S&P 500:
An Example of a Trading System using the SBV Oscillator

March 7, 2008

Another Move DOWN -
 SBV Oscillator did not miss it
+15% (222 points) on the S&P 500

This week SBV chart example is a continuation of previous example on February 29, 2008. In this week's example we use the same settings that were already used by showing the consistency of our trading system over the long period of time.

This week SBV chart example is based on the 60-day SBV(20) S&P 500 chart.

Chart 1. Relationship between the SBV oscillator and index reversal points. S&P 500 index. 60-day view. 1 bar = 1 hour. SBV(20)
SP 500 Chart

It's Simple and profitable

In our trading example, we applied the following simple system which is based on our SBV indicator:

  1. Once the SBV indicator declines below minus 20% (the indicator will now show green), we enter a short position (if we are not already short);
  2. Once the SBV indicator advances above minus 20% (after having been below that level), we will enter a long position (the indicator still shows green);
  3. Once the SBV indicator rallies above plus 20% (the indicator will now show red), we enter a long position (if we are not already long);
  4. Once the SBV indicator declines below plus 20% (after having been above that level), we will enter a short position (the indicator still shows red);
  5. If the SBV dropped into negative territory and started to rise without hitting the signal line, close the short position when the SBV is back in the positive territory, and stay in cash until a new buy signal is generated. Vise versa for a long position.

In our Market outlook on January 23,2008 we have mentioned:

"A note for those who use 60-day SBV(20) simple trading system: it is recommended to reduce the negative level from minus 20% to minus 50-60% after such a prolonged Selling volume accumulation. An additional rule that may increase an efficiency of the system should now include - 'If you see the SBV below minus 20% for more then 8-10 session in a row, then lower the signal line from minus 20 to minus 50-60%"

This is one of the ways to improve the system. When the market is heading in one direction for a prolonged period of time and we start to see the Selling or Buying volume accumulation growing to big sizes (big red or green SBV areas) it is logical to expect a sharper and a stronger reversal than usual. In this case it could be a little late to close a position when the SBV crosses over the 20% level and for a similar situation there could be an additional rule included:

Rule #6: If you see the SBV below minus 20% or above plus 20% for more then 8-10 session in a row then lower the signal line from minus 20 to minus 40-60% or raise from plus 20% to plus 40-60% respectively

Table 1: Trades based on the   5-rule (additional stop-loss rule) system.
Open Trades Closed Trades Profit
(points)
Time Motivation Trade Index Time Motivation Trade Index
12/27/07 rule #4 Sell Short 1483 01/10/08 rule #2 Buy to Cover 1400 +83
01/10/08 rule #2 Buy 1400 01/11/08 rule #5 Cash 1406 +6
01/15/08 rule #4 Sell Short 1391 01/24/08 rule #6 Buy to Cover 1341 +50
01/24/08 rule #6 Buy 1341 01/25/08 rule #4 Sell 1332 -9
01/25/08 rule #4 Sell Short 1332 01/28/08 rule #3 Buy to Cover 1340 -8
01/28/08 rule #3 Buy 1340 01/29/08 rule #4 Sell 1362 +22
01/29/08 rule #4 Sell Short 1362 01/30/08 rule #3 Buy to Cover 1359 +2
01/30/08 rule #3 Buy 1359 02/05/08 rule #4 Sell 1347 -12
02/05/08 rule #4 Sell Short 1347 02/11/08 rule#2 Buy to Cover 1340 +7
02/11/08 rule #2 Buy 1340 02/12/08 rule #5 Cash 1348 +8
02/14/08 rule #4 Sell Short 1355 02/15/08 rule#2 Buy to Cover 1342 +13
02/15/08 rule #2 Buy 1342 02/19/08 rule #1 Sell 1348 +6
02/19/08 rule #1 Sell Short 1348 02/20/08 rule #2 Buy to Cover 1352 -4
02/20/08 rule #2 Buy 1352 02/21/08 rule #5 Cash 1343 -9
02/25/08 rule #2 Buy 1358 02/28/08 rule#4 Sell 1372 +14
02/28/08 rule #4 Sell Short 1372 03/05/08 rule #2 Buy 1327 +45
03/05/08 rule #2 Buy 1327 03/06/08 rule #1 Sell 1314 -13
03/06/08 rule #1 Sell Short 1314       1293 +21

Total:  

+222

Note: The 20% level for the SBV indicator was determined in relation to the prevailing market conditions at the time the trading examples were selected. In order to establish the optimal critical levels for the SBV indicator, traders should consider the current market situation and review a chart history of prior volume surges including their magnitude (i.e., the level the SBV indicator reached).

Our charts are unique in that they give traders the option to choose specific chart settings that best fit their personal trading styles and risk tolerance. Traders can thus develop and test their own trading systems. On our charts, you can scroll back in history to test any system you created.

Disclaimer: The chart example is intended for educational purposes only - it does not constitute trading advice, nor does it make or imply any market trend predictions.

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