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