Demark

How the DeMarker indicator works

The operation of the Demark indicator is based on a comparison between the maximum for a given period and the previous maximum. At the same time, this indicator is an oscillator with the value from 0 to 1, with the main points of 0.30 and 0.70.

If the maximum value of the candle is higher than the maximum of the previous one, then the instrument will record this difference. If the maximums are equal, or the new value is less than the maximum, the indicator will show zero, since the operating mechanism doesn't support the negative values.

A simple average between the difference in values of the maximums of a particular time interval is used as a numerator, and the denominator is the same value, summed with a simple average of the differences between the minimums of the previous and current candles. In this case, if the current minimum is bigger than the previous one, the indicator will show zero.

• High (m)> High (m-1) → DeMax (m) = High (m) - High (m-1);

High (m) ≤ High (m-1) → DeMax (m) = 0.

• Low (m)

Low (m) ≥ Low (m-1) → DeMin (m) = 0.

• The final formula of the indicator is as follows:

DeMark (m) = SMA (DeMax, N) / (SMA (DeMax, N) + SMA (DeMin, N)),

where:

m is the current candle (respectively, m-1 is the previous one),

N is the period,

SMA is a simple moving average.

The DeMarker in use

Just as many other oscillator indicators, the DeMarker shows signals of two types - enter and exit of the overbought zones, oversold zones, as well as the divergence.

• Overbought and oversold zones are shown on the DeMarker chart in the zones marked as 0.30 and 0.70, respectively. When the indicator line crosses the 0.70 mark from top to bottom - this should be used by the trader as an excellent opportunity for sale, and passing the level of 0.30 from the bottom to top, respectively, means a signal for purchase.
• Divergence is an important part of the indicator. Divergences are used by traders working with different oscillators. In this case, the trader tracks the discrepancies between the graph of the indicator and the price chart. If the maximum price is formed on the price graph, exceeding the previous one - most likely, the uptrend will change its direction downward. This type of divergence is called "bullish."

In the case of a new minimum, which is less than the last minimum, while the indicator also signals a new low, higher than the previous one, this means the downward trend changes to an upward. This type of divergence is called "bearish."

The chart of this indicator can also display both double and triple divergences - in this case; it's worth considering the signal as a stronger one.

• The indicator chart also contains support and resistance trend lines. They are conducted through the highs and lows, and when the indicator signals a trend line breakdown, it should be interpreted the same as the trend line breakdown on the price graph.
• Patterns. The DeMarker indicator can form patterns (for example, "Head and shoulders," a triangle, "Double top," etc.), which can also be interpreted by the trader as trading signals. However, it should be noted that such figures on the graph usually don't correspond to the models of the price chart, and only the experienced traders must consider them as signals.

Advantages and disadvantages

First of all, this indicator is easy to use. You don't need to have any special skills to understand that the price will turn up below the 0.30 mark, and, respectively, go down above the 0.70 mark. Moreover, if the experienced trader uses such an indicator as part of a strategy; it would make the unexpected profit. Within the correct use, the efficiency of such a tool can reach 90%. With the help of classic patterns, the indicator filters out false signals quickly.

Nevertheless, just like with any other oscillator, a trader shouldn't rely on signals of the single instrument. The false signals probability increases when the length of the trading cycle and the range of the indicator don't match, as well as at the beginning of the trend. Many traders show excellent results of using the DeMarker along with the Range Expansion Index (REI), which was developed by Mr. Demark too. Also, it's worth to use the DeMarker along with the Scholastic indicator.

Summary

The DeMarker indicator is rightfully considered a compromise between the technical and fundamental analysis types. Within the correct use, the indicator allows you to minimize risks making transactions in a trend. The beginning traders should read the"The New Science of Technical Analysis" book, where the author analyzes this tool more detailed. It's also worth to start trading after a good practice only.