In the volatile cryptocurrency market, trading based on intuition or tips is akin to gambling. Technical analysis helps traders identify trends and make rational decisions. Building on our previous guides on technical indicators and candlestick charts, this article focuses on the practical use of TradingView to draw trendlines and master the KD stochastic oscillator's golden cross and death cross.
TradingView Interface & Chart Basics
TradingView, launched in 2011, supports stocks, crypto, forex, futures and more. Free accounts provide basic functionality. After searching for an asset, you'll see price, chart and data source. Click 'Full Chart' to enter the charting mode:
The top toolbar includes: asset name (e.g., Binance BTC/USDT), add symbol for comparison, timeframe (daily/weekly for long-term; 30m/4h for short-term), chart type (line, bar, area), and indicators (up to two free). The left sidebar holds drawing tools; the right panel shows a watchlist and latest news. The main area displays the candlestick chart with optional overlays.
How to Draw Trendlines on TradingView
Trendlines connect price lows or highs to indicate market direction.
Uptrend: Connect at least two rising lows to form an ascending trendline. Copy and shift it upward to a recent high to create a channel — the lower line acts as support, the upper as resistance. Buy near support, sell near resistance.
Downtrend: Connect at least two declining highs. Copy downward for a descending channel.
Sideways (Range-bound): No clear direction; price oscillates between a horizontal support and resistance.
If price breaks support or resistance, it may signal a trend reversal. Wait for a retest to confirm before acting.
KD Indicator: Golden Cross & Death Cross
Since TradingView's free tier limits indicators, you can use Juheng.com (with embedded TradingView charts) to access more. Search a coin, click 'Technical Indicators', then add the Stochastic (KD) indicator. Set parameters: K=9, D=3, Smooth=3 (standard).
KD consists of the fast K line (blue) and slow D line (orange). When the blue K crosses above orange D, a golden cross forms—bullish signal, suggesting buy or long. When K crosses below D, a death cross appears—bearish signal, indicating sell or short.
No single indicator is foolproof. Combine KD with other tools like RSI or MACD for confirmation, especially in fast-moving markets. This three-part series equips beginners with systematic charting skills. Practice drawing trendlines and interpreting KD crosses to improve your trading edge. Remember: all investments carry risk; this is not financial advice.