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Classic Chart Indicators and Studies![]() Find descriptions, formulas, parameters, and other help for the indicators and studies used by the Barchart.com Classic Charting application below. When charting any of the studies, the argument coloring is red, green then blue. For example, on a Moving Average chart [9, 18, 40], the 9 day would be the red line, 18 day would be the green line and the 40 day would be the blue line. The argument order is displayed on the chart next to the study name. Bollinger BandsCreated by John Bollinger, Bollinger Bands are similar to moving average envelopes. The difference between Bollinger Bands and envelopes is envelopes are plotted at a fixed percentage above and below a moving average, whereas Bollinger Bands are plotted at standard deviation levels above and below a moving average. Since standard deviation is a measure of volatility, the bands are self-adjusting, widening during volatile markets and contracting during calmer periods. As with moving average envelopes, the basic interpretation of Bollinger Bands is that prices tend to stay within the upper and lower band. The distinctive characteristic of Bollinger Bands is that the spacing between the bands varies based on the volatility of the prices. During periods of extreme price changes (i.e., high volatility), the bands widen to become more forgiving. During periods of stagnant pricing (i.e., low volatility), the bands narrow to contain prices. The first argument in this study is the number of days. The second argument is the number of standard deviations used to create the envelope. Sample Chart: ![]() |


