Time Series Forecast charts project likely future price movements from past data, helping commodity traders spot trends, timing, and potential turning points.
In this guide to understanding the Time Series Forecast, we’ll show you what this chart looks like and teach you how to interpret it.
What Is the Time Series Forecast?
The Time Series Forecast uses Linear Regression to calculate a best-fit line over a designated time period. This line is then plotted forward for a user-defined time period.
What Does the Time Series Forecast Look Like?
The chart below of the mini-Dow Futures contract shows the Time Series Forecast indicator plotted forward for 7 days:
How to Interpret the Time Series Forecast
Generally, traders might expect price to return back to the Time Series Forecast line when prices have strayed.
Therefore, a vague potential buy signal could occur when price is below the line and a potential sell signal could occur when price is far above the line.
However, how far price needs to vary from the line is very subjective.
A similar, and arguably superior technical indicator, is the Linear Regression Curve.
Where Can I Trade?
You may also want to check out our guides to crypto brokers and forex brokers.
FAQ
Below we answer some common questions about Time Series Forecast indicators.
What is the difference between time series forecasting and regression analysis?
The main difference between these two analysis types is that time series is extrapolation and regression is interpolation. A time series forecasts takes previous data points and uses a mathematical model to predict future events. A regression analysis attempts to explain mathematically what happened between two or more data points. Regression can then attempt to predict future data points based on that model.
Further Reading on Trend Indicators
These trend tools complement Time Series Forecast: Andrew’s Pitchfork, Gann Fans, and Triangular Moving Average.
Technical analysis is most widely used in CFD and forex trading. If you’re ready to apply these techniques, browse our vetted CFD brokers or forex brokers.
Update history
This page was revised 7 times between August 2020 and April 2026.
Added new section "Further Reading on Trend Indicators" with recommendations for CFD and forex brokers, including a dynamic broker comparison tool.
Removed broker recommendations and demo account details, streamlined Further Reading section to focus specifically on trend indicator tools.
Added cross-references to crypto and forex broker guides, simplified section heading, expanded broker description with demo account detail, and inserted Doji Candle Patterns into technical analysis list.
Simplified section heading for clarity, added reference to demo accounts as a trading tool resource, and expanded Further Reading list with Doji Candle Patterns.
Restructured page with new table of contents, added FAQ section explaining time series forecasting versus regression analysis, reorganized broker recommendations under new dedicated section, and refined several sentences for clarity.
Reorganized content to move Time Series Forecast explanation and trading signals guidance before introducing the Linear Regression Curve alternative.
Removed disclaimer language regarding trading advice, risk acknowledgment, and liability.
The Commodity Briefing
The stories behind the prices. Surprising, useful, occasionally weird - in your inbox every weekday.
- Price moves
- Supply shocks
- Macro drivers
Before you go
Get The Commodity Briefing - free, 2 minutes.