Alligator

Alligator

The "Alligator" is a very interesting indicator of market direction and periods of no trend. Its main goal is to determine the trend direction and its strength.

Why do we need it?

Defines the trend.

Defines the entry points.

The main function of the Alligator is to determine the trends: whether it’s the bullish (buyers) or the bearish (sellers) dominating the market, which means that the indicator can be used for the trending periods in the market.

How to use?

Select the ‘Alligator’ indicator from the list of indicators

How does it work?

The mechanisms are pretty simple – the indicator represents a combination of three smooth Moving Averages indicating different time periods and moves. It is important that the Moving Averages are smooth rather than simple or belonging to any other type: they minimize the impact of the market noise and minor market fluctuations on the chart. Bill Williams called these Moving Averages the Balance Lines, as they show the price that would prevail in the market when no other factors intervene.

Each Moving Average received its own name:

Alligator's Jaw

Alligator's Teeth

Alligator's Lips

The Alligator strategy

Apply the Alligator indicator to the chart. You will see 3 lines of the Alligator’s "jaw".

The moment when the indicator lines are intertwined indicates that the Alligator is asleep. The longer it sleeps, the hungrier it becomes. This is a waiting period when the trading activity is inadvisable..

Once the Alligator wakes up it begins to "yawn", thus opening its "jaw." This is the right moment for entering the market.

Opening the jaws up signals further growth and buying the call option.

Opening the jaws down signals further decline and buying the put option.

Having eaten enough, the Alligator starts to lose its interest in “food” and the indicator lines are intertwined again. This sends signal to end the trade and wait for the next signal.