LaissezFaire 

I do already have a methodology which is not based on charts, so charts are merely the icing on the cake for me. I'm basically using chart reading to supplement and confirm my signals. But 'chart reading' might be subjective, hence why I might be interested in an indicator which could introduce some objectivity.

LaissezFaire 

Something as simple as a MA crossover would be an example of an indicator that's not discretionary. You get a signal when the fast MA crosses the slow MA. Now, I'm not suggesting this as a final solution of course. Just an example... The last time I traded my method was also discretionary and highly subjective. As I've developed a new methodology and prepared for live trading I've done my best to reduce discretion. That's where I can see an indicator being useful. And it would have to be reliable or at least give high probability signals (better than 50/50).

I wish you luck.

It is possible that, if you have some other type of analysis/information/decision-making-method that does give you a context in which you can use an indicator signal, then it may be helpful to you.

For what it's worth, I believe that if you took any of the "precise, objective, etc." type of indicators -- what I might call "mechanical" signals for lack of a better term -- and program them into an automated strategy and just ran it for a time in simulation, or ran a backtest with historical data, you might be surprised at the results. (I have done this enough to be convinced of it): After allowances for commissions, and making realistic assumptions about slippage, over time you will likely find it to be a net loser.... no matter how good it may look when you eyeball a chart.

You can also do all sorts of things to adjust for factors like changing volatility or anything else you like, and will still have a tough time breaking even after costs. Don't take my word for it. Try it.

There are a very few people who successfully create and profitably run automated strategies -- our own @kevinkdog here on NexusFi is one. But it ain't the easiest thing, and choosing and properly testing an idea is tough going. I think Kevin would also tell you that you will need to change them over time, because eventually the market changes and they fail. He may want to weigh in here, because it is important to understand this.

I do think there is a place for indicators in a discretionary method (not Kevin's thing ), and I think that the context that you think is in place when you put them to use is what will let them help or hinder you. (Example: you think the market is ready for a trend. You get a "trend" signal. If your first idea, the one about a trend coming, is right, then the signal could be your decision trigger.) Just be aware that the precision and objectivity of the signals does not, in itself, buy you that much. They'll be precise and objective when they fail, too.

So my advice is to pick something that makes sense to you (and don't worry too much about whether it's the "right" or "best" one, they're not that different) and see if it helps you apply your larger method successfully.

Yes, this means accepting the "subjective" (I would prefer "discretionary" -- it sounds so much better ) aspect of trading. The alternative is the very hard path of true automated system-building, a tough thing to succeed at, and the only way to be totally "objective."

I don't mean to be discouraging. I hope you find something that gives you the right balance you need. I just don't think that, outside of true automation, it's really going to be as great a help as you hope. And, yes, it may give you a small boost. Just don't get too caught up in finding the "best" one.

Bob.

Appreciate your comment, bobwest.

At the time being, I'm not looking for an automated system, although I won't rule it out in the future. I don't think anything in trading or being successful in whatever field it is is easy, though.

And I know from other parts of my trading methodology that I've learned things and discovered truths I wouldn't have if I weren't persistent, stubborn and actually believed there was something to find, although I hadn't seen it at that point.

LaissezFaire 

And I know from other parts of my trading methodology that I've learned things and discovered truths I wouldn't have if I weren't persistent, stubborn and actually believed there was something to find, although I hadn't seen it at that point.

Me too.

Press on.

Bob.

I've been looking a bit at the MESA/MAMA indicator provided in NT8. I've also looked at it in conjunction with a MACD.

Alone, both seems to provide some interesting signals. In combination, getting confirmation from the MACD seems to generate less false signals. If there's be a way to filter chop or add some other conditions, I'm sure something worthwhile could be achieved on this basis alone.

Anyone tested these...?

Simple generic pivot points for intraday trading.

LaissezFaire 

I've been looking a bit at the MESA/MAMA indicator provided in NT8. I've also looked at it in conjunction with a MACD. Alone, both seems to provide some interesting signals. In combination, getting confirmation from the MACD seems to generate less false signals. If there's be a way to filter chop or add some other conditions, I'm sure something worthwhile could be achieved on this basis alone. Anyone tested these...?

The indicator you talked about looks a lot like the Kijun and tenkan lines from the ichimoku indicator. When I applied the MAMA to my Ichi chart they were nearly identical. One way to avoid false signals and chip is to apply the lagging line to the ichi indicator
Here is my chart from Friday NQ

I know it sounds crazy but in my years of trading I have met hundreds of successful traders.

Just about all of them use a style and series of indicators different from the other successful traders.

Yet 90% of all traders can't succeed with each of these indicators.

That is the mystery.

First find your "STYLE" as a trader.

Are you a swing trader and hate 3 minute moves?

Do you like breakouts? Then don't do retracements etc etc.

I have to leave but will update tomorrow.

I tend to wait for new momentum THEN DO A RETRACEMENT.

TB

I personally use Pivot Points after the close of session. My entries and exits are defined by the DOM.

--bofh

For most of my trading, I tend to get my cues from chart overlays instead of separate indicators. I am the type that eyeball the big pictures first.
Usually, MA (combinations of EMA and SMA) and PSAR suffice for my style.

alvinsclee 

For most of my trading, I tend to get my cues from chart overlays instead of separate indicators. I am the type that eyeball the big pictures first. Usually, MA (combinations of EMA and SMA) and PSAR suffice for my style.

Hi,

That's interesting. What do you mean with chart overlay?

Would be interesting and beneficial if you could elaborate on this.