Moving Averages and the Lag

[r4bb1t 10]

i've read an article from John Ehler. which explains mathematical nature of the moving averages.

he has described that how to calculate the lag of moving averages.

SMA's lag is calculated by (N-1)/2. eg : 5 SMA = (5-1)/2 = 2 bar lag.

WMA's lag is calculated by (N-1)/3. eg : 7 WMA = (7-1)/3 = 2 bar lag.

so both are very similar on price chart. but what if you use 10 SMA? yes it's 4.5 bar lag. (10-1)/2 = 4.5

since stock charts are time series that proceeds one by one . (except P&F and renko etc).

i don't feel comfortable with moving averages that has lag of point numbers like 10 SMA. though i don't have any evidence for it. just intuitively

so i've collected some moving average periods that has lag of integer numbers.

therefore i don't use 20 SMA anymore. hope this helps.

[bobcollett 10]

Hi Rabbit

What would you do with this lag info?

The price is already telling you the direction.

Do you add the lag to the MA?

Regards

bobc

[r4bb1t 10]

Do you add the lag to the MA?

 

Hi bobcollett.

in my opinion, since moving averages are lagging indicator. knowing the precise lag of what you use is important.

i just made this small sheet for selecting exact periods of moving average to avoid point numbers of lag.

also by using this sheet you can easily replace xx period of SMA to equivalent WMA or EMA.