how can you compare current bar price to the crossover value of the EMA/SMA

[tomleeson]

Im am experimenting with crossovers:
if (CrossAbove(EMA(Fast), SMA(Slow),1))
//if the current price is <= crossvalue
EnterLong("EMASMA");

elseif (CrossBelow(EMA(Fast), SMA(Slow),1))
//if the current price is >= crossvalue)
EnterShort("EMASMA");


I am stuck with the pseudo code in green
any ideas greatly appreciated

[NinjaTrader_JoshP]

You need to determine what you consider is the cross value. Then just compare it to Close[0]. Close[0] on an unclosed bar is the latest price.

[tomleeson]

correction

when the crossover occurs - the trade is at market and typically entered above the cross over for a long or below ot for a short - soometimes too much ---
so i want to try to control the entry range - maybe by putting a limit entry on lower/higher as appropiate with a trailing stop --- thats what i am building up to :-)

[NinjaTrader_JoshP]

tomleeson,

Submit your limit order at a limit price of Close[0] +/- a few ticks to get you the order in at the cross. You need to do a few ticks because if you are exactly at Close[0] and the price moves away from you you could potentially end up submitting at an invalid price and get your order rejected.

Ultimately though slippage is part of electronic trading and you will have to just compensate for it in your system.

[tomleeson]

Thanks Josh - i thouhgt i might be able to do it by getting it on really quick in the same bar - but this was not possible:
if (CrossAbove(EMA(Fast), SMA(Slow),0))
EnterLong("EMASMA");
elseif (CrossBelow(EMA(Fast), SMA(Slow), 0))
EnterShort("EMASMA");

So yes limits would be good - but then they might not be hit - but as you point out you cant get a quote before going to market ans expect it to wait!!!

[NinjaTrader_JoshP]

Right. Your best bet may be to stick with market orders.

[tomleeson]

thank you for your help Josh