Easy Money Scanner

Intraday trading

What is an intraday trend-following strategy using the 9 and 20 period EMA?

By Easy Money Scanner · Educational reference · Not investment advice

The short answer

An intraday trend-following strategy using the 9 and 20 period EMA looks for the faster 9-EMA crossing above the slower 20-EMA as a signal of emerging short-term bullish momentum, and vice versa for bearish.

How it works

Traders often require price to hold above both EMAs with rising volume before entering, using the 20-EMA as a dynamic trailing stop reference during the trend.

An example

If the 9-EMA crosses above the 20-EMA on a 5-minute chart while price holds above both lines, a trend trader might treat this as confirmation to stay long.

Risk & limitations

Moving average crossovers lag price and can generate frequent false signals (whipsaws) in choppy, range-bound markets, leading to repeated small losses.

Examples are hypothetical, not trade recommendations. US contract and regulatory references do not automatically apply in Canada. Rules, margin requirements and broker policies can change; confirm them with the relevant authority and your broker.

Sources & further reading