Pivot Points (classic)

L’idée en termes simples

Floor traders needed levels before the market opened. Yesterday's range gives a central "pivot" and levels above (resistance R1–R3) and below (support S1–S3) where today's price often reacts.

Mode de calcul

Uses the previous day for intraday charts, the previous month for daily charts and the previous year for weekly and monthly charts.

P = (high + low + close) ÷ 3
R1 = 2P − low,  S1 = 2P − high
R2 = P + (high − low),  S2 = P − (high − low)
R3 = high + 2 × (P − low),  S3 = low − 2 × (high − P)

Comment l’utiliser

• Price above P: bullish bias for the day; below: bearish.
• R1/S1 are common targets and turning points; R2/S2 for bigger days.

Tirer des conclusions

• Levels are more meaningful when they line up with other support or resistance.

Points de vigilance

• Widely watched levels can be briefly overshot as stops are triggered.

Un peu d’histoire

Used by floor traders on exchange trading floors long before electronic trading.