About the Double Exponential Smoothing Indicator
The Double Exponential Smoothing Forex Indicator for MetaTrader 4 smooths price data using two exponential smoothing lines.
It highlights trends while reducing noise. It gives clearer signals by comparing fast and slow smoothing.
The fast smoothing reacts quickly to price changes. The slow smoothing follows the longer-term trend.
Together, they help spot reliable trend strength and possible reversals.
With one look, you can see whether the trend is holding or fading.
The Double Exponential Smoothing indicator can be used for both trade entry and exit or as an additional trade confirmation filter for other strategies and systems.
Free Download
Download the “double-exponential-smoothing.mq4” indicator for MT4
Key Features
- Two exponential smoothing lines: fast and slow for momentum and trend context.
- Configurable smoothing lengths and smoothing factors for both lines.
- Optional alerts (pop-up, sound, email/push) on agreed crossover signals.
Indicator Chart (EUR/USD Daily)
The example chart shows the Double Exponential Smoothing lines on a EURUSD D1 chart.
Buy and Sell Trading Rules
Buy Rules
- Entry: Open a buy trade as soon as the green signal line is displayed on the chart.
- Stop Loss: Place stop below the most recent swing low.
- Take Profit: Use a fixed pip target, previous resistance, or a ratio such as 1:1.5 risk:reward.
Sell Rules
- Entry: Open a sell trade as soon as the yellow signal line is displayed on the chart.
- Stop Loss: Place stop above the most recent swing high.
- Take Profit: Target prior support levels, a fixed pip goal, or exit via a trailing stop. Aim for at least 1:1.5 reward relative to risk.
Double Exponential Smoothing + Cougar MT4 Strategy: Trend-Following with Breakout Confirmation
This strategy combines the Double Exponential Smoothing Forex Indicator and the Cougar Forex Indicator for MT4.
It is designed for traders who want to trade strong trends with confirmed breakouts.
By using the Double Exponential Smoothing to identify the underlying trend and the Cougar Indicator to confirm breakout signals, this approach provides precise entries and reliable trade management.
Buy Entry Rules
- Trend Confirmation: Ensure the Double Exponential Smoothing indicator shows a green bullish line.
- Breakout Signal: Enter a buy trade when the Cougar Indicator displays a blue buy arrow.
- Stop Loss: Place below the most recent swing low or below the trend line indicated by Double Exponential Smoothing.
- Take Profit: Set at a recent resistance level or use a 2:1 or 3:1 risk-to-reward ratio.
Sell Entry Rules
- Trend Confirmation: Ensure the Double Exponential Smoothing indicator shows an orange bearish line.
- Breakout Signal: Enter a sell trade when the Cougar Indicator displays a red sell arrow.
- Stop Loss: Place above the most recent swing high or above the trend line.
- Take Profit: Set at a recent support level or use a 2:1 or 3:1 risk-to-reward ratio.
Advantages
- Clear and actionable trade signals combining trend and breakout indicators.
- Helps capture strong market moves in the direction of the trend.
- Adaptable to multiple timeframes and currency pairs.
- Reduces emotional trading by providing clear entries and exits.
- Works well for swing and trend trading strategies.
Drawbacks
- Indicators are lagging and may provide delayed entries during fast market moves.
- False breakouts can occur during sideways or low-volatility periods.
Example Case Studies
Case Study 1: AUD/JPY (30-Minute Chart)
On the AUD/JPY 30-minute chart, the Double Exponential Smoothing indicator showed a green line.
The Cougar Indicator displayed a blue buy arrow, confirming a breakout.
A buy trade was entered at the close of the candle, with the stop loss below the recent swing low and the take profit set at a nearby resistance level.
The trade achieved 37 pips.
Case Study 2: NZD/USD (2-Hour Chart)
On the NZD/USD 2-hour chart, the Double Exponential Smoothing indicator showed an orange line.
The Cougar Indicator displayed a red sell arrow, confirming a breakout.
A sell trade was executed at the close of the candle, with the stop loss above the recent swing high and the take profit set at a recent support level.
The trade achieved a 3:1 risk-to-reward ratio.
Strategy Tips
- Combine with volume indicators to confirm breakout strength.
- Use higher timeframes for trend confirmation and lower timeframes for precise entries.
- Adjust stop loss and take profit levels according to market volatility.
- Maintain a trading journal to track and refine strategy performance.
Download Now
Download the “double-exponential-smoothing.mq4” indicator for Metatrader 4
Indicator Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
| Indicator Type | Double Exponential Smoothing — trend and noise reduction |
| Inputs / Parameters | Fast length, Slow length, Smoothing factors, Arrow on crossover (on/off), Alerts (on/off) |
| Timeframes | All (recommended M15–H4 for intraday/swing trading) |
| Symbols | Forex pairs (majors recommended), indices, commodities |
| Recommended Use | Entry confirmation, trend filtering, trade management |
| License | Free download for personal use |
FAQ
Does this indicator repaint?
No. The colored smoothing line uses completed bar values. Signals printed on closed candles do not repaint. Live bars can change until they close.
Can I use it alone as a full strategy?
It is best used with price action and risk controls. The indicator offers clear signals, but combining it with structure, higher timeframe alignment, and money management improves outcomes.
Summary
The Double Exponential Smoothing Forex Indicator for MT4 is a straightforward tool that smooths price and highlights trend direction using two complementary smoothing lines.
It reduces noise and clarifies when momentum and trend align.
The indicator is useful as a filter for trend-following systems and as an entry guide when paired with support/resistance or candle patterns.
To improve performance, combine it with higher timeframe confirmation, ATR-based stops, and disciplined position sizing.

