The key difference between an exponential moving average (EMA) and a simple moving average (SMA) is that an EMA gives more weight to recent prices, while an SMA gives equal weight to all prices in the period being considered. This means that an EMA will respond more quickly to price changes than a SMA, making it a more sensitive indicator of trend. A bullish EMA crossover occurs when the shorter-term EMA crosses above the longer-term EMA and is seen as a signal of a potential uptrend. A bearish EMA crossover occurs when the shorter-term EMA crosses below the longer-term EMA and is seen as a signal of a possible downtrend.
Moving Averages - Technical Analysis from A to Z
A Moving Average is an indicator that shows the average value of a security's price over some time. A mathematical analysis of the security's average value over a predetermined period is made when calculating a moving average. As the security's price changes, its average price increases or decreases. The most popular method of interpreting a moving average is to compare the relationship between a moving average and the stock's price. A buy signal is generated when the security's price rises above its moving average, and a sell signal is generated when the security's price falls below its moving average.
Moving Averages - Technical Analysis from A to Z