What Is Average True Range?

Average True Range (ATR) is a technical indicator used in financial markets, primarily in the context of trading and investing. It was developed by J. Welles Wilder Jr. and introduced in his book “New Concepts in Technical Trading Systems” in 1978. ATR is used to measure the volatility or price range of a financial asset over a specified period, typically a set number of trading days.

The main purpose of the Average True Range is to provide traders and investors with a better understanding of how much an asset’s price typically moves in a given timeframe. It can help them make informed decisions about entry and exit points, as well as risk management.

Introduction to Average True Range (ATR)

Average True Range (ATR) is a crucial technical indicator in the world of financial markets. Developed by J. Welles Wilder Jr., ATR serves as a reliable tool for measuring the volatility or price range of a financial asset over a specified time frame, typically 14 days. It accomplishes this by calculating the true range, which considers daily price fluctuations and the previous day’s closing price. ATR values reflect the average magnitude of price movements, aiding traders and investors in making informed decisions regarding position sizing, setting stop-loss orders, identifying potential breakouts, and assessing risk. Essentially, ATR helps market participants gauge and manage the inherent risks associated with trading and investing.

Calculating ATR

Calculating Average True Range (ATR) involves several steps to determine the volatility of a financial asset over a specific period. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to calculate ATR:

1. Daily Range Calculation: Start by collecting the high and low prices for each trading day over the chosen period. The daily range is calculated as follows:Daily Range = High Price – Low Price
2. True Range Calculation: The true range is a more comprehensive measure of volatility and is computed by considering not only the current day’s high and low but also the previous day’s closing price. It is calculated as the maximum of the following three values:a. The current day’s high minus the current day’s low:

   True Range1 = High Price – Low Price

   b. The absolute value of the current day’s high minus the previous day’s closing price:

   True Range2 = |High Price – Previous Day’s Close|

   c. The absolute value of the current day’s low minus the previous day’s closing price:

   True Range3 = |Low Price – Previous Day’s Close|

   The true range is then the largest of these three values:

   True Range = Max(True Range1, True Range2, True Range3)

3. Smoothing with ATR Period: After calculating the true range for each day, ATR is determined by applying a moving average over the specified period, which is typically 14 days. The most common smoothing method is the Simple Moving Average (SMA). Here’s how it’s done:ATR = SMA of True Range over the ATR Period

   To calculate the ATR for the first day of the chosen period, you can use the average daily range for that period as the initial ATR value.

4. Continuation: As each new day’s data becomes available, update the ATR value by considering the true range of the new day and applying the smoothing formula with the specified ATR period.

Interpreting ATR

Interpreting Average True Range (ATR) is essential for traders and investors to understand the level of volatility in a financial asset over a specific period. Here’s how to interpret ATR:

1. Magnitude of Volatility: ATR measures the average volatility of an asset, so a higher ATR value indicates greater price volatility, while a lower ATR suggests lower volatility. Traders should be aware that different assets can have varying ATR levels, so it’s crucial to consider the context and compare ATR values relative to the asset’s historical data.
2. Risk Assessment: ATR can help in assessing the potential risk associated with a trade or investment. A higher ATR suggests larger price swings, which may require wider stop-loss orders or smaller position sizes to manage risk effectively. Conversely, lower ATR values may allow for tighter stops or larger position sizes.
3. Market Conditions: ATR values can reflect changing market conditions. During periods of high ATR, markets may be more turbulent, indicating potential trading opportunities but also higher risk. Conversely, low ATR values may signify market consolidation or calm, suggesting a lower probability of significant price movements.
4. Identifying Breakouts: A sharp increase in ATR from a relatively low level can signal the beginning of a new trend or a breakout. Traders often use this as an entry signal, anticipating that increased volatility could lead to substantial price moves.

Using ATR in Trading and Investing

Average True Range (ATR) is a valuable tool in trading and investing. Traders use ATR to determine appropriate stop-loss levels, position sizes, and entry points. A higher ATR implies larger potential price swings, prompting wider stop-loss orders to manage risk. Conversely, lower ATR values may suggest tighter stops and larger positions. ATR also helps identify potential breakouts, as a sudden increase in ATR can signal the start of a new trend. Investors can use ATR to assess the risk associated with an asset and make informed decisions about portfolio allocation. Overall, ATR assists market participants in navigating volatility and optimizing risk management strategies.

Examples of ATR Application