This cheat sheet puts the common indicators on one page: what each shows, how it is usually read and where it tends to fail. It is a memory aid, not a signal service. There is no separate PDF file here; use your browser's print option to save the page as a PDF if you want a copy.
TL;DR -- Key Takeaways
- Each indicator answers one question; the table below lists that question.
- Readings are context, not instructions to trade.
- Every tool has a condition where it misleads, listed in the last column.
- A cheat sheet helps recall. It does not replace testing on a demo account.
- Binary options carry a high risk of losing your whole stake.
1. The Cheat Sheet
| Indicator | Question it answers | Common reading | Where it tends to fail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving average | Which way is price drifting? | Price above the line is read as an up-drift | Sideways markets, where it lags and crosses often |
| RSI | How strong was the recent move? | High or low zones are read as stretched | Strong trends, where it can stay at an extreme |
| MACD | Is momentum building or fading? | Line crossovers and histogram changes | Ranges, where crossovers repeat |
| Bollinger Bands | How wide is price swinging? | Band width shows volatility | Breakouts, where price can run along a band |
| Stochastic | Where is the close within its recent range? | Zones near the ends of the range | Trends, like RSI |
| Support and resistance | Where has price reacted before? | Prior turning areas | Levels that break |
Details: moving averages, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, Stochastic and support and resistance.
2. Three Rules to Keep Beside It
- Name the job of each tool before you add it to a chart.
- Do not use two tools that answer the same question.
- Write the rule down and test it before you risk money.
3. Leading and Lagging in One Line
Lagging tools confirm what has happened and arrive late. Leading tools try to anticipate and give more false alarms. See leading versus lagging indicators.
4. Saving a Copy
Open your browser's print dialogue and choose "Save as PDF". Check the saved file looks right before you rely on it. Pair it with the indicator-based entry rules template.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a downloadable PDF?
Not as a separate file. Use your browser's print option to save this page.
Can I trade straight from this sheet?
No. It is a reference. Test any rule on a demo account first.
Which indicator on the sheet is most reliable?
None is reliable in every market. Each row shows where the tool tends to fail.
How often should I review the sheet?
Check it when you add a new tool to your chart, and drop tools you cannot explain.
Related Reading
- Indicators Comparison Chart -- more detail per group
- Indicators for Beginners: Step by Step -- a gentle start
- Common Indicator Mistakes -- what to avoid
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