Ichimoku Cloud How-To Guide

Ichimoku Clouds, also known as Ichimoku Kinko Hyo, is a powerful technical indicator that provides a comprehensive view of price action, support and resistance levels, and potential trend reversals.

1: Add the Ichimoku Clouds Indicator to Your Chart

  • Select the Ichimoku Clouds from the list of our available Studies.
  • The Ichimoku Clouds consist of five lines: Tenkan-sen (Conversion Line), Kijun-sen (Base Line), Senkou Span A (Leading Span A), Senkou Span B (Leading Span B), and Chikou Span (Lagging Span). These lines work together to form the cloud.
  • 2: Understand the Components of Ichimoku Clouds

  • The Tenkan-sen is a short-term moving average that measures the average of the highest high and lowest low over a specific period (usually 9 periods).
  • The Kijun-sen is a longer-term moving average that measures the average of the highest high and lowest low over a specific period (usually 26 periods).
  • The Senkou Span A is the average of the Tenkan-sen and Kijun-sen plotted 26 periods ahead.
  • The Senkou Span B is the average of the highest high and lowest low over a specific period (usually 52 periods) plotted 26 periods ahead.
  • The Chikou Span is the current closing price plotted 26 periods back.
  • 3: Interpret the Ichimoku Clouds

  • The area between Senkou Span A and Senkou Span B forms the cloud, which is often colored differently to represent bullish or bearish sentiment.
  • When the price is above the cloud, it indicates a bullish trend, suggesting potential support levels within the cloud.
  • When the price is below the cloud, it indicates a bearish trend, suggesting potential resistance levels within the cloud.
  • The Tenkan-sen and Kijun-sen lines act as dynamic support and resistance levels.
  • The Chikou Span can be used to confirm trend direction and identify potential trading signals when it crosses the price or other lines within the cloud.
  • 4: Use Ichimoku Clouds for Trading Signals

  • Look for price breakouts or bounces from the cloud as potential entry or exit points.
  • Monitor the interactions between the Tenkan-sen and Kijun-sen lines for crossovers, which can indicate potential trend reversals.
  • Consider the positioning of the Chikou Span relative to the cloud and price for confirmation of trend strength or weakness.
  • Tips and Best Uses:

  • Ichimoku Clouds are most effective in trending markets, as they provide valuable support and resistance levels.