// HOW-TO GUIDE
11 min READ

How to Use Bollinger Bands for Volatility Trading

Bollinger Bands are a volatility-based tool that help you identify when a market is quiet (the squeeze) or overextended (touching the bands).

01

Identify the Squeeze

When the bands contract and become narrow, it signals low volatility. This is often the calm before a massive breakout.
02

Trade the Breakout

Enter in the direction of the candle that closes OUTSIDE the bands. Use the middle band (20 SMA) as your trailing stop.
03

Watch for Mean Reversion

In a range-bound market, the outer bands act as dynamic support and resistance. Sell at the top band, buy at the bottom.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • /Buying every touch of the upper band in a trend
  • /Ignoring the slope of the bands

The Drawdown Way

Our Charting Engine features custom Bollinger Band alerts for all timeframes.

Setup Band Alerts

Questions & Answers.

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