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Academy Module 08

SMA Crossover:
The Institutional Compass

Master the 50 and 200-day Simple Moving Averages—the "lines in the sand" that determine the long-term trend of the global markets.

What are the 50 and 200 SMAs?

A Simple Moving Average (SMA) smooths out price data to create a single flowing line, making it easier to identify the overall trend without the daily noise.

The 50-Day SMA (Tactical)

Reflects medium-term sentiment. Quick to react to recent momentum shifts.

The 200-Day SMA (Strategic)

The "Ultimate Filter." If price is above this line, the market is in a structural Bull phase.

The Golden Cross

Occurs when the 50 SMA (Tactical) crosses ABOVE the 200 SMA (Strategic). Historically signals the birth of a new Bull Market.

Bullish Signal

The Death Cross

Occurs when the 50 SMA dives BELOW the 200 SMA. A stern warning that short-term sellers have overpowered long-term holders.

Bearish Signal

Why This Strategy Works (and Fails)

Understand the limitations of lagging indicators.

The Good

  • Filters the "Noise": You won't get distracted by one bad news cycle.
  • Institutional Respect: Everyone watches it, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The Bad

  • Lagging Indicator: By the time they cross, the move has already started.
  • The "Whipsaw": In sideways markets, lines can cross back and forth repeatedly.
The Multi-Factor Approach

Don't Trade the Cross Alone

1. Support & Resistance

Is the Golden Cross happening at a historical floor? (High Probability).

2. RSI Confirmation

If the cross happens while RSI is "Overbought," wait for a pullback.

3. The 200 SMA Slope

Wait for the 200 SMA to flatten or curve upward before trusting a Golden Cross.

Daily vs. Everything Else

The 50/200 Crossover is built for the Daily (1D) Chart. On short timeframes (1H, 15M), it produces too many "fakeouts."

Simulate the Trend

On Try Paper Trade, you can backtest these multi-month crossovers in seconds. Add the Indicators, find the "Cross," and see where you would be today.

Backtest SMA Crossover
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