Identifies trends faster than traditional EMAs
| Strategy Type | Reduced-Lag Trend-Following System |
| Market Outlook | Identifies trends faster than traditional EMAs |
| Risk Profile | Defined by stop placement; typically 2-4% per trade |
| Reward Profile | Captures trend moves with earlier entries and exits |
| Time Horizon | Day trading to swing trading (hours to weeks) |
| Best Conditions | Trending markets where reduced lag provides advantage |
| Indicator Basis | Triple application of EMA smoothing to reduce lag |
| Primary Instruments | XIU, XIC (index ETFs); Major banks (RY, TD, BMO); ZSP (S&P 500) |
| Trading Hours | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET |
| Settlement | T+1 for stocks and ETFs |
| Tax Treatment | Capital gains 50% inclusion rate |
| Tfsa Eligibility | YES - Stock/ETF trading permitted |
| Rrsp Eligibility | YES - Stock/ETF trading permitted |
| Commission Consideration | Higher frequency than standard EMA; factor in costs |
| Currency Note | Consider CAD/USD exposure for US-listed instruments |
| Liquidity Note | Works well with liquid Canadian securities |
TEMA has less lag, making entries and exits faster. However, this also means it can be more sensitive to noise and generate more false signals. Whether it's 'better' depends on your trading style. TEMA suits traders who want faster signals; EMA suits those preferring more confirmation.
A good starting point is TEMA(20) for a single line, or TEMA(9) and TEMA(21) for a dual crossover system. These are balanced settings that work for most swing trading applications on daily charts.
Yes, TEMA-based stock and ETF trading is perfectly suitable for TFSA accounts. Just be mindful that TEMA may generate more signals than EMA - ensure you're not creating excessive trading activity that might concern CRA.
TEMA is still a moving average, so it will lag price somewhat. In strong trends, price can extend far from TEMA. Eventually, price tends to return toward TEMA (mean reversion). This is normal behavior.
Most charting platforms (TradingView, ThinkorSwim, etc.) have TEMA built-in. If not, it can be calculated from three EMAs: TEMA = 3×EMA1 - 3×EMA2 + EMA3.
Use filters: RSI between 40-60 to avoid extremes, ADX > 20 for trend confirmation, volume above average, and higher timeframe alignment. Also consider using dual TEMA crossovers rather than price/TEMA crosses.
Common combinations: 5/13 (aggressive), 9/21 (standard), 12/26 (conservative). Choose based on your trading style and timeframe. Faster combinations give more signals but more noise; slower ones filter better but lag more.
TEMA has less lag than DEMA but is more noise-sensitive. If you're in a trending market and want the fastest signals, use TEMA. If you want a balance between speed and stability, DEMA might be better. Test both on your instruments.
A common method is to trail your stop below the slower TEMA in your system. For example, in a 9/21 system, trail below TEMA(21). Move the stop each day as TEMA rises (for longs). This locks in profit while giving the trend room.
Yes, in ranging markets. When price is far from TEMA (extended), expect reversion back to TEMA. However, TEMA is primarily designed for trend-following. For pure mean reversion, Bollinger Bands or RSI might be more suitable.
Monitor volatility (ATR percentile) or trend strength (ADX). In high volatility, use longer TEMA periods (e.g., 12/30 instead of 9/21). In low volatility, use shorter periods. Implement as a lookup table or formula-based adjustment.
Stocks/ETFs: 9/21 or 12/26 on daily. Forex: Often faster (5/13) due to 24-hour market. Futures: Varies by contract volatility. Crypto: May need shorter periods due to high volatility. Always backtest on specific instruments.
Use volume profile to identify key levels. TEMA crossovers near high-volume nodes are stronger signals. TEMA bounces at point of control (POC) levels add confluence. This combines momentum (TEMA) with volume structure.
TEMA crossover systems typically have 40-55% win rates. Due to more signals and faster exits, winners may be smaller but more frequent. Profitability depends on average win > average loss. Don't expect high win rates from any trend-following system.
TEMA struggles in sideways markets (frequent whipsaws). Options: 1) Use ADX < 20 filter to avoid trading, 2) Switch to longer TEMA periods, 3) Switch to mean-reversion strategies, 4) Wait for breakout. Don't force TEMA trading in ranges.
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