Traders frequently utilize indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and volume analysis to time their transactions as they negotiate the swings between bullish and bearish forces in the cryptocurrency market.
Instead of focusing on price and trend confirmations, it is helpful to have a tool that examines the behavioral stages of cryptocurrency trading in an unexpected sector. The Gator Oscillator is helpful in this situation.
This comprehensive guide delves into the Gator Oscillator, unpacking its mechanics, exploring trading strategies it empowers, and outlining best practices for its application in the dynamic realm of crypto trading.
What Is The Gator Indicator?
The Gator Indicator, often known as the Gator Oscillator, is a derivative or sourced version of the popular Alligator Indicator. The Gator Oscillator uses histograms, whereas the alligator indicator uses moving averages.
This application allows users to visualize and comprehend market activity, making sense of the numerous phases preceding or following a trend.
The Gator Oscillator uses histogram analysis and has two histograms to deal with. The histograms above and below the zero line can be all red, all green, or a combination of the two, depending on the market or the cryptocurrency under consideration.
The Utility Of Gator Oscillator
The Gator Oscillator is a simplified iteration of the Alligator indicator, focusing more on capturing market sentiment rather than directly identifying trend direction. It aids traders in understanding market phases by categorizing movements into four distinct stages: sleeping, awakening, eating, and weakening.
When combined with the moving averages of the Alligator Indicator and price action, these phases provide valuable insights for decision-making and risk management. Traders typically look for histogram analysis patterns to transition from all red to a mix of green and red before considering entering an extended position.
For risk management, traders monitor the histogram closely, especially when all bars turn green and then red, indicating a sating phase. This signals a potential time to close open positions and manage risk accordingly.
While the Gator Oscillator primarily reflects trend strength rather than direction, it can be utilized to analyze trading divergence, offering additional insights into market dynamics. Despite being a lagging indicator, it remains a valuable tool for traders seeking to gauge market sentiment and make informed trading decisions.
How Is The Gator Oscillator Calculated?
The Gator Oscillator’s calculation principle is grounded in the movement of the Alligator Indicator, necessitating an understanding of its key components:
- Blue Line (Jaw): Represents the 13-period smoothed moving average.
- Red Line (Teeth): Corresponds to the 8-period smoothed moving average.
- Green Line (Lips): Reflects the 5-period smoothed moving average.
It’s essential to note that these lines and moving average periods are as defined by Bill Williams. However, the settings on platforms like TradingView may differ slightly.
In some representations, such as on TradingView, the colors may differ, with the 5-period line being green and the 13-period Jawline being red. Additionally, the Teeth line may be smoothed over a 9-period instead of the standard 8-period, focusing more on mid-term trends than short-term ones.
To mitigate the indicator’s lagging effects, each moving average is shifted forward by 8 periods, 5 periods, and 3 periods, respectively, enhancing the Gator Oscillator’s forward-looking nature.
Now, let’s delve into the calculation of the Gator Oscillator:
Understanding The Bars:
The Gator Oscillator comprises dual histograms, each comprising upper and lower bars. Each upper bar represents the difference between the 13-period and 8-period/9-period smoothed averages.
Similarly, each lower bar depicts the difference between the 8-period/9-period and 5-period moving averages. The bars can be either green or red, reflecting the nature of the trend. Further insights into this will be gained when interpreting a Gator Oscillator chart.
How to read the Gator Oscillator
When observing a price chart featuring the Gator Oscillator, green and red bars are visible around the zero line. These bars indicate positive and negative values of the oscillator, appearing above and below the zero line, respectively.
The Gator Oscillator consists of four phases, each providing insights into the market sentiment:
- Sleeping phase – In the oscillator, the sleeping phase is indicated by red bars on both sides of the zero line. This indicates that the alligator is asleep or there is no trend. It is the same as utilizing the Alligator Indicator, with the moving averages all crossing and tightening up, indicating a lack of obvious directionality.
- Awakening phase – During this phase, various colors appear on each side of the oscillator. During the awakening phase, the moving averages in the Alligator Indicator begin to broaden slightly. The Gator Oscillator avoids the requirement for moving averages by simply plotting their behavior in this window. The alligator’s awakening signals the beginning of a trend.
- Eating Phase – During the eating phase, green bars are visible on both sides of the oscillator. This suggests that the alligator, or the market, is trending, devouring profits. Traders should maintain their positions during this phase to maximize gains. In the Alligator Indicator, this phase corresponds to widely spread moving averages exhibiting a clear trending slope.
- Sated Phase – The sated phase signifies a slowdown in market momentum, akin to the alligator becoming full. This phase is characterized by a mix of colors, transitioning from primarily green bars to a combination of colors. The trend may be losing steam or ending. At this point, traders may consider taking profits, as indicated by the change in colors on the oscillator.
How To Trade With Gator Oscillator
To download and integrate the Gator Oscillator indicator into your trading price chart, follow these steps:
- Open your trading platform and navigate to the indicator section.
- Search for the Gator Oscillator indicator and select it.
- Choose the desired values for the periods of the teeth, lips, and jaws. You can either set these values manually or opt for the default values suggested by the indicator.
- Click the ‘ok’ button to confirm your selections.
- Once the values are set, the Gator Oscillator indicator will be launched and integrated with your price chart.
- Identify the two histograms below the price chart, representing positive and negative values above and below the zero line.
- If the Gator Oscillator indicates a sleeping phase, refrain from entering the market and wait for a stronger trend to emerge.
- When the Gator wakes up, signaling the beginning of a new trend, it’s an opportune time to enter the market.
- The eating phase commences as the trend persists in the same direction, allowing you to consider taking additional positions aligned with the market trend.
- However, if you notice a red bar amidst the green bars during the eating phase, it suggests that the Gator is complete, prompting you to exit your position before the trend reverses.
- Wait for the Gator’s bars to indicate the start of a new trend before considering entering any new positions.
Conclusion
When utilized carefully, the Gator Oscillator can be a valuable tool in the frequently volatile realm of cryptocurrency trading.
Recall that this is a tool, not a magic orb. You can use the Gator Oscillator’s insights to guide your crypto trading decisions and possibly trade more confidently If you comprehend its advantages and disadvantages, use it with other technical indicators and sound risk management techniques.
