Parabolic SAR is a well-known indicator intended for trend traders who want to understand when market momentum could shift course.

It is a technical measure used to predict possible reversals or continuations in the underlying market. The reversal may be a bullish market that transforms into a bearish market or a bearish market that changes into a bullish market, whereas the continuation means that the industry can retain its former momentum. A trader can use the parabolic sar to allow them to enter a long or short position. The parabolic sar seeks to give investors an advantage by emphasizing the way the asset is going, as well as offering entry and exit points.

The Parabolic SAR Indicator

Parabolic sar is a technical indicator used to determine the price movements of the resource and to bring awareness to when the price direction is changing. It is often known as the stop and reversal system.

The Parabolic sar is primarily involved in trendy markets. Wilder advises that traders first set the course of the trend using the parabolic sar and then use alternative measures to calculate the intensity of the trend. When graphically plotted on a graph, the parabolic sar indicator is seen as a set of dots. If it appears below the current price, the parabolic sar shall be construed as a bullish signal. When it is set above the current price, it is considered to be a bearish signal. Signals are used to put an end to losses and benefit goals.

Function of Parabolic SAR Indicator

The indicator emerges on the map as a set of dots positioned either up or down price bars. It is understood that a dot below the price is a bullish sign. Contrarily, a dot above the price is used to show that the bears are in charge and that the trend is willing to keep downward. As the dots turn, it means that a likely shift in price direction is underway. For instance, if the dots are above the price, if they are under the price, it could signal a further increase in the price. As the value increases, the dots will also grow, first gradually, and then pick up and accelerate with the trend. The sar is starting to move a little quicker as the trend grows, and the dots will soon catch up with the price.

Trading Procedure Using the Parabolic SAR

To trade with the parabolic sar, you first have to know what the different signals represent. The parabolic sar will generate a sequence of dots – known as the parabolic line – above and below the price fluctuations in the asset market map. These dots are either green or red.

When exchanging with the parabolic sar, you can buy a market when the dots are below the current asset values and are green in color. Conversely, you will sell a market when the dots are above the current asset price and are red.  After a sequence of red dots, investors will always see the first green dot as a warning for a reversal of the prevailing trend. It is the moment when many would want to eliminate their current short position if they have one and to open up a long position in the same market. The same is valid with a red dot following a sequence of green dots. The green dot series indicates that the market is bullish. However, the first red dot will also serve as a signal to a trader to close his current long position and to start up a short position on the same market as the trend is flipping from bullish to bearish.

Parabolic SAR Trading Strategies

The sar parabolic trading strategy is a trend trading strategy. It is used to classify a specific pattern and tries to predict the progression of the trend and the future reversal of the trend.

For instance, if the parabolic line is green, you’d follow the bullish trend and keep your long position open. If the parabolic line were red, you would embrace the bearish trend and hold your short position open. But if the green parabolic line is obscured by one or two red dots, you might feel about shutting your current long position and bringing up a short position. On the other side, if the red parabolic line is broken by one or two green dots, you might feel about closing your current short position and opening up a long position. In addition to the parabolic sar, you can use other trend trading technical indicators to try to validate the current trend or any possible trend reversals. Examples of technical pattern trading indicators also include the moving average indicator, the relative strength index (RSI), and the average directional index (ADX).


The parabolic sar is used to gauge the position of the stock and to put stop-loss orders. The indicator appears to produce good results in a trendy setting, but it produces many wrong alarms and loss of trade when prices start moving sideways. To avoid such malfunctions, traders can only trade in the direction of the prevailing trend and eliminate trade if there is no trend. Also, the use of other metrics such as moving averages alongside parabolic sar can help avoid such losses. That being said the signals given by the parabolic sar indicator are not always reliable. You should also work out your fundamental analysis and technical analysis of each sector that you continue to invest in before launching your position.