Parabolic SAR can be improved and successfully used for predicting stock market prices, especially, in trending markets
Traditionally, Parabolic SAR* is considered as a trend following indicator. Probably, few traders would think about using it for prediction. But after testing, I started to believe that it can be successfully used for prediction in conjunction with other indicators, especially, in a trending Market. The explanation why it works can be the following. When a trend reverses, the probability of its continuation is more than 50% in average. The software with Neural Network (NN) is able to catch it statistically and show the result in extrapolated curves. The function of SAR in this method is to provide NN with reversal point signals.
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The initial hypothesis was the following. Since SAR is able to give a strong signal when a price trend is reversing, this signal can be used for predicting if a new trend is prone to last. To compare predictive ability of SAR with other indicators, it has been implemented into the technical analysis module of Fundamental-Technical Analyzer FTA-2. SAR calculations have been used to collect statistics based on the forecast simulations for major indexes and ETFs during August-October 2011 period. As a result, SAR’s position was mostly in “top ten” indicators’ list.
The research and presented chart are made by Fundamental-Technical Analyzer FTA-2, one of the software modules that enables composing Neural Network forecasts of many indicators with weights accordingly to each indicator’s predictive ability.
Omitting logical rules for acceleration factor and reversal conditions, a recurring core formula for Parabolic SAR is the following:
SAR (current point) = AF * [EP - SAR (previous point)] + SAR (previous point)
where:
AF – Acceleration Factor (normally starts from 0.02 and increases by 0.02 if each next point reaches a new extreme, saturates until 0.2);
EP – Extreme Point (lowest low or highest high).
Conclusions. SAR is especially effective in a trending market. To make it more effective in a sideways market, it is a good idea to use it in conjunction with other indicators. Parabolic SAR can be enriched and successfully used for predicting Stock Market Prices. Combing it with Neural Network allows extracting more statistically stable patterns and, therefore, providing a better accuracy in the forecast. As simulations showed, improved results can be achieved if SAR is transformed into more sensitive indicator by subtracting it from close price (it indicates the degree of SAR and price convergence).
*) SAR stands for Stop-And-Reverse. It has been used by many traders for decades. Its major application is in trading systems to define a trailing stop, i.e., to protect profit when a price trend changes. The term “parabolic” appeared to characterize the indicator parabola shape that is due to using an accelerating factor in the formula.
