Indicator: AROON with Forumla, Strategy, Advantages and Limitations

AROON (Anticipation/Recovery)

The Aroon indicator is a technical analysis tool developed by Tushar Chande in 1995. It consists of two lines - Aroon Up and Aroon Down - that measure the time between highs and lows over a specific time period. The indicator helps traders identify the start of new trends, measure trend strength, and spot potential reversals.

Formula

Aroon Up = ((N - Days Since High) / N) × 100
Aroon Down = ((N - Days Since Low) / N) × 100
Where N = Number of periods (typically 25)

How AROON Works

The Aroon indicator oscillates between 0 and 100. When Aroon Up is above Aroon Down, it indicates an uptrend, while the opposite suggests a downtrend. Values near 100 indicate a strong trend, while values near 0 show weak trends. Parallel movement of both lines near 0 suggests a consolidation period. The indicator is particularly useful for identifying when new trends are beginning and when existing trends are losing momentum.

Trading Strategies Using AROON

Strategy Examples

  • Enter long positions when Aroon Up crosses above Aroon Down
  • Enter short positions when Aroon Down crosses above Aroon Up
  • Look for strong trends when either line reaches or stays near 100
  • Identify consolidation periods when both lines move sideways below 50
  • Use crossovers with other technical indicators for confirmation

Support and Resistance Strategy

  • Use Aroon Up/Down levels as dynamic support and resistance
  • Look for price reactions when Aroon lines reach extreme levels
  • Monitor crossovers near key support/resistance zones
  • Combine with traditional support/resistance levels for confirmation
  • Use multiple timeframe analysis for stronger S/R levels

Trend Identification

  • Strong uptrend when Aroon Up > 70 and Aroon Down < 30
  • Strong downtrend when Aroon Down > 70 and Aroon Up < 30
  • Consolidation when both lines move below 50
  • Trend reversal potential when lines cross near extremes
  • Trend strength measured by distance between Up/Down lines

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

  • Excellent at identifying new trends early
  • Clear signals for trend strength and weakness
  • Helps identify consolidation periods
  • Easy to interpret with its 0-100 scale
  • Works well in combination with other indicators

Limitations

  • Can generate false signals in choppy markets
  • May lag in rapidly changing market conditions
  • Requires confirmation from other indicators
  • Less effective in ranging markets
  • Time period selection can significantly affect results

Best Practices When Using Aroon

  • Use multiple timeframes to confirm signals - check both higher and lower timeframes for alignment
  • Wait for clear crossovers rather than acting on small oscillations between the lines
  • Combine with volume analysis to validate trend strength and potential reversals
  • Consider using longer periods (25-30) for more reliable but fewer signals
  • Look for divergences between price action and Aroon readings for potential reversals
  • Use additional momentum indicators like RSI or MACD for confirmation
  • Pay attention to market context and overall trend when interpreting signals
  • Be cautious of false signals during highly volatile or sideways markets
  • Set clear stop-loss levels based on key support/resistance levels
  • Monitor both Aroon Up and Down lines together rather than in isolation