Stochastics

Stochastic Fast

Stochastic Fast plots the location of the current price in relation to the range of a certain number of prior bars (dependent upon user-input, usually 14-periods). In general, stochastics are used to measure overbought and oversold conditions. The inputs to Stochastic Fast are as follows:

• Fast %K: [(Close - Low) / (High - Low)] x 100
• Fast %D: Simple moving average of Fast K (usually 3-period moving average)

Above 80 is generally considered overbought and below 20 is considered oversold.

Stochastic Slow

Stochastic Slow is similar in calculation and interpretation to Stochastic Fast. The difference is listed below:

• Slow %K: Equal to Fast %D (i.e. 3-period moving average of Fast %K)
• Slow %D: A moving average (again, usually 3-period) of Slow %K

The Stochastic Slow is generally viewed as superior due to the smoothing effects of the moving averages which equates to less false buy and sell signals. A comparison of the two stochastics, fast and slow, is shown below in the chart of the Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQQ):