Trade the Angle, Not the Chop: Angle of MA Explained

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Not all moving averages are created equal. While most traders rely on the slope of a moving average to gauge trend direction, the Angle of Moving Average script by Mango2Juice takes it a step further—literally measuring the angle of the MA to help filter out sideways markets and highlight trending conditions.

Let’s explore how this tool works, how we use it at Xuantify, and how it can sharpen your trend-following strategy.

🔍 What Is the Angle of Moving Average?

This indicator calculates the angle of a moving average (default: EMA 20) to determine whether the market is trending or ranging. It introduces a No Trade Zone, visually marked in gray, to signal when the angle is too flat—suggesting the market is consolidating.

Key Features:
  • Measures the slope of the moving average
  • Highlights ranging zones with a gray color
  • Helps filter out low-momentum conditions
  • Customizable MA type and length


🧠 How We Use It at Xuantify

We use the Angle of Moving Average as a trend filter—not a signal generator.

1. Trend Confirmation
We only take trades in the direction of a steep enough angle. If the MA is flat or in the gray zone, we stay out.

2. Entry Timing
We combine this with structure tools (like BOS/CHOCH) to time entries after the angle confirms a trend is underway.

🎨 Visual Cues That Matter

The script uses color to show when the market is:
  • Trending: Clear slope, colored line
  • Ranging: Flat slope, gray line (No Trade Zone)


This makes it easy to:
  • Avoid choppy markets
  • Focus on momentum-driven setups
  • Stay aligned with the dominant trend


⚙️ Settings That Matter

You can customize:
  • MA Type: EMA, SMA, etc.
  • MA Length: Default is 20
  • Angle Sensitivity: Adjust to define what counts as “flat”


⚙️ Higher timeframe alignment

You can look at HTFs for better and stronger entry and exit points.
Below a 1H and 4H chart where the 4H clearly adds strong buying power for a good long entry point.

snapshot

🔗 Best Combinations with This Indicator

We pair the Angle of MA with:
  • Structure Tools – BOS/CHOCH for trend context
  • MACD 4C – For momentum confirmation
  • Volume Profile – To validate breakout strength
  • Fair Value Gaps (FVGs) – For sniper entries


⚠️ What to Watch Out For

This is a filter, not a signal. It won’t tell you when to enter or exit—it tells you when not to trade. Use it with price action and structure for best results.

🚀 Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of getting chopped up in sideways markets, the Angle of Moving Average is a simple but powerful filter. It helps you stay out of low-probability trades and focus on trending opportunities.

Try it, tweak it, and see how it fits into your system.

Disclaimer

The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.