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Average True Range (ATR)
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Use ATR to Spot Breakouts & Volatility Shifts: Level Up Your Trading With This Chart Indicator
Yahoo Financeยท 2025-09-15 13:29
Core Insights - The Average True Range (ATR) is a key indicator for measuring market volatility, indicating potential breakout or consolidation periods [1][9]. - ATR does not predict market direction but is essential for traders to assess market conditions [9]. ATR Application - ATR can be found on Barchart tools by navigating to the "Technical Analysis" menu from any stock, ETF, or futures page [3]. - Multiple ATR periods are available, including 9-day, 14-day, 20-day, and 50-day, allowing traders to choose based on their trading strategy [4][7]. - Day traders typically use shorter ATRs (9-day), while swing traders may prefer 14- or 20-day ATRs, and long-term investors often focus on 50- or 100-day ATRs [7]. Market Signals - A decreasing ATR, as seen in the S&P 500 example, suggests that volatility is leaving the market, which can precede a breakout [8]. - Rising ATR indicates a high volatility environment, while a contracting ATR signals a quieter market [10]. Tools and Features - Barchart provides interactive charts where ATR can be added as an indicator, allowing for customization and overlay with other indicators [6][10]. - Combining ATR with the Earnings Calendar can help anticipate spikes in volatility [10].