The 'Last' Stochastic Technique
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Many techniques using the Stochastic Oscillator produce consistent losses over time. In particular, overbought/oversold signals often degrade overall performance because one does not take advantage of longer trends. The Last Stochastic Technique addresses this shortfall.
For more information on the Stochastic Oscillator, please see our on this indicator.
A study published in “The Encyclopedia of Technical Market Indicators” found that some very good signals were given using the 39-period Fast Stochastic. A buy signal is generated when %K crosses above 50 and the closing price is above the previous week's highest close. Sell signals are created when %K crosses below 50 and the closing price is below the previous week's lowest close.
Taking a longer period setting and not smoothing the data with a 3-period moving average allows chartists to use the Stochastic Oscillator in its purest form (Fast Stochastic Oscillator). This unsmoothed version, however, can increase whipsaws. It is often useful to smooth %K with a 3-period SMA and use the Slow Stochastic Oscillator.
On the daily chart below for MSFT, we see the Slow Stochastic Oscillator (39,1) crossing above 50 on June 14th for a bullish signal.
Chartists with a long-term outlook can turn to weekly data. On the three-year Microsoft chart below, we see that the Slow Stochastic (39,1) was above 50 for over two years and did not cross below 50 until late February 2000.
On the daily Cisco (CSCO) chart, we can see the Slow Stochastic Oscillator (39,1) moving above 50 in November 1999 and not crossing back below it until April 2000. This was a good trend, but there were whipsaws (bad signals) on either side.
Notice that there was a bullish OBV crossover in early November 1999, while %K was above 50. %K moved below 50 in April; this move was confirmed as OBV moved below its 30-day SMA. %K moved back above 50 in late April, but the price momentum signal was not confirmed by OBV. Thus, no signal. Both indicators triggered bullish again in early June.
Keep in mind that all stocks are unique. While the 39-period Slow Stochastic Oscillator is a useful technical indicator, one should always map the performance against your specific stock. For example, some stocks have evidenced a tendency to signal entry when %K crosses above 40 and a sell when %K crosses below 60. Furthermore, chartists should consider using another indicator or two for confirmation when dealing with volatile stocks.
Since the Stochastic is a price momentum indicator, one should pair it with a volume assessment for trade confirmation. In the chart below, the (OBV) indicator has been added, along with a 30-day MA as a signal line.
