BBands Stops_v3

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Author: Copyright � 2006, TrendLaboratory Ltd.
BBands Stops_v3

The BBands Stop indicator is designed to assist traders in identifying market trends and determining optimal "stop-loss" levels based on the volatility of price action. It utilizes a modified version of the Bollinger Bands—a common technical analysis tool used to measure market conditions—to create dynamic support and resistance boundaries.

Core Logic and Functionality

The script operates by analyzing the relationship between the current market price and the outer boundaries of the Bollinger Bands. Its primary objective is to detect shifts in momentum and provide visual cues for where a trend might be ending or where a safer "buffer" zone exists for risk management.

1. Trend Detection The indicator continuously monitors the price relative to the Bollinger Bands:

  • Bullish Momentum: If the closing price moves above the upper band, the system identifies an upward trend.
  • Bearish Momentum: If the closing price falls below the lower band, the system identifies a downward trend.

2. Dynamic Stop-Loss Calculation Unlike standard Bollinger Bands which fluctuate freely, this script introduces "memory" into the lines to ensure they only move in a way that protects the trade:

  • In an Uptrend: The indicator tracks a bottom boundary (the "Stop"). If the current calculated bottom is higher than the previous one, it stays at the new level. If it tries to drop, the script holds it at the previous higher level. This creates a "ratcheted" effect, ensuring your safety net only moves up as the trend strengthens.
  • In a Downtrend: The logic flips; it tracks a top boundary that only moves lower as the price drops, preventing the stop level from moving "up" into the path of the price.

3. Risk Customization (MoneyRisk) The script includes a specific mathematical offset. By adjusting the MoneyRisk factor, users can expand or contract the distance between the standard Bollinger Band and the actual Stop Line. This allows traders to choose how much "breathing room" they want to give the market before a trend reversal is confirmed.

Visual Elements and User Options

The tool provides three distinct visual layers that can be toggled via the settings:

  • Trend Lines: Continuous lines that trace the dynamic stop levels, providing a steady visual of the current "floor" or "ceiling" for price movement.
  • Trend Signals: Specific markers (arrows) that appear at the exact moment the trend shifts from bearish to bullish (or vice versa), highlighting potential entry or exit points.
  • Stop Buffers: Visual indicators of the calculated protective levels, which help in identifying where a trade should be closed if the market moves against the primary direction.

Summary for the Trader

Essentially, this script simplifies complex volatility math into a visual "safety line." It tells you not just where the price is now, but where the trend's structural floor or ceiling sits. By keeping these lines from moving backward during a trend, it helps traders stay in winning positions longer while providing a clear, mathematically derived point to exit if the market changes direction.

Indicators Used
Bollinger bands indicator
Miscellaneous
Implements a curve of type %1
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1 Downloads
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BBands Stops_v3
/*-----------------------------+
|			       |
| Shared by www.Aptrafx.com    |
|			       |
+------------------------------*/

//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
//|                                               BBands_Stop_v1.mq4 |
//|                           Copyright © 2006, TrendLaboratory Ltd. |
//|            http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/TrendLaboratory |
//|                                       E-mail: igorad2004@list.ru |
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
#property copyright "Copyright © 2006, TrendLaboratory Ltd."
#property link      "http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/TrendLaboratory"

#property indicator_chart_window
#property indicator_buffers 6
#property indicator_color1 Chartreuse
#property indicator_color2 Orange
#property indicator_color3 Chartreuse
#property indicator_color4 Orange
#property indicator_color5 Chartreuse
#property indicator_color6 Orange
//---- input parameters
extern int    Length=13;      // Bollinger Bands Period
extern int    Deviation=2;    // Deviation
extern double MoneyRisk=1.00; // Offset Factor
extern int    Signal=1;       // Display signals mode: 1-Signals & Stops; 0-only Stops; 2-only Signals;
extern int    Line=1;         // Display line mode: 0-no,1-yes  
extern int    Nbars=1000;
//---- indicator buffers
double UpTrendBuffer[];
double DownTrendBuffer[];
double UpTrendSignal[];
double DownTrendSignal[];
double UpTrendLine[];
double DownTrendLine[];
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
//| Custom indicator initialization function                         |
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
  int init()
  {
   string short_name;
//---- indicator line
   
   SetIndexBuffer(0,UpTrendBuffer);
   SetIndexBuffer(1,DownTrendBuffer);
   SetIndexBuffer(2,UpTrendSignal);
   SetIndexBuffer(3,DownTrendSignal);
   SetIndexBuffer(4,UpTrendLine);
   SetIndexBuffer(5,DownTrendLine);
   SetIndexStyle(0,DRAW_ARROW);
   SetIndexStyle(1,DRAW_ARROW);
   SetIndexStyle(2,DRAW_ARROW);
   SetIndexStyle(3,DRAW_ARROW);
   SetIndexStyle(4,DRAW_LINE);
   SetIndexStyle(5,DRAW_LINE);
   SetIndexArrow(0,159);
   SetIndexArrow(1,159);
   SetIndexArrow(2,108);
   SetIndexArrow(3,108);
   IndicatorDigits(MarketInfo(Symbol(),MODE_DIGITS));
//---- name for DataWindow and indicator subwindow label
   short_name="BBands Stop("+Length+","+Deviation+")";
   IndicatorShortName(short_name);
   SetIndexLabel(0,"UpTrend Stop");
   SetIndexLabel(1,"DownTrend Stop");
   SetIndexLabel(2,"UpTrend Signal");
   SetIndexLabel(3,"DownTrend Signal");
   SetIndexLabel(4,"UpTrend Line");
   SetIndexLabel(5,"DownTrend Line");
//----
   SetIndexDrawBegin(0,Length);
   SetIndexDrawBegin(1,Length);
   SetIndexDrawBegin(2,Length);
   SetIndexDrawBegin(3,Length);
   SetIndexDrawBegin(4,Length);
   SetIndexDrawBegin(5,Length);
//----
   return(0);
  }

//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
//| Bollinger Bands_Stop_v1                                             |
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
int start()
  {
   int    i,shift,trend;
   double smax[25000],smin[25000],bsmax[25000],bsmin[25000];
   
   for (shift=Nbars;shift>=0;shift--)
   {
   UpTrendBuffer[shift]=0;
   DownTrendBuffer[shift]=0;
   UpTrendSignal[shift]=0;
   DownTrendSignal[shift]=0;
   UpTrendLine[shift]=EMPTY_VALUE;
   DownTrendLine[shift]=EMPTY_VALUE;
   }
   
   for (shift=Nbars-Length-1;shift>=0;shift--)
   {	
     smax[shift]=iBands(NULL,0,Length,Deviation,0,PRICE_CLOSE,MODE_UPPER,shift);
	  smin[shift]=iBands(NULL,0,Length,Deviation,0,PRICE_CLOSE,MODE_LOWER,shift);
	
	  if (Close[shift]>smax[shift+1]) trend=1; 
	  if (Close[shift]<smin[shift+1]) trend=-1;
		 	
	  if(trend>0 && smin[shift]<smin[shift+1]) smin[shift]=smin[shift+1];
	  if(trend<0 && smax[shift]>smax[shift+1]) smax[shift]=smax[shift+1];
	  	  
	  bsmax[shift]=smax[shift]+0.5*(MoneyRisk-1)*(smax[shift]-smin[shift]);
	  bsmin[shift]=smin[shift]-0.5*(MoneyRisk-1)*(smax[shift]-smin[shift]);
		
	  if(trend>0 && bsmin[shift]<bsmin[shift+1]) bsmin[shift]=bsmin[shift+1];
	  if(trend<0 && bsmax[shift]>bsmax[shift+1]) bsmax[shift]=bsmax[shift+1];
	  
	  if (trend>0) 
	  {
	     if (Signal>0 && UpTrendBuffer[shift+1]==-1.0)
	     {
	     UpTrendSignal[shift]=bsmin[shift];
	     UpTrendBuffer[shift]=bsmin[shift];
	     if(Line>0) UpTrendLine[shift]=bsmin[shift];
	     }
	     else
	     {
	     UpTrendBuffer[shift]=bsmin[shift];
	     if(Line>0) UpTrendLine[shift]=bsmin[shift];
	     UpTrendSignal[shift]=-1;
	     }
	  if (Signal==2) UpTrendBuffer[shift]=0;   
	  DownTrendSignal[shift]=-1;
	  DownTrendBuffer[shift]=-1.0;
	  DownTrendLine[shift]=EMPTY_VALUE;
	  }
	  if (trend<0) 
	  {
	  if (Signal>0 && DownTrendBuffer[shift+1]==-1.0)
	     {
	     DownTrendSignal[shift]=bsmax[shift];
	     DownTrendBuffer[shift]=bsmax[shift];
	     if(Line>0) DownTrendLine[shift]=bsmax[shift];
	     }
	     else
	     {
	     DownTrendBuffer[shift]=bsmax[shift];
	     if(Line>0)DownTrendLine[shift]=bsmax[shift];
	     DownTrendSignal[shift]=-1;
	     }
	  if (Signal==2) DownTrendBuffer[shift]=0;    
	  UpTrendSignal[shift]=-1;
	  UpTrendBuffer[shift]=-1.0;
	  UpTrendLine[shift]=EMPTY_VALUE;
	  }
	  
	 }
	return(0);	
 }

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