GMMA 2.0 User Guide GMMA 2.0 User Guide August 2010 Edition PF-30-01-02
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Important Information Copyright Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Nirvana Systems, Inc. Trademarks OmniTrader, VisualTrader, Adaptive Reasoning Model, ARM, ARM Knowledge Base, Easy Data, The Trading Game, Focus List, The Power to Trade with Confidence, The Path to Trading Success, The Trader s Advantage, Pattern Tutor, and Chart Pattern Recognition Module are trademarks of Nirvana Systems, Inc. Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. DISCLAIMER REGARDING USE OF NIRVANA SYSTEMS PRODUCTS Trading stocks, mutual funds, futures, and options involves high risk including possible loss of principal and other losses. Neither the software nor any demonstration of its operation should be construed as a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities or security derivative products of any kind. Neither Nirvana s OmniTrader, VisualTrader, Nirvana Systems, Inc., nor its employees and affiliates recommends any specific security for purchase or sale, nor do they recommend any specific approach to investing in securities. Nirvana Systems, Inc. is not an investment advisory service nor a registered investment advisor or broker/dealer. No representation is being made that the methods presented will guarantee profits in trading. Past performance, whether actual or indicated by historical systems testing, is no guarantee of future performance or success. Information presented by Nirvana Systems, Inc. is from sources Nirvana believes are reliable. However, Nirvana has not independently verified such information.
Contents Chapter 1 Getting Started Introduction...1-1 GMMA Components...1-3 Installing GMMA Systems...1-4 Registering the Software...1-4 Chapter 2 Guppy Indicators...2-5 Guppy Count Back Line Indicator...2-6 Parameters...2-6 GMMA Indicator...2-7 GA Separation...2-8 GMMA Oscillator...2-9 Parameters...2-10 GAMS Oscillator...2-10 GMMAD Oscillator...2-11 Systems...2-12 GMMA Breakout System (GMMAB)...2-12 Parameters...2-13 Setup...2-13 Signals...2-13 GAMS System...2-14 Parameters...2-15 Setup...2-15 Guppy Count Back Line...2-16 Parameters...2-16 Stops...2-17 Guppy Fixed CBL Stop...2-17 Guppy Trailing CBL Stop...2-18 Trend Volatility Line...2-19 Nirvana Systems Inc. v GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Contents Chapter 3 Strategies Guppy CBL Classic... 3-21 Guppy Power... 3-22 Guppy GMMA Reversal... 3-23 GMMA 2.0 User Guide vi nirvanasystems.com
Getting Started 1 Introduction Daryl Guppy is an equities trader, author, and is well known for his teachings on the use of multiple moving averages. The set up conditions that Mr. Guppy emphasizes are based on convergence and divergence of traders and investors as represented by multiple moving averages. The indicator which he has created to reflect the sentiment of these two camps is called the Guppy Multiple Moving Average (GMMA). "The GMMA is a tool for understanding the nature and character of the trend," Guppy says. "It does this by tracking the inferred activity of short-term traders - the short-term group of averages - and the inferred activity of longer term investors - the long-term group of averages. It helps the trader to make a better decision about the most appropriate trading tactics to apply to a given trading opportunity." The systems and indicators in this package are based on Daryl Guppy's Multiple Moving Average indicator (GMMA). The GMMA is comprised of two groups of six exponential moving averages (EMA). There is a short-term group (representing traders) of EMA's and a long-term group (representing investors) of EMA's. The systems and indicators are designed to take advantage of the behavior that is exhibited between each group of moving averages and also within each group of moving averages. The relationship within each group and the relationship between each group reveal characteristics about any current trend in the price series or lack there of. The two groups of six EMA's are; a short-term group comprised of 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15 periods and a long-term group comprised of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 60 periods. While different time periods may be chosen, these are the periods most frequently used and recommended by Daryl Guppy. Nirvana Systems Inc. 1 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 1 Getting Started "Apart from providing a better understanding of the trend, the GMMA has five applications," Daryl states. "From the long side it is used to identify: Rally opportunities in a downtrend High probability trend breakout opportunities Trend breakout rebound opportunities following rally and retreat behavior Trend entry of temporary price weakness in an underlying strong trend Bubble behavior These same applications can be applied to short side trading." Guppy indicates that the multiple moving averages are used to determine if a profitable trade is plausible based on the current chart behavior, and to then use other confirming indicators to trigger a trade. Using the GMMA, traders are able to recognize the opportunity as a short lived rally, potential trend breakout, trend continuation, temporary price weakness, a developing price bubble, or a start of a decline in the uptrend. This information allows the trader to select the most appropriate trade management tools and stop conditions. Therefore, while we have defined trading systems and indicators that attempt to isolate events based on Guppy conditions, the systems themselves are used in conjunction with other systems and techniques for maximum effectiveness. GMMA 2.0 User Guide 2 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 1 Getting Started GMMA Components The Guppy Multiple Moving Average Package will install four Strategies, six indicators, three systems and three stops. The systems and indicators in this package are based on Daryl Guppy's Multiple Moving Average indicator (GMMA) and current research on the Guppy Count Back Line. The GMMA is comprised of two groups of six exponential moving averages (EMA). There is a short-term group (representing traders) of EMA's and a long-term group (representing investors) of EMA's. The systems and indicators are designed to take advantage of the behavior that is exhibited between each group of moving averages and also within each group of moving averages. The relationship within each group and the relationship between each group reveal characteristics about any current trend in the price series or lack there of. The two groups of six EMA's are; a short-term group comprised of 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15 periods and a long-term group comprised of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 60 periods. While different time periods may be chosen, these are the periods most frequently used and recommended by Daryl Guppy. Nirvana Systems Inc. 3 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 1 Getting Started Installing GMMA Systems Follow these instructions to install the GMMA 2.0 plug-in: 1. Using Internet Explorer go to: http://www.nirvanasystems.com/oti/downloads/all/index.asp?prodcode=148 2. Enter your Nirvana ID and Password. 3. Click Login. 4. Follow the instructions that appear in the installation wizard dialog boxes. Registering the Software Before you can use GMMA, you must register the software. In order to register, you will need your Nirvana customer number and password, which are supplied on your invoice or confirmation email. 1. Click Help»Registration. 2. Click Get My CD Keys and your registration file will be updated automatically with your new GMMA Systems 2.0 module key. product Figure 1-1. Product Registration Dialog Box Once your software is installed and registered, the GMMA systems, indicators, and strategies will be available for use in OmniTrader and VisualTrader. GMMA 2.0 User Guide 4 nirvanasystems.com
2 Guppy Indicators There are three indicators in this package which are based on the groups of moving averages that represent the relationships within and between the two groups of moving averages. The GMMA Indicator is the visual representation of these moving averages. The GMMA Oscillator indicator will use both groups of moving averages and represents the relationship between them. The GA Separation indicator allows you to concentrate on the behavior of only one set of moving averages. Additionally, this package contains the Guppy Count Back Line Indicator. The Guppy CBL is based on Daryl Guppy s current research. Nirvana Systems Inc. 5 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 2 Guppy Count Back Line Indicator The Guppy CBL indicator is a self adjusting volatility indicator. It uses a specified number of days to calculate the volatility barrier which must be overcome before a change in trend direction is detected. Parameters Figure 2-1. Guppy Count Back Line Indicator Count Define the number of periods to look back for CBL placement. [Default=3] GMMA 2.0 User Guide 6 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 2 GMMA Indicator The GMMA indicator is consists of two groups of exponential moving averages. A short-term group the consists of EMA"S of 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15 periods and a long-term group comprised of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 60 periods. All other information is derived from this indicator. Figure 2-2. GMMA Indicator Nirvana Systems Inc. 7 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 2 GA Separation The GA Separation Indicator takes three exponential moving averages and calculates the sum of the separation between all three EMA's. This indicator was designed to be used as a filter, allowing trades to the vote line only if there if the separation of the averages exceeds a value. In the GMMA Model, we use.38 as the value of separation for the long term group of averages to exceed in order for signals to be passed to the vote line. By filtering on this criteria, we are following one of the fundamental tenets of Daryl Guppy's teaching - that we only take trades when we have long term investor confirmation. Figure 2-3. GA Separation Indicator GMMA 2.0 User Guide 8 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 2 GMMA Oscillator An oscillator can be constructed by plotting the difference between the sums of the two groups of moving averages. A signal line will also be generated by additionally smoothing the oscillator value with another moving average (signal line default value of 15 periods). This is analogous to a MACD oscillator, but instead of two moving averages we use two groups of moving averages. This indicator represents the relationship between the two groups of EMA's. A value near zero represents convergence between the two groups. Convergence, or a low value from the oscillator does not necessarily mean the groups are crossing over, only that they have become close together. They may crossover, as represented by cross of the zero line by the oscillator, or it may just be a pullback in a developing trend. The important information is that they are close together and are agreeing on price. This is the type of setup Guppy looks for, as this agreement on price, whether it is an actual crossover or not, indicates an actionable point. It is up to the user of the indicator to determine what type of action to take, if any. Figure 2-4. GMMA Oscillator Nirvana Systems Inc. 9 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 2 Parameters Period A smoothing period may be specified and is used to smooth the oscillator values to generate the signal line. [Default=15] GAMS Oscillator The Guppy Average Maximum Separation (GAMS) oscillator calculates the standard score of the GMMA oscillator against historical values and plots the values in the full area with scale lines for -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 standard deviations. This represents the distance between the two groups of EMA's relative to past measurements. If the value is say above 1, we know that the current reading is greater than 68% of past readings, this gives us relative position of the two groups of EMA's relative to historical behavior. Figure 2-5. GAMS Oscillator GMMA 2.0 User Guide 10 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 2 GMMAD Oscillator The "D" is for delta or difference. An oscillator will be constructed by plotting the sums of the differences of successive EMA's in a group of EMA's. An increasing GMMAD indicates an increasingly positive (bullish) trend, while a declining GMMAD indicates an increasingly negative (bearish) trend. A zero line cross represents a change in trend. As the indicator moves away from zero, the current trend is strengthening in that direction. This oscillator is essentially used to indicate convergence and divergence within a group of MA's. The indicator consists of two lines. The blue line represents oscillator value for the long-term group of moving averages as defined by the GMMA indicator. The red line represents the oscillator value for the short-term group of moving averages as defined by the GMMA indicator. Figure 2-6. GMMAD Oscillator Nirvana Systems Inc. 11 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 2 Systems Nirvana Systems has created two systems based on the teachings of Guppy. The GMMA Breakout System (GMMAB) and the GAMS System are both used to identify opportunities when the short term group of averages pulls back to the long term group of averages before continuing with the previous trend. GMMA Breakout System (GMMAB) This system will use the GMMA information as a set up and then use the GMMAD of the short-term moving averages to generate signals. This system should address pullbacks in an already trending price series and the points Mr. Guppy makes about trend breakout rebound opportunities following rally and retreat behavior. These signals are best used as setup or confirming information for other systems. Figure 2-7. GMMA breakout System GMMA 2.0 User Guide 12 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 2 Parameters Standard Deviation A standard deviation measure of the long-term component of the GMMAD indicator to determine that the divergence of the long-term group EMA's is greater than a particular number of historical measurements. [Default = 1] Smoothing A period used to generate the signal line of the GMMA oscillator. [Default = 15] ATR Lookback The look back period to use to determine an ATR breakout. [Default=5] Short-term Convergence Standard deviation: standard deviations score that the short-term GMMAD oscillator value must be below. [Default=0.1] Long-term Divergence Standard deviation: standard deviations score that the long-term GMMAD oscillator value must be above. [Default=1.0] Setup All of the short-term EMA's are on one side of the long-term EMA's, this is represented by the GMMA oscillator being above / below the zero line. Short-term convergence as indicated by the low short-term GMMAD value. Long-term divergence as indicated by the long-term GMMAD oscillator value being above a standard deviation score, which represents a separation among the long-term group of moving averages. Signals Long Signal: After the setup conditions (GMMA oscillator being above the zero line), and the GMMAD signifying divergence among the long-term group of EMA's, a breakout to the up side as indicated by a move above the zero line by the short-term moving averages GMMAD indicator. Short signal: After the setup conditions (GMMA oscillator being below the zero line), and the GMMAD signifying divergence among the long-term group of EMA's, a breakout to the down side as indicated by a move below the zero line by the short-term moving averages GMMAD indicator. Nirvana Systems Inc. 13 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 2 GAMS System This system uses the GAMS Oscillator to signify levels to take action at. The levels are specified in standard deviations. Signals are generated on crosses of positive and negative values of the specified standard deviation. So lets say you want the separation between the two groups of averages to be more than 68% of the other past measurements, then you would specify a standard deviation of 1.0. In this example a long would be signaled when the GAMS crosses above 1.0 and shorts when it crosses below -1.0. Additionally a negative standard deviation can be specified, this has the effect of flipping the signals from inside out to outside in and flips the short signals to the top of the range and the long signals to the bottom of the range. The system is based entirely on the GAMS indicator with no implied relationships. This system can be used to identify unusual measures of the separation between the two groups of EMA's which represent trading opportunities. Figure 2-8. GAMS System GMMA 2.0 User Guide 14 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 2 Parameters Standard Deviation Specify a standard deviation, its positive and negative values are used as a signal line [Default=1] Aggressive A Boolean flag that represents aggressive or conservative use of the system. (0=conservative, 1=aggressive) [Default = 0] Setup There is no chart setup for this system. The system is a straightforward interpretation of the GAMS oscillator. Conservative Signals (Aggressive = 0) Long signals: Long signals are generated when the value of the GAMS oscillator crosses from below to above the standard deviation. Short signals: Short signals are generated when the value of the GAMS oscillator crosses from above to below the negative standard deviation. Aggressive Signals (Aggressive = 1) Long signals: Long signals are generated when the value of the GAMS oscillator crosses from below to above the negative standard deviation. Short signals: Short signals are generated when the value of the GAMS oscillator crosses from above to below the standard deviation. Nirvana Systems Inc. 15 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 2 Guppy Count Back Line The CBL is designed to identify trend breakout scenarios and offers a complete method for triggering entries, calculating maximum risk, and establishing profit-protection conditions. The standard entry signal uses a 3-bar CBL for deciphering an entry point. Once a pivot has been identified, the system counts back 3 highs (for Longs) or 3 lows (for Shorts) to identify the level at which an entry will be triggered. An entry is signaled when price closes beyond the CBL. Figure 2-9. Guppy Count Back Line System Parameters Count Defines the number of periods to look back for CBL placement. [Default=3] Enforce Safe Line Enabling this option helps to avoid signals at the absolute high or low. Calculates the percentage difference between the count back entry point and the pivot point low and projects it upwards to set the safe line. GMMA 2.0 User Guide 16 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 2 Stops Guppy Fixed CBL Stop The Guppy Fixed CBL Stop uses the Count Back Line to identify the exact location of your loss stop. Essentially, once an entry is triggered, the stop counts back three lows (for Longs) or three highs (for Shorts) to identify your maximum risk for each trade. A close beyond the Fixed CBL Stop triggers an exit from your trade. Figure 2-10. Guppy Fixed CBL Stop Nirvana Systems Inc. 17 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 2 Guppy Trailing CBL Stop This stop allows you to use the Count Back Line as a trailing profit stop, which allows you to maximize profits in a big way. The stop uses a running CBL and automatically updates as the trade progresses. Figure 2-11. Guppy Trailing CBL Stop on Bank of America Chart GMMA 2.0 User Guide 18 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 2 Trend Volatility Line The TVL uses the amplitude (vertical distance) between two exponential moving averages to calculate the trailing stop. Figure 2-12. Trend Volatility Line Stop Plotted on Verizon Nirvana Systems Inc. 19 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Strategies 3 The GMMA 2.0 module includes four strategies for signal generation. The GMMA Strategy is based on Daryl Guppy s multiple moving averages and uses the OmniTrader voting method to generate signals. The GMMA Reversal, Guppy CBL Classic and Guppy Power Strategies are mechanical strategies that use Guppy s CBL method or a combination of his methods. Figure 3-1. GMMA Strategies Shown in the To Do List Nirvana Systems Inc. 20 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 3 Strategies Guppy CBL Classic The Guppy CBL Classic strategy was created according to Daryl Guppy's teachings in his book Trend Trading. This strategy uses a 3-bar Count Back Line (CBL) to fire signals, identify maximum risk, and for the trailing profit stop. More specifically, the Guppy CBL System identifies entries, the Guppy Fixed CBL Stop sets the maximum loss on positions, and the Guppy Trialing CBL Stop manages the winners. In essence, this strategy is a classic version of Guppy's CBL concepts. Figure 3-2. Guppy CLB Classis Strategy Signals on Avon Nirvana Systems Inc. 21 GMMA 2.0 User Guide
Chapter 3 Strategies Guppy Power The Guppy Power strategy looks to identify only the best trading opportunities. This strategy uses a 4-bar CBL to identify entries and maximum risk, and uses the TVL trailing stop to ride winning trades. To help identify the best trades, we use the Moving Average Crossover Count indicator to find smooth moving stocks and the Volatility Breakout system (VTY-B) to confirm entries. Moreover, this strategy uses a Breakeven Stop technique that allows you to consistently pocket small winners, while occasionally hitting homeruns. Figure 3-3. Guppy Power Strategy GMMA 2.0 User Guide 22 nirvanasystems.com
Chapter 3 Strategies Guppy GMMA Reversal The Guppy GMMA Reversal strategy is a Long Only strategy that uses tools from the original GMMA Plug-in (GAMS and GA Separation), along with Guppy's new Trend Volatility Line (TVL) trailing stop. Basically, this strategy looks to enter the market during pull-backs in a bullish trend. Therefore, each pull-back becomes a buying opportunity. The GAMS system fires the signals on the pull-backs, while the GA Separation indicator is used as a filter to identify a bullish trend. Guppy's new TVL stop is used as part of the trade management aspect of the strategy. Figure 3-4. Nirvana Systems Inc. 23 GMMA 2.0 User Guide