How to Trade on IQ Option Using the SMA20 Indicator

The Simple Moving Average (SMA) is one of the most popular and straightforward technical indicators used in trading strategies on the IQ Option platform. This indicator identifies trends, signaling optimal entry points for trading positions.

In this guide, you'll learn how to use the SMA20 indicator for trading on the IQ Option platform.

Setting up the SMA20 Indicator

What is SMA20? SMA20, or the Simple Moving Average with a period of 20, is a widely used short-term moving average. The 20-period moving average is often denoted as SMA20, SMA(20), or 20 SMA, with all notations representing the same concept.

Sometimes, the 50-period moving average is referred to as the “50-day moving average strategy.” However, the term “days” is not applicable when plotted on an intraday chart, such as a five-minute chart.

How is SMA20 calculated?

To illustrate the calculation of SMA20, let's consider the closing prices of the next 20 candles (including the last one) as follows: 12, 15, 13, 19, 12, 13, 12, 11, 13, 15, 12, 13, 12, 11, 13, 15, 11, 13, 15, 12

The average of these 20 values is their sum divided by 20, which equals 13.1. If a new candle with a closing price of 18 is added, the next moving average value is calculated by incorporating the most recent closing price while excluding the first value in our list (12). This is because the calculation always considers the average of the last 20 candles.

The new value of the average becomes 13.4, indicating an upward direction. The IQ Option platform automatically calculates the average values for each candle and connects them with a line, creating the Simple Moving Average.

For this guide, we'll use a 5-minute candle interval Japanese candles chart for the EUR/USD currency pair.

To set up your chart, click on the indicators feature and select Moving Averages. Next, choose Moving Average.

Next, on the MA window, enter 20 as the period and let the type remain SMA. The Guide to Trading with the SMA Indicator on IQ Option will teach you the basics of setting up SMA and trading with it. For this strategy, we use the SMA, but if you wish you can in a similar way use the EMA indicator (exponential moving average) also available on the IQ Option platform.

Guidelines for trading using SMA20 indicator

When using the SMA20, your objective is to identify points at which the line cuts the prices along with the trend.

If the SMA20 moves from above the prices and touches or cuts across a bullish candle, it's likely that the trend will continue moving down. The downtrend is further confirmed by a bearish candle developing after the bullish candle and SMA20 remaining above the prices.

Is the SMA20 moves from below the prices and touches or cuts across a bearish candle, it's an indicator that the uptrend is likely to continue. The uptrend is further confirmed by a bullish candle developing after the bearish candle. In addition, the SMA20 continues moving under the prices.

Take a look at the two price charts below.

Example with 3 trade entry points signaled by SMA20

Let's use the chart below.

Trade entry signals when using SMA(20)

One of the advantages of using the SMA(20) indicator is its simplicity. All you need to look at is where it touches or cuts across a candle. Next, you'll need to look at the SMA20 line's position relative to the next candle. Finally, enter your trade position based on this analysis.

Now, your trade entry should be after the second candle fully develops. This way, you're sure about the price direction based on the SMA20 line's position and the candle color. Each trade should last 5 minutes.

Is SMA20 a good indicator to trade with?

Most traders will argue that SMA is not a good indicator to trade with due to the lag it has. However, it's a good technical analysis tool for use when the markets are trending.

Given the examples I've used above, it's easy to see that this indicator is safe to use. As long as you're able to identify the SMA20's movement relative to the prices, you should be able to get consistent results.

Now, the SMA20 doesn't work well when the markets have high volatility. For example, when a news item causes the prices to suddenly change.

What does the SMA line tell you?

The SMA gives us information about the trend. Depending on the set period of the average, we can get an indication of the short or long term trend. The first thing to pay attention to is the slope of the average.

It determines the direction of the trend. The degree of slope tells us the strength of the trend. In addition, the relationship between the average and the price itself is helpful. Candles above the average indicate an upward movement, below a downward movement.

Pros and Cons of SMA20 Indicator👍👎

Capital management strategy when trading with SMA20 on IQ Option

As you've seen, the SMA(20) indicator can bring in consistent winning trades. This makes it a good strategy for making relatively high profits from few trades.

As such, I would recommend using compounding as a money management strategy. Start with the usual 2% to 5% of your account balance. Then for subsequent trades, invest your winnings plus that initial investment.

For example, if you have a $100 account balance, your first trade amount would be $2. With a return of 80%, you would make a profit of $1.6. You would therefore invest $3.6 in your subsequent trade regardless of whether your first trade was profitable or not.

This money management strategy ensures that even if you make 3 trades per day, you will end up profitable.

Be psychologically prepared when trading SMA20

Trading using the SMA20 might seem simple at a glance. However, it requires a lot of patience. It might take minutes or even hours before the right signals present themselves. You'll therefore need to patiently analyze the price charts.

If the right conditions present themselves and you miss the opportunity to enter a position, wait until the SMA(20) crosses the price charts again. Trading would result in losses.

Now that you've learned how to trade using the SMA20 indicator on IQ Option, your next step is trying it out. Head over to your IQ Option practice account and practice this strategy. We'd love to hear about your results in the comments section below.

Good luck!

Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions about SMA20 Indicator

• • Q:What is the primary purpose of the SMA20 indicator?
  • A:The main purpose of the SMA20 indicator is to identify trends and optimal entry points for trading positions in the market.
  • Q:How do I set up the SMA20 on the IQ Option platform?
  • A:Click on the indicators feature, select Moving Averages, choose Moving Average, enter 20 as the period, and leave the type as SMA.
  • Q:What are some of the limitations of the SMA20 indicator?
  • A:SMA20 may not work well during high market volatility, can have a lag, and may not be suitable for all trading styles.
  • Q:Is the SMA20 indicator suitable for beginners?
  • A:Yes, the SMA20 is a simple and straightforward indicator that is easy to understand, making it suitable for beginners.
  • Q:Can the SMA20 indicator be combined with other technical indicators
    Can the SMA20 indicator be combined with other technical indicators for more accurate predictions?

• A:Yes, the SMA20 indicator can be combined with other technical indicators, such as RSI, MACD, or Bollinger Bands, to improve the accuracy of predictions and enhance trading strategies.