiding in more strategic positions and trades management.

How Does the Aroon Indicator Help in Security Analysis Across Different Countries?

The Aroon Indicator can be applied to securities globally, offering insights that transcend specific country markets. By analyzing the ‘middle’ points and ‘opposite’ trends in security prices, investors can make more informed decisions. This sense of market movement is crucial for portfolio diversification and risk management across different countries.

What Should Be Considered When Educating About the Aroon Indicator?

Education on the Aroon Indicator should include a comprehensive description of its parts and how they interact with each other. Articles and educational links often provide tips and advice on interpreting Aroon’s readings in various market conditions. Understanding the legal implications and case studies related to the indicator’s use can further enhance learning outcomes.

What Are the Limitations and Types of Cases Where the Aroon Indicator Might Be Ineffective?

The Aroon Indicator may have limitations in cases where the market type does not exhibit clear trends or is highly volatile. In such scenarios, the indicator’s typical scale and parts might not conclude the actual market movement accurately. Investors should consider these potential shortcomings as part of their overall strategy and look for additional resources or alternative indicators to supplement their analysis.


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Timothy Sykes

Tim Sykes is a penny stock trader and teacher who became a self-made millionaire by the age of 22 by trading $12,415 of bar mitzvah money. After becoming disenchanted with the hedge fund world, he established the Tim Sykes Trading Challenge to teach aspiring traders how to follow his trading strategies. He’s been featured in a variety of media outlets including CNN, Larry King, Steve Harvey, Forbes, Men’s Journal, and more. He’s also an active philanthropist and environmental activist, a co-founder of Karmagawa, and has donated millions of dollars to charity. Read More

* Results are not typical and will vary from person to person. Making money trading stocks takes time, dedication, and hard work. There are inherent risks involved with investing in the stock market, including the loss of your investment. Past performance in the market is not indicative of future results. Any investment is at your own risk. See Terms of Service here

The available research on day trading suggests that most active traders lose money. Fees and overtrading are major contributors to these losses.

A 2000 study called “Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors” evaluated 66,465 U.S. households that held stocks from 1991 to 1996. The households that traded most averaged an 11.4% annual return during a period where the overall market gained 17.9%. These lower returns were attributed to overconfidence.

A 2014 paper (revised 2019) titled “Learning Fast or Slow?” analyzed the complete transaction history of the Taiwan Stock Exchange between 1992 and 2006. It looked at the ongoing performance of day traders in this sample, and found that 97% of day traders can expect to lose money from trading, and more than 90% of all day trading volume can be traced to investors who predictably lose money. Additionally, it tied the behavior of gamblers and drivers who get more speeding tickets to overtrading, and cited studies showing that legalized gambling has an inverse effect on trading volume.

A 2019 research study (revised 2020) called “Day Trading for a Living?” observed 19,646 Brazilian futures contract traders who started day trading from 2013 to 2015, and recorded two years of their trading activity. The study authors found that 97% of traders with more than 300 days actively trading lost money, and only 1.1% earned more than the Brazilian minimum wage ($16 USD per day). They hypothesized that the greater returns shown in previous studies did not differentiate between frequent day traders and those who traded rarely, and that more frequent trading activity decreases the chance of profitability.

These studies show the wide variance of the available data on day trading profitability. One thing that seems clear from the research is that most day traders lose money .

Millionaire Media 66 W Flagler St. Ste. 900 Miami, FL 33130 United States (888) 878-3621 This is for information purposes only as Millionaire Media LLC nor Timothy Sykes is registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser. No information herein is intended as securities brokerage, investment, tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes cannot and does not assess, verify or guarantee the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information, the suitability or profitability of any particular investment, or the potential value of any investment or informational source. The reader bears responsibility for his/her own investment research and decisions, should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment, and investigate and fully understand any and all risks before investing. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes in no way warrants the solvency, financial condition, or investment advisability of any of the securities mentioned in communications or websites. In addition, Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this information. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns.

Citations for Disclaimer

Barber, Brad M. and Odean, Terrance, Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors. Available at SSRN: “Day Trading for a Living?”

Barber, Brad M. and Lee, Yi-Tsung and Liu, Yu-Jane and Odean, Terrance and Zhang, Ke, Learning Fast or Slow? (May 28, 2019). Forthcoming: Review of Asset Pricing Studies, Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=2535636”

Chague, Fernando and De-Losso, Rodrigo and Giovannetti, Bruno, Day Trading for a Living? (June 11, 2020). Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=3423101”