Price's Relationship to the Kumo

In its most basic interpretation, when price is trading above the kumo, that is a bullish signal since it indicates current price is higher than the historical average. Likewise, if price is trading below the kumo, that indicates that bearish sentiment is stronger. If price is trading within the kumo, that indicates a loss of trend since the space between the kumo boundaries is the ultimate expression of equilibrium or stasis. The informed Ichimoku practitioner will normally first consult price's relationship to the kumo in order to get their initial view on a chart's sentiment. From a trading perspective, the Ichimoku chartist will also always wait for price to situate itself on the correct side of the kumo (above for long trades and below for short trades) on their chosen execution time frame before initiating any trades. If price is trading within the kumo, then they will wait to make any trades until it closes above/below the kumo.