Chapter 11: Unlocking the Potential of Pivots Points in Trading
Objetivos de aprendizagem da lição:
Principais objetivos de aprendizagem:
Introdução: Dive into the world of Pivot Points, a fundamental navigational tool in trading that helps assess market sentiment and potential price movements. This chapter aims to enlighten traders on how pivot points can guide them in deciphering the market’s directional cues.
- Grasp the Basics of Pivot Points: Understand the origin and calculation of pivot points and how they establish a central point with multiple levels of apoiar e resistance, serving as potential indicators for price action turning points.
- Learn to Calculate and Apply Pivot Points: Master the formulae for calculating the central pivot point, apoiar, e resistance levels, enabling you to plot these crucial markers on your trading charts effectively.
- Strategize Using Pivot Points: Explore various strategies that leverage pivot points for identifying trade entries and exits, including the pivot point bounce e trend strategies, enhancing your trading decisions and market analysis.

Introduction: Navigating the Pivot Point Landscape
Just as a compass provides direction to a sailor in open waters, pivot points serve as crucial markers in the vast sea of trading, guiding traders in assessing market sentiment and potential price moves. Let’s set sail to understand the essence of pivot points and how they can be your beacon in the trading universe.
A. The Bedrock of Pivot Points
Pivot points originate from the high, low, and closing prices of a previous trading period, creating a central pivot point. From this, several support and resistance levels are derived, each indicating potential turning points in price action.

Figure Title: Understanding Pivot Points in Trading
Fonte: TradingSim
Descrição: This graph explains the concept of pivot points in trading. Pivot points are technical analysis indicators used to determine the overall trend of the market over different time frames. They are calculated using the high, low, and close prices of the previous day’s trading. The chart shows a central pivot point (P) and several levels of support (S1, S2, S3) and resistance (R1, R2, R3). These levels are potential areas where the price might find support or resistance. Traders use these points to make decisions about entering or exiting trades, setting stop losses, or taking profits.
Principais conclusões:
- Trend Determination: Pivot points help in assessing the market’s overall trend.
- Support and Resistance Levels: They provide key levels of support and resistance.
- Predictive Nature: Pivot points can predict potential future support and resistance areas.
- Versatility: Useful in various markets and time frames.
Aplicativo: Pivot points are a versatile tool for traders, applicable in different market conditions and time frames. They can be used to enhance decision-making in terms of entry, exit, and risk management strategies. Understanding pivot points can help traders anticipate potential market movements and plan their trades more effectively. However, it’s crucial to use them in conjunction with other analysis tools for a more comprehensive trading strategy.
B. Calculating and Understanding Pivot Points
- Pivot Point (P)= (Previous High + Previous Low + Previous Close) / 3
From this main point, we derive:
- Support Levels:
- S1= (2 x P) – Previous High
- S2= P – (Previous High – Previous Low)
- S3= S2 – (Previous High – Previous Low)
- Resistance Levels:
- R1= (2 x P) – Previous Low
- R2= P + (Previous High – Previous Low)
- R3= R2 + (Previous High – Previous Low)

Figure Title: Pivot Point Trend Strategy
Fonte: FXDayJob
Descrição: The infographic illustrates the Pivot Point Trend Strategy, a technique used in technical analysis for identifying potential trade entries and exits based on pivot points. The chart displays pivot point levels (P, R1, R2, S1, S2) and highlights how these points can act as support or resistance. The strategy involves identifying the overall market trend and then using pivot points to determine specific entry and exit points. For instance, in an uptrend, traders might look for buying opportunities near support levels (S1, S2), while in a downtrend, selling opportunities near resistance levels (R1, R2) are sought.
Principais conclusões:
- Trend Identification: Essential for this strategy is the identification of the overall market trend.
- Support and Resistance: Pivot points are used as indicators of potential support and resistance levels.
- Strategy in Different Market Conditions: The strategy varies depending on whether the market is in an uptrend or downtrend.
- Precision in Entry and Exit: Pivot points provide precise levels for entering and exiting trades.
Aplicativo: This strategy is beneficial for traders who follow the trend as a primary aspect of their trading methodology. By aligning trades with the overall market trend and using pivot points for precision, traders can potentially increase their chances of successful trades. It’s important to combine this strategy with other forms of analysis and risk management to optimize results and minimize risks.

Figure Title: Pivot Point Bounce Strategy
Fonte: FXDayJob
Descrição: The infographic demonstrates the Pivot Point Bounce Strategy, a popular method in technical analysis for trading. It shows a price chart where the pivot point levels (P, R1, R2, S1, S2) are marked. These levels are potential areas of support and resistance. The strategy involves waiting for the price to approach a pivot point and then bounce back, indicating a potential trade entry. The chart illustrates several instances where the price touches or approaches a pivot point and then reverses direction, which is the ideal scenario for implementing this strategy.
Principais conclusões:
- Pivot Points as Indicators: Pivot points serve as key indicators for potential support and resistance levels.
- Bounce Strategy: The strategy focuses on entering trades when the price bounces off a pivot point.
- Multiple Levels: The strategy can be applied at various levels like P, R1, R2, S1, and S2.
- Confirmation: Traders often look for confirmation signals like candlestick patterns or other indicators before entering a trade.
Aplicativo: This strategy is particularly useful for day traders and short-term investors who can capitalize on small price movements. By identifying bounce points at pivot levels, traders can set precise entry and exit points, enhancing their trading efficiency. It’s important to combine this strategy with other indicators and risk management techniques to increase its effectiveness and reduce potential losses.
C. Strategizing with Pivot Points
- Spotting Market Mood:
- Above the central pivot point (bullish sentiment)
- Below the central pivot point (bearish sentiment)
- Trade Entry and Exit:
- Long Position: Buy around S1 or S2 when price rebounds. Set a profit near R1 or R2.
- Short Position: Sell around R1 or R2 when price shows rejection. Set a profit near S1 or S2.
- Setting Stop Loss: A little beyond the recent high or low from the entry point or slightly outside the pivot level.
- Utilize with Other Tools: Combine pivot points with indicators like MACD or RSI to validate signals.

Figure Title: Using Pivot Points for Predictions
Fonte: Investopedia
Descrição: This Figure illustrates how pivot points are used in technical analysis to predict market movement. Pivot points are calculated using the high, low, and close of the previous trading day. The chart shows a central pivot point (P) with additional levels of support (S1, S2, S3) and resistance (R1, R2, R3) surrounding it. These levels are potential areas where the price may experience support or resistance. The chart demonstrates how prices interact with these pivot points, often reversing or slowing down at these key levels.
Principais conclusões:
- Pivot Point Calculation: Pivot points are derived from the previous day’s high, low, and close prices.
- Support and Resistance Levels: S1, S2, S3, and R1, R2, R3 represent potential support and resistance areas.
- Price Interaction: The way prices react to these pivot points can indicate potential market movements.
- Predictive Tool: Pivot points are used by traders to forecast short-term market trends.
Aplicativo:Pivot points are a valuable tool for day traders or short-term investors, providing a quick method to assess market direction and potential turning points. By understanding these levels, traders can set more effective stop-loss orders and identify possible entry and exit points. This technique is particularly useful in markets with a clear trend, allowing traders to capitalize on small price movements.
D. Advantages and Limitations of Pivot Points
Prós:
- Clear Framework: Distinct support and resistance levels to base trades on.
- Universal Tool: Widely used by traders, enhancing its predictive power.
- Flexibility: Applicable to various timeframes, from intraday to monthly charts.
Contras:
- Not Always Precise: The market can sometimes move beyond pivot levels.
- Over-reliance Risk: solely depending on pivot points may not yield consistent results. Always corroborate with other indicators.

Figura: The infographic titled “Risks and Limitations of Using Pivot Points” outlines key challenges associated with using pivot points in technical analysis. It highlights several critical points: the inability of pivot points to predict major market changes, the potential for false signals, their unsuitability for all market conditions, the requirement of experience for effective use, and their dependence on the previous day’s data. This visual guide serves as a cautionary tool for traders, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding and careful application of pivot points in market analysis, especially considering their limitations and the risks involved.
Source: Custom Infographic from Finance Strategists
E. Pro Tips for Mastering Pivot Points
- Beyond Classic Pivot Points: Explore variations like Fibonacci Pivot Points, Woodie’s Pivot Points, or Demark Pivot Points for a more nuanced approach.
- Stay Alert During Breakouts: If a pivot level is broken with high volume, expect a significant move.
- Refrain from Chasing: If you miss an entry near a pivot level, wait for another opportunity instead of chasing the price.

Figura: This infographic, titled “Navigating Market Volatility using Pivot Points,” provides valuable insights and tips for effectively using pivot points in volatile market conditions. It illustrates how pivot points can be a crucial tool for traders to navigate through market volatility by identifying potential support and resistance levels. The graphic emphasizes the importance of understanding market trends and combining pivot points with other technical indicators for more accurate predictions. It’s an essential guide for traders looking to enhance their strategies in volatile markets, offering practical advice on how to use pivot points to gauge market sentiment and make informed trading decisions.
Source: Custom Infographic from Faster Capital
Conclusion: Turning with the Pivotal Tide of Trading
Pivot points serve as an invaluable compass in the vast ocean of trading, providing traders with critical insights and potential trading opportunities. As we anchor this chapter, remember the importance of practice, adaptation, and continual learning.
Up next, we’ll plunge into another profound topic, amplifying our trading prowess. Prepare to dive deeper into the world of trading analytics!
Informações importantes da lição:
Declaração de Encerramento: Pivot points are akin to a compass in the vast sea of trading, guiding traders through market volatility and sentiment. Mastery of pivot points, combined with practice and incorporation of other analytical tools, can significantly enhance your trading strategy and market understanding. As we sail forward, prepare to expand your trading knowledge further with more in-depth exploration of technical analysis tools and strategies.
- Pivot Points as Indicators: Pivot points offer a structured way to identify the market’s overall trend, providing key levels of apoiar e resistance which act as markers for potential price reversals or continuations.
- Calculating Pivot Points: Familiarize yourself with the simple calculation of pivot points based on the previous trading period’s high, low, and closing prices, and how these calculations form the basis for plotting apoiar e resistance levels on charts.
- Trading Strategies with Pivot Points: Learn how pivot points can inform entry and exit points for trades, offering a methodical approach to trading that aligns with market trends and sentiments. Understand the significance of trading above ou below the central pivot point as indicators of bullish ou bearish market moods.
- Pros and Cons: Pivot points are praised for providing a clear framework for trading and their flexibility across different time frames, yet they come with limitations such as not always being precise and the risk of over-reliance without corroboration from other indicators.
- Advanced Trading Insights: Discover expert tips for leveraging pivot points effectively, including exploring variations of pivot points, staying alert during breakouts, and the importance of not chasing the market if an initial entry is missed.