Nicholas,
I'm aware of how to formulate alternative MACDs. But you will agree that the standard MSWin MACD function does *not* allow for the inputting of different values, which I found to be curious, and possibly significant.
I think you are too stuck on semantics or tricky thoughts! What makes how the default MACD in MSWin is constructed 'possibly significant'?
I could be wrong, but I view it from a software developer's / vendor's perspective - We made this product - we need to stuff it full of classic and popular indicators as a starting point - we'll give users the tools to make their own - we need to sell it now
I think that's the limit of the significance. I find personally that most of the standard values in WOW, for instance, don't work for me or the securities I follow. There doesn't seem to be much magic to it, just apply to a bunch of stocks and step through day by day, and see where the indicator would have you in and out; and whether that matches with your expectations/desires.
So, I think Richard answered your question.
R.E. - You might see the reasons why classic indicator settings aren't used.
Everyone here is an individual and has his own style. I think its pretty clear that most do not subscribe to the belief that there is a 'standard' way of doing anything! Just keep checking things out.
So my own thought / question -
If I were to hazard a guess as to why 'classic' indicator settings do not perform as well as they might have when their authors first developed them, would it be that market volatility is higher now?
I recall reading something once in Schwagers 'Market Wizards' book, I think in his own introduction, where he relates that he had a fairly tight stop on a trade, one that he wouldn't even consider placing so tight these days. Would that be due to changes in market volatility or just experience as to what works with stop latitude? |
