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Bears Power

Everyday trading involves buyers (Bulls) pushing prices up and sellers (Bears) pushing prices down. The outcome of this battle determines whether the day ends with a higher or lower price compared to the previous day.

To assess the balance between Bulls and Bears, it is crucial to analyze the Bears Power. This oscillator, developed by Alexander Elder, provides insights into possible trend reversals. It is calculated by finding the difference between the lowest price and a 13-period exponential moving average (LOW - EMA).

To enhance its effectiveness, it is recommended to combine the Bears Power oscillator with a trend indicator, such as the Moving Average.

Bears Power turns positive during the uptrend because the lows stay above the 13-period EMA.
BEARS = LOW - EMA(CLOSE, 13)

Where:

  • LOW is the lowest price of the bar;
  • EMA(CLOSE, 13) is the 13-period exponential moving average of the close price (the period can be changed in the indicator settings).

A negative value means the low is below the moving average and the Bears are in control. A value that rises towards zero while still negative shows that the Bears are getting weaker.