UNDERSTANDING DIVERGENCE

9 Sep 2023

What is divergence?
Divergence in trading is one of the key tools used by us traders to analyze the market and make decisions about entering or exiting trades. It is based on observing differences between two different indicators such as price and oscillator. The advantage of using divergence in trading is that it allows us to identify possible market reversals in advance and take measures to protect positions. It can also be used to confirm other signals such as support and resistance levels or trend lines.

However, it should be noted that divergence is not always a sufficient signal to enter or exit a trade. It should be confirmed by other tools and market analysis. It is also important to remember that divergence can be false and signal of a temporary deviation from the main market movement. We’ll explain it later below.

How can we identify a divergence?
We will use a bearish divergence as shown above as an example. A bearish divergence occurs when the price makes a new high, but the oscillator does not confirm this movement and makes a higher high. This indicates that the strength of buyers is weakening and a bearish trend is possible.

We can use various oscillators such as RSI (Relative Strength Index), MACD (Moving Average Convergence/Divergence) or stochastic oscillator to identify bearish divergence. We have to observe the price movement and the oscillator values. If the price forms a new high but the oscillator forms a lower high, this could be a bearish divergence signal.

However, for the divergence to work it must be at significant levels as mentioned earlier. We use market analysis techniques such as support and resistance, trend lines or trading volume if you trade stocks. This will help us to make sure the signal is reliable and make an informed trading decision.


Types of divergences

There are usually 2 types of divergence that can be used by traders to analyze the market: Trend Reversal Divergence and Trend Continuation Divergence.

1. Trend Reversal Divergence. This is the most common type of divergence that occurs when the price of an asset forms a new high or low and the oscillator does not confirm this movement and forms a lower high or higher low. That is, the price moves in one direction, but for example RSI in another direction as if hinting that this price movement does not have the strength that it had before.


2. Trend Continuation Divergence. This type of divergence occurs during a correction in a major trend. It can indicate that the primary trend may continue after the pullback is complete. If we have a market in moving against the main trend, this pullback should also have the strength/momentum that it should end. For example, if the price makes LL then HL, and RSI makes LL then another LL, it is a sign that the bearish movement (pullback) has no strength to move lower.



There are several forms of divergence that can indicate different trend strength. Let's look at bearish divergence as an example:
1. Strong Divergence. In this case, the price forms a new high and the oscillator forms a much lower high. This is considered the most reliable bearish divergence signal and can indicate strong buyer weakness and the possible onset of a bearish trend.


2. Medium Divergence. Here the price barely makes a new high or turns into a double top and the oscillator on another hand makes a lower high. There is no super strong divergence in this case, it may indicate a less strong and weakening of the buyers and a possible trend shift.


3. Weak Divergence. In this case, the asset price forms a new high and the oscillator also forms a lower high, but the difference between the two is minimal. This can be a less reliable signal of a bearish divergence and in many cases, it can be a signal of trend strength. That is, we can expect a possible small pullback. Below you can see that UKOIL has made new highs but the RSI barely made lower high which confirms the strength of the trend.


Example of hidden divergence


In conclusion, divergence in trading is a powerful tool for analyzing the market. It allows traders to detect possible market reversals and make appropriate trading decisions. it is important to note that divergence can be a warning signal of a possible trend change, but it does not guarantee it. We should use additional tools and analysis methods to confirm the signal and make an informed trading decision.