What’s a crossover rule?

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Crossover rules help investors determine whether to go long or short based on the movement of a financial instrument. The rule is based on technical analysis and common sense, with the investor establishing a long position if the DMI indicates positive movement and a short position if negative movement is expected. The rule maximizes gains and minimizes losses.

In terms of financial matters, a crossover rule is a regulation or rule that helps an investor determine what type of action to take, based on the movement of a given financial instrument. The crossover rules are based on the use of technical analysis to determine both the current movement and the options available to the investor when it comes to determining whether to go long or short with respect to the investment opportunity. The crossover rule is not an arbitrary recommendation that is based on tradition, but on solid economic principles that can be applied to current market conditions.

To a large extent, the crossover rule is based on simple common sense. The rule requires the investor to examine at length the current state of the financial instrument in question. Assuming that the Directional Movement Index, or DMI, indicates positive movement in the future, the investor’s response is likely to establish a long position to take advantage of the anticipated upward movement. The actual point of establishing the long position normally occurs when the positive Directional Indicator or +DI has outpaced or exceeded the Negative Directional Indicator or –DI.

The same basic structure of the crossover rule applies if the current state of the instrument indicates a reverse trend. In this scenario, the DMI indicates that a period of negative movement will begin within an expected time frame. The point at which this deflection will occur is identified by the point where the –DI crosses the +DI. In this case, the investor would be wise to establish a short position on the investment opportunity, get whatever upside may be accrued before the downturn occurs, and sell the instrument just before the expected downturn begins.

While many investment strategies involve a combination of assessing the market, identifying trends that will impact investment performance, and using personal instincts to make decisions about investment opportunities, the crossover rule is essentially based on understanding specific movements and on reacting to them in a certain way. In doing so, the investor has an excellent chance of maximizing the opportunities to enjoy gains and at the same time minimizing the chances of incurring a loss.

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