What you will learn
- ATR units
- Bollinger Band construction
- VWAP input and session dependence
- Tick activity versus traded volume
ATR units
True range considers the current high-low distance and gaps relative to the previous close; ATR smooths that quantity. It is measured in price units unless explicitly normalized. It measures movement magnitude, not a directional forecast.
Bollinger Band construction
Bollinger Bands combine a moving center with a dispersion measure under specified settings. A band touch is not proof of an imminent reversal, and a historical proportion inside bands does not automatically transfer to future market returns.
VWAP input and session dependence
VWAP weights prices by the volume measure available in the chosen session or anchor. The result depends on those inputs and reset boundaries. A tick-activity proxy should be labelled rather than represented as consolidated traded gold volume.
Tick activity versus traded volume
Volume can mean exchange contracts, units traded or provider tick activity. The measure's coverage limits the inference. Compare activity within a consistent feed and avoid claiming it describes all global market participation.
Worked example
A bar has high 105, low 103 and previous close 100. The three true-range candidates are 2, 5 and 3; true range is 5. Using high minus low alone would omit the gap component.
Try it yourself
Calculate true range for high 98, low 95 and previous close 100. Then state whether the result establishes a bullish or bearish forecast.
Show the worked solution
The candidates are 3, 2 and 5, so true range is 5. The magnitude calculation does not establish the next direction; it summarizes the movement including the gap.
Apply this to your course project
Compare several indicators derived from the same prices and document redundant information.
Keep the calculation inputs, assumptions and decisions with your work. Practical exercises are self-reviewed; the scored knowledge checks assess the questions shown, not an independent certification of practical competence.