Tool
Gann Hi-Lo Activator
market.gann_hilo
Inputs
No typed inputs.
Outputs
A stepped trailing line that sits below price in uptrends and above it in downtrends, plus the current trend side, flipping when price crosses it.
The Gann Hi-Lo Activator is a trailing stop-and-reverse line that hugs below price in an uptrend and above price in a downtrend. Traders use it as a simple trend filter and trailing stop: stay long while price is above the line, short while it's below.
How it works
It smooths recent highs and recent lows over the period (default 3 bars). In an uptrend it trails the averaged-lows line below price; when close crosses below that line the state flips and it switches to trailing the averaged-highs line above price. The result is a stepped line that flips sides at trend changes.
Modes
Smooths the highs and lows with exponential averages, so the activator line reacts a bit faster and flips sooner.
When to use: Use EMA when you want the trailing line to respond quickly to turns.
Smooths the highs and lows with simple averages. The Krausz canonical setting, steadier and slower to flip.
When to use: Use SMA for the classic behavior and fewer false flips.
Configuration
How many bars to average the highs and lows over. Krausz default is 3; 8-10 makes a slower trend filter that flips less often.
Averaging family for smoothing the highs and lows: sma (Krausz canonical, steadier) or ema (reduced-lag, flips sooner).
Connects to
Examples
- Wire close and the HiLo line into calc.cross to fire a signal each time the activator flips sides.
- Use the line as a trailing stop: exit longs when price closes back below it.
Common mistakes
- Using a very short period in a choppy market, which makes the line flip back and forth and whipsaw your trades.
- Treating it as a leading indicator, when it flips after price has already turned and only confirms the change.