Bollinger Band Expansion
Bollinger Band Expansion occurs when the distance between the upper and lower bands of a Bollinger Band indicator increases, signaling a rise in market volatility. These bands are calculated using a moving average and a standard deviation multiplier, typically set at two.
When price action pushes the bands outward, it indicates that the market is transitioning from a period of consolidation into a phase of heightened activity or a breakout. Traders view this expansion as a confirmation of increased momentum in the prevailing trend.
In the context of options trading, this expansion often correlates with an increase in implied volatility, which directly impacts option premiums. It is a vital signal for identifying the end of a low-volatility environment and the potential start of a significant price move.