Description
The EMA applies a weighting multiplier (2/N+1) that gives more importance to recent prices compared to older ones. This makes it more responsive to new information than the SMA, at the cost of being slightly more reactive to false signals.
Common use
Trend following, crossover systems (EMA21 × EMA55 golden/death cross), and as a dynamic support line in trending markets.
Typical parameters
Period 9, 12, 21, 26, 50, 200. Pairs like (12,26) drive MACD; (21,55,200) are classic trend-follow periods.
Example rule
EMA(21) crosses above EMA(55) — fast average crosses slow, signalling upward momentum.
Parameters
Period
default: 20
2 – 200