Back in 2000-2001 I began to backtest the 8/21 ema indicator and found it to be highly reliable to use.  It is true that it will fail at times but if one uses it and trades on the crossovers, then one can cut losses short and enter on the long side with a greater degree of confidence.  For example, using the 8/21 on the HUI chart.  Back in mid July of this year we witnessed a negative crossover of the 8/21 with the HUI value roughly at 425.  The negative crossover remained until late September when it crossed over on the positive side at roughly 320.  This crossover though only lasted a few days as the brief rally higher ran out of momentum which caused the negative 8/21 crossover to resume at roughly the same 320 level.  Since that time, the value of the HUI has continued to fall lower in value reaching the most recent lows.

Using this indicator with others such as the RSI and the MACD can be of great benefit to investors.  These are not complicated indicators to follow and therefore anyone should be able to do so with little effort.  The point that must always be remembered though is that the charts never lie - although short term they can trick one sometimes - and when those crossovers take place, take them seriously.  In other words, do not let your emotions fog your judgement.

Do your own evaluation and be sure to check out how well it performs in all sectors and every investment alternative to include the junior mining stocks.  You may be suprised at what you discover just as I was back when this bull market in commodities began. 

NIA but simply an observation.