The Kijun also known as the Reference Line or Base Line is a line that draws the average or midpoint of the highest high and the lowest low of the past 26 days. The moving average is the average of the closing prices, but since the Reference Line is the average of the highest high and lowest low of the previous 26 periods, the slope of the Reference Line will remain flat unless the previous high or low of the past 26 periods is updated or changes. If the Reference Line is sideways, it means that the high and low prices have not changed for the past 26 days, and the market is judged to be ranging . If the Reference Line is angled upward, the current exchange rate is updating the high price for the past 26 days, so the market has a clear uptrend. Conversely, if the Reference Line is angled downward, the current exchange rate is updating the low price for the past 26 days, so the market price is a clear downtrend. A Moving Average forms a curved line, whereas the Reference Line becomes flat. This flattening of the Reference Line also represents strong support and resistance levels.
The Reference Line is important because it shows the bias of the market. If the Reference Line is angling upwards and price is above the Reference Line this represents a bullish bias. In addition, if the Reference Line is angling downwards and price is below the Reference Line then the market bias is bearish and you would be best served shorting the market.
Also, if the Reference Line is parallel, it is a range, and when the candlestick is above or below the reference line, it is judged as a so-called cross-border market that has moved up and down across the half price of the past 26 periods. In this respect, the Reference Line is seen as a trend line. It is the reference point when looking at the market price.
The Reference line represents market equilibrium. When price is at or near the Reference line, then the market is in equilibrium. The further price moves away from the Reference Line this represents disequilibrium. A market that is in equilibrium has an equal amount of buyers and sellers, but as there is an increase in buyers or sellers, this would cause the market to move further away from the Reference Line. Using this concept, you would not want to make a trading decision when the market is too far away from the Reference Line as this would indicate the market is overextended and there could be a correction looming.
The Reference Line and conversion line are used as a set. You don’t see it only with the Reference Line, and conversely, you don’t see it only with the Conversion Line. This is the basis of the basics.
When the Conversion Line breaks above the Reference Line this is known as a Bullish TK Cross or Golden Cross and represents a buy signal. Conversely, when the Conversion Line breaks below the Reference Line, this is known as a Bearish TK Cross or a Death Cross and represents a sell signal.