Keltner Channel (ta.kc)

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Construct channels around a moving average using price range or true range. use_true_range=False uses smoothed H-L ranges; it does not change the price moving average or ATR, and all parameters still follow the fixed backend.

Indicator catalog · How to use indicators

Run this example

This complete script uses bundled data. It observes the selected output without placing trades.

import numpy as np
from openbacktesting import Backtest, Strategy
from openbacktesting.test import GOOG

data = GOOG.copy()

class Example(Strategy):
    def init(self):
        self.value = self.ta.kc()
        self.latest_value = None

    def next(self):
        channel = self.value.lower
        if channel.valid[-1]:
            self.latest_value = float(channel[-1])

result = Backtest(data, Example).run()
print(result["_strategy"].latest_value)

Call and parameters

self.ta.kc(
    *,
    length=20,
    scalar=2,
    mamode='ema',
    use_true_range=True,
    inputs=None,
    backend=None,
    required_outputs=None,
)

Register in init(). Read the returned channel in next() after checking valid[-1].

Parameter	Meaning	Type	Default	Allowed values
length	Calculation window in observations.	int	20	Minimum: 1
scalar	Multiplier applied to the formula output.	int	2	Minimum: 1
mamode	Moving-average algorithm; choose one of the listed values.	str	ema	Allowed values: ['sma', 'ema', 'rma', 'wma']
use_true_range	Use true range instead of High - Low for channel width.	bool	True	No additional constraints

source/named source arguments accept a column name or same-run single-channel handle. Alternatively, inputs maps each input below to a column or handle. backend selects a supported implementation; required_outputs selects channels for readiness diagnostics. See shared arguments and handles.

Inputs and outputs

Required inputs: high, low, close.

Channel	Meaning
lower	Lower band
middle	Middle line
upper	Upper band

Reading values safely

Insufficient history or missing inputs can make a channel invalid. Check that channel's valid mask; ready is diagnostic and never suppresses next(). Multi-output results may have different valid channels on the same bar.

Indicator catalog · Custom calculations