Keltner Channel

What Is the Keltner Channel?

Keltner Channels are volatility-based bands that are placed on either side of an asset's price and can aid in determining the direction of a trend.

The Keltner channel uses the average-true range (ATR) or volatility, with breaks above or below the top and bottom barriers signaling a continuation.

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Understanding the Keltner Channel

The Keltner Channel was first introduced by Chester Keltner in the 1960s. The original formula used simple moving averages (SMA) and the high-low price range to calculate the bands. In the 1980s, a new formula was introduced that used average true range (ATR). The ATR method is commonly used today.

Since most price action will be encompassed within the upper and lower bands (the channel), moves outside the channel can signal trend changes or an acceleration of the trend. The direction of the channel, such as up, down, or sideways, can also aid in identifying the trend direction of the asset.

Keltner Channel Methods

Keltner Channels have multiple uses and how they are used will largely depend on the settings a trader uses. A longer EMA will mean more lag in the indicator, so the channels won't respond as quickly to price changes. A shorter EMA will mean the bands react quickly to price changes but will make it harder to identify the true trend direction.

A bigger multiplier of the ATR to create the bands will mean a larger channel. The price will hit the bands less often. A smaller multiplier means the bands will be closer together and the price will reach or exceed the bands more often.

Traders can set up their Keltner Channels any way they like, with the following potential uses in mind:

Keltner Channel Calculation

Keltner Channel Middle Line = E M A Keltner Channel Upper Band = E M A + 2 ∗ A T R Keltner Channel Lower Band = E M A − 2 ∗ A T R where: E M A = Exponential moving average (typically over 20 periods) A T R = Average True Range (typically over 10 or 20 periods) \begin{aligned} &\text{Keltner Channel Middle Line} = EMA\\ &\text{Keltner Channel Upper Band} = EMA + 2*ATR\\ &\text{Keltner Channel Lower Band} = EMA - 2*ATR\\ &\textbf{where:}\\ &EMA = \text{Exponential moving average (typically over 20 periods)}\\ &ATR = \text{Average True Range (typically over 10 or 20 periods)} \end{aligned} Keltner Channel Middle Line=EMAKeltner Channel Upper Band=EMA+2∗ATRKeltner Channel Lower Band=EMA−2∗ATRwhere:EMA=Exponential moving average (typically over 20 periods)ATR=Average True Range (typically over 10 or 20 periods)

1. Calculate the EMA for the asset, based on the last 20 periods or the number of periods desired.
2. Calculate the ATR of the asset, based on the last 20 periods or the number of periods desired.
3. Multiply the ATR by two (or the multiplier desired) and then add that number to the EMA value to get the upper band value.
4. Multiply the ATR by two (or desired multiplier) and then subtract that number from the EMA to get the lower band value.
5. Repeat all steps after each period ends.

Keltner Channels vs. Bollinger Bands

These two indicators are quite similar. Keltner Channels use ATR to calculate the upper and lower bands while Bollinger Bands use standard deviation instead.

The interpretation of the indicators is similar, although since the calculations are different the two indicators may provide slightly different information or trade signals.

This indicator is most useful in strongly trending markets when the price is making higher highs and higher lows for an uptrend, or lower highs and lower lows for a downtrend.

Keltner Channel Limitations

The usefulness of the Keltner Channels largely depends on the settings used. Traders first need to decide how they want to use the indicator and then set it up to help accomplish that purpose. Some of the uses of Keltner Channels, addressed above, won't work if the bands are too narrow or too far apart.

While Keltner Channels can help identify trend direction, and even provide some trade signals, they are best used in conjunction with price action analysis, fundamentals if trading for the long term, and other technical indicators.

The bands may also not act as support or resistance and they may seem to have little forecasting ability at all. This could be due to the settings chosen, but there is also no evidence that the price moving two ATRs or hitting one of the bands will result in a trading opportunity or something significant happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Keltner Channel used for?

The Keltner Channel is used to identify trade opportunities in swing action as prices move within an upper and lower band.

Who was Chester Keltner?

The Keltner Channels were originally developed by market technician Chester Keltner in his 1960 book How to Make Money in Commodities. Keltner dies in 1998 at the age of 89.

What is the difference between the Keltner Channel and Bollinger bands?

Both technical indicators are similar; however, the Keltner channel utilizes average true range (ATR) while Bollinger bands use standard deviation.

Are Keltner Channels or Bollinger bands a better metric?

Both metrics are useful, but for producing different signals. Like Bollinger Bands®, Keltner Channel signals are produced when the price action breaks above or below the channel bands. Here, however, as the price action breaks above or below the top and bottom barriers, a continuation is favored over a retracement back to the median or opposite barrier.

What is a Keltner Channel strategy?

If the price action breaks above the band, the trader should consider initiating long positions while liquidating short positions. If the price action breaks below the band, the trader should consider initiating short positions while exiting long or buy positions.