A Simple and Effective Indicator Combination

 

Improving Trading Performance in NinjaTrader 8 with Awesome Oscillator and Trend Ribbon

A Simple and Effective Indicator Combination

In this article, we present a practical methodology to improve trading performance in NinjaTrader 8 by combining two well-known technical indicators: the Awesome Oscillator and the Trend Ribbon.

The goal of this approach is to create a simple, rule-based system that can be traded manually or easily automated using NinjaScript, Builder, or Markers.

---

The Core Idea Behind the Setup

Many traders rely on single-indicator signals, such as bar color changes or momentum shifts. While these signals can work, they often generate too many false entries, especially in ranging or choppy markets.

This setup addresses that issue by separating the logic into two roles:

• Entry trigger → Awesome Oscillator

• Trend filter → Trend Ribbon

By doing this, we significantly reduce low-quality trades and focus only on signals aligned with the dominant market direction.

---

Indicator 1: Awesome Oscillator as the Entry Trigger

The Awesome Oscillator (AO) is a momentum indicator that displays a histogram oscillating above and below zero, similar in concept to the MACD.

What We Look For

Instead of trading every color change or zero-line crossover, we focus on:

• The first pullback in the histogram

• In the direction of the current momentum

Long Setup

• Histogram is above zero (positive territory)

• After a pullback, the first bullish (blue/green) bar appears

Short Setup

• Histogram is below zero (negative territory)

• After a pullback, the first bearish (red) bar appears

This “first pullback” logic helps capture the early phase of a new directional move, instead of chasing extended momentum.

The Awesome Oscillator used in this setup includes internal signals that can be read directly from NinjaScript, Builder, or Markers, making it automation-friendly.

---

Reducing Noise: One Signal per Direction

To further improve performance, an additional rule can be applied:

• Take only the first long after a short

• Take only the first short after a long

This simple constraint already removes many overtrading scenarios and improves overall trade quality.

---

Indicator 2: Trend Ribbon as a Trend Filter

While the Awesome Oscillator provides good entry timing, it still generates signals against the broader trend.
That’s where the Trend Ribbon comes in.

The Trend Ribbon acts as a dynamic support and resistance band, calculated using a moving average. In this example, we use:

• HMA (Hull Moving Average) – faster and smoother than traditional MAs

• Period: 100–120 – slow enough to act as a true trend filter

• Reduced opacity – so it doesn’t interfere visually with price action

Trend Filter Rules

• Green / bullish ribbon → only allow long trades

• Red / bearish ribbon → only allow short trades

If an Awesome Oscillator signal appears against the ribbon direction, the trade is ignored.

---

Putting It All Together

A valid trade requires both conditions:

Long Trade

1. Awesome Oscillator gives a long signal (first pullback in positive territory)

2. Trend Ribbon is bullish

Short Trade

1. Awesome Oscillator gives a short signal (first pullback in negative territory)

2. Trend Ribbon is bearish

This combination dramatically improves signal quality while keeping the system very easy to understand and execute.

---

Automation-Friendly by Design

This setup is especially powerful because:

• Awesome Oscillator provides readable entry signals

• Trend Ribbon provides a trend state plot

  • +1 → only longs

  • -1 → only shorts

This makes the strategy straightforward to implement in:

• NinjaScript

• Strategy Builder

• Markers

---

Final Thoughts

By combining a momentum-based trigger with a trend-based filter, we create a clean and efficient trading model that:

• Reduces false signals

• Aligns entries with market direction

• Is easy to automate

• Works across multiple markets and timeframes

If you’re interested in seeing how to implement this setup using Markers, Builder, or NinjaScript, let us know in the comments.

You can also join our free Discord community, where we discuss setups like this one and share ideas with other traders.
Access details are available in the video description.

Happy trading!