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IQ Option has provided its platform with a rich set of indicators, including the Pretty Good Oscillator. Today we will discuss this indicator and try to tell you how it compares to the other oscillators.
Key Takeaways🔑
| →The Pretty Good Oscillator (PGO) is a price momentum oscillator that can help identify potential trading opportunities. |
| →PGO can be used to generate buy and sell signals by observing its relationship with the 0 line, as well as identifying divergences. |
| →Combine PGO with other indicators and practice on a demo account to develop your skills and strategies. |
What is the Pretty Good oscillator?
The Pretty Good indicator, known also as PGO or PG oscillator was invented by Mark Johnson. It was designed to measure the distance between the present close and its N-day simple moving average. It is expressed in the average true range during a similar period.
Pretty Good Oscillator formula
The PGO is calculated by subtracting N period SMA from the closing price. The result is then divided by N period EMA of the ATR.
How to add the PGO to the IQ Option chart
Log in to your IQ Option account. Choose the asset. Set the chart type. Next, go to the Chart analysis button, where you have three tabs, Indicators, Templates and Widgets. Under the Indicators tab there are some categories. Click Momentum indicators and you will find the Pretty Good Oscillator on the list that will unfold on the right side.
The PG oscillator appears in a separate window beneath the price chart. The line of the indicator is moving around the middle horizontal line of value 0.
The default period (the number of bars used in calculations) is 14. You can adjust the indicator's settings by clicking on the settings icon in the indicators window.
How to use the Pretty Good Oscillator in trading on IQ Option
You must observe how the PGO relates to the 0 line. The moment it crosses the line on its way up is a signal to open a buy position. When the PGO is crossing the 0 value on the way down, you should enter a sell transaction. Levels 2 and -2 marked on the chart can be used as starting points of oversold and overbought areas. It works similar to 70 and 30 levels in the RSI. You can see some examples below.
It is also possible to catch divergences with the Pretty Good Oscillator. The divergence occurs when the indicator and the price are not moving in a similar direction. Let's take a look at the exemplary chart below.
The price is rising while the Pretty Good Oscillator is falling. This is a bearish divergence and a signal of a possible change in the trend direction.
Pros and Cons of the Pretty Good Oscillator (PGO)📊
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Simple to apply and understand | ❌ Not always accurate due to market noise |
| ✔️ Can be used to identify divergences | ❌ May generate false signals in highly volatile markets |
| ✔️ Works well in combination with other indicators | ❌ Not as widely known or used as other oscillators |
Other Popular Oscillators for Comparison🔍
| Oscillator | Description |
|---|---|
| Relative Strength Index (RSI) | Compares the magnitude of recent gains and losses to evaluate overbought or oversold conditions. |
| Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) | Reveals changes in the strength, direction, momentum, and duration of a trend by comparing two moving averages. |
| Stochastic Oscillator | Compares a security's closing price to its price range over a specified period to determine overbought or oversold conditions. |
| Commodity Channel Index (CCI) | Measures the difference between a security's current price and its average price to identify cyclical trends. |
Which oscillator is best?
Oscillators generally work in a similar way. Their main role is to indicate moments when the market is overbought or oversold. In general, the signals from different oscillators will be very similar. Choosing the right oscillator to trade should be based on personal preference or directly on your strategy.
The Pretty Good indicator is price momentum oscillator and is easy to apply. As with any other oscillator it moves around a specific value. It produces signals to open transactions when the middle 0 line is crossed. Moreover, you can catch divergences with it.
You can use the Pretty Good Oscillator in combination with other indicators to get better results.
Make use of the IQ Option practice account. It is free of charge and supplied with virtual cash. This way you do not risk your own money while getting to know a new oscillator. Check how the PGO works for yourself and share your experience with us. There is the comments section below which is designed exactly for this. I would be glad to hear from you!
Wish you good trading decisions!
Frequently Asked Questions 📝
- Q: Can I use the Pretty Good Oscillator (PGO) for long-term investments?A: While PGO is primarily designed for short-term trading, you can adjust the period setting to capture longer-term trends. However, consider using additional indicators for better accuracy in long-term investments.
- Q: How do I adjust the settings of the Pretty Good Oscillator (PGO)?A: To adjust the settings, click on the settings icon in the indicator window. You can change the period (number of bars used in calculations) to customize the PGO for your trading strategy.
- Q: Can the Pretty Good Oscillator (PGO) be used for all assets on IQ Option?A: Yes, the PGO can be used for various assets, including stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. Always make sure to adapt your strategy to the specific asset and market conditions.
- Q: What is the best oscillator to use for trading?A: There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer as the best oscillator depends on your personal preference, trading style, and strategy. Try out different oscillators on a demo account to determine which one works best for you.
- Q: Can I rely solely on the Pretty Good Oscillator (PGO) for my trading decisions?A: It is not recommended to rely solely on the Pretty Good Oscillator (PGO) for trading decisions. Combining it with other indicators, technical analysis tools, and a solid understanding of market conditions can help you make more informed decisions and minimize risks.