Percentage Price Oscillator

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technical_indicators:price_oscillators_ppo [2019/06/24 19:39]
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technical_indicators:price_oscillators_ppo [2023/07/26 14:56] (current)
jayanthi [PPO FAQs]
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 ====== Percentage Price Oscillator ====== ====== Percentage Price Oscillator ======
  
-===== Introduction ​=====+===== What Is the Percentage Price Oscillator? ​=====
  
-The Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) is a momentum oscillator that measures the difference between two moving averages as a percentage of the larger moving average. ​As with its cousinMACDthe Percentage Price Oscillator is shown with a signal line, a histogram ​and a centerline. Signals are generated with signal line crossovers, centerline crossovers, ​and divergences. Because these signals ​are no different than those associated with MACD, this article will focus on a few differences between the two. First, PPO readings are not subject to the price level of the security. Second, PPO readings for different securities can be compared, even when there are large differences in the price. See the [[:​technical_indicators:​moving_average_convergence_divergence_macd|ChartSchool article on MACD]] for information on signals common to both MACD and PPO+The Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) is a momentum oscillator that measures the difference between two moving averages as a percentage of the larger moving average. ​It's used to identify price trend directionmomentum, and potential buy and sell signals.
  
-===== Calculation ​=====+As with its cousin, MACD, the PPO is shown with a signal line, a histogram, and a centerline. Trading signals are generated with signal line crossovers, centerline crossovers, and divergences. These signals are similar to those associated with MACD so we will focus on a few differences between the two.  
 + 
 +First, PPO readings are not subject to the price level of the security. Second, PPO readings for different securities can be compared, even when there are large differences in the price. See the [[:​technical_indicators:​moving_average_convergence_divergence_macd|ChartSchool article on MACD]] for information on signals common to MACD and PPO.  
 + 
 +===== How Do You Calculate the Percentage Price Oscillator? ​=====
  
 <​code>​ <​code>​
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 </​code>​ </​code>​
  
-While MACD measures the absolute difference between two [[:​technical_indicators:​moving_averages|moving averages]], PPO makes this a relative value by dividing the difference by the slower moving average (26-day EMA). PPO is simply ​the MACD value divided by the longer moving average. The result is multiplied by 100 to move the decimal place two spots. The table below shows Intel (INTC) with values for the 12-day EMA, 26-day EMA, MACD and PPO. Intel is priced in the low 20s and MACD values range from -44 cents to +64 cents. PPO puts this in percentage terms with values ranging from -2.01 to +2.85. It is easier to compare levels over time with percentages. -2.01 is equivalent to -2.01%, while +2.85 is equivalent to +2.85%. ​+While MACD measures the absolute difference between two [[:​technical_indicators:​moving_averages|moving averages]], PPO makes this a relative value by dividing the difference by the slower moving average (26-day EMA). PPO is the MACD value divided by the longer moving average. The result is multiplied by 100 to move the decimal place two spots. The table below shows Intel (INTC) with values for the 12-day EMA, 26-day EMA, MACD and PPO. Intel is priced in the low 20s and MACD values range from -44 cents to +64 cents. PPO puts this in percentage terms with values ranging from -2.01 to +2.85. It is easier to compare levels over time with percentages. -2.01 is equivalent to -2.01%, while +2.85 is equivalent to +2.85%. ​
  
 {{:​technical_indicators:​price_oscillators_ppo:​ppo-1-spreadsheet.png|PPO - Spreadsheet 1}}  ​ {{:​technical_indicators:​price_oscillators_ppo:​ppo-1-spreadsheet.png|PPO - Spreadsheet 1}}  ​
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 Standard PPO is based on the 12-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) and the 26-day EMA, but these parameters can be changed according to investor or trader preferences. Closing prices are used to calculate the moving averages and, therefore, PPO signals should be measured against closing prices. A 9-day EMA of PPO is plotted as a signal line to identify upturns and downturns in the indicator. ​ Standard PPO is based on the 12-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) and the 26-day EMA, but these parameters can be changed according to investor or trader preferences. Closing prices are used to calculate the moving averages and, therefore, PPO signals should be measured against closing prices. A 9-day EMA of PPO is plotted as a signal line to identify upturns and downturns in the indicator. ​
  
-===== Interpretation ​=====+===== How Do You Interpret the Percentage Price Oscillator? ​=====
  
 As with MACD, the PPO reflects the convergence and divergence of two moving averages. PPO is positive when the shorter moving average is above the longer moving average. The indicator moves further into positive territory as the shorter moving average distances itself from the longer moving average. This reflects strong upside momentum. The PPO is negative when the shorter moving average is below the longer moving average. Negative readings grow when the shorter moving average distances itself from the longer moving average (goes further negative). This reflects strong downside momentum. The histogram represents the difference between PPO and its 9-day EMA, the signal line. The histogram is positive when PPO is above its 9-day EMA and negative when PPO is below its 9-day EMA. The PPO-Histogram can be used to anticipate signal line crossovers in the PPO. See the ChartSchool article on the [[:​technical_indicators:​MACD-histogram|MACD Histogram]] for signal details. ​ As with MACD, the PPO reflects the convergence and divergence of two moving averages. PPO is positive when the shorter moving average is above the longer moving average. The indicator moves further into positive territory as the shorter moving average distances itself from the longer moving average. This reflects strong upside momentum. The PPO is negative when the shorter moving average is below the longer moving average. Negative readings grow when the shorter moving average distances itself from the longer moving average (goes further negative). This reflects strong downside momentum. The histogram represents the difference between PPO and its 9-day EMA, the signal line. The histogram is positive when PPO is above its 9-day EMA and negative when PPO is below its 9-day EMA. The PPO-Histogram can be used to anticipate signal line crossovers in the PPO. See the ChartSchool article on the [[:​technical_indicators:​MACD-histogram|MACD Histogram]] for signal details. ​
  
-===== MACD, PPO and Price =====+===== MACD, PPOand Price =====
  
 MACD levels are affected by the price of a security. A high-priced security will have higher or lower MACD values than a low-priced security, even if volatility is basically equal. This is because MACD is based on the absolute difference in the two moving averages. Chart 2 shows Google with MACD and PPO for comparative purposes. The 12-day EMA is around 495, the 26-day EMA is around 512 and the difference is -17 (double digits). Notice that Google'​s MACD reached double digits on the upside and the downside, but the Percentage Price Oscillator ranged from +2.5 to -3.5. MACD values appear higher because Google is priced at a relatively high level. MACD for the Dow Industrials,​ which is above 10,000, hits triple digits on a regular basis. However, the PPO ranges from -2 to +2, which is a much more definable range.  ​ MACD levels are affected by the price of a security. A high-priced security will have higher or lower MACD values than a low-priced security, even if volatility is basically equal. This is because MACD is based on the absolute difference in the two moving averages. Chart 2 shows Google with MACD and PPO for comparative purposes. The 12-day EMA is around 495, the 26-day EMA is around 512 and the difference is -17 (double digits). Notice that Google'​s MACD reached double digits on the upside and the downside, but the Percentage Price Oscillator ranged from +2.5 to -3.5. MACD values appear higher because Google is priced at a relatively high level. MACD for the Dow Industrials,​ which is above 10,000, hits triple digits on a regular basis. However, the PPO ranges from -2 to +2, which is a much more definable range.  ​
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 Although the indicator lines look the same, there are often subtle differences between MACD and PPO. In the Google example, notice how the PPO broke below the February low, but MACD has yet to break its February low. The lower low in the PPO shows expanding downside momentum. ​ Although the indicator lines look the same, there are often subtle differences between MACD and PPO. In the Google example, notice how the PPO broke below the February low, but MACD has yet to break its February low. The lower low in the PPO shows expanding downside momentum. ​
  
-===== Large Price Changes =====+===== PPO: A Solution to MACD Sensitivity to Large Price Changes =====
  
 Because MACD is based on absolute levels, large price changes can affect MACD levels over an extended period of time. If a stock advances from 20 to 100, its MACD levels will be considerably smaller, closer to 20 than 100. The PPO solves this problem by showing MACD values in percentage terms. Chart 3 shows Baidu (BIDU) advancing from 25 to 75 over a 12-month period. MACD values around 25-30 are going to be generally smaller than MACD values around 70-80. Notice that MACD broke above its July and March highs, but the PPO did not break these corresponding highs. Also note that Baidu becomes [[:​glossary_o#​overbought|overbought]] when the PPO exceeds +5.  Because MACD is based on absolute levels, large price changes can affect MACD levels over an extended period of time. If a stock advances from 20 to 100, its MACD levels will be considerably smaller, closer to 20 than 100. The PPO solves this problem by showing MACD values in percentage terms. Chart 3 shows Baidu (BIDU) advancing from 25 to 75 over a 12-month period. MACD values around 25-30 are going to be generally smaller than MACD values around 70-80. Notice that MACD broke above its July and March highs, but the PPO did not break these corresponding highs. Also note that Baidu becomes [[:​glossary_o#​overbought|overbought]] when the PPO exceeds +5. 
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 {{:​technical_indicators:​price_oscillators_ppo:​ppo-3-bidumacd.png|PPO - Chart 3}} {{:​technical_indicators:​price_oscillators_ppo:​ppo-3-bidumacd.png|PPO - Chart 3}}
  
-===== Comparing ​Different Securities =====+===== Using PPO To Compare ​Different Securities =====
  
-Because the Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) is a percentage version of MACD, its values can be compared against other securities. Dell (DELL) and Hewlett Packard (HPQ) are in the same industry group, but their stock prices ​are at different levels. As of late May 2010, DELL was trading in the high teens and HPQ was trading in the mid-40s. The absolute price level has nothing to do with fundamentals,​ but it does affect the level of MACD. HPQ will no doubt have a higher MACD than DELL. However, we can apply the Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) to compare momentum. First, notice that the PPO for DELL ranges from -4 to +4 for an point range). The PPO for HPQ ranges from -3 to +2 for a range of 5. Right off the bat, we can see that DELL is more volatile than HPQ because its PPO range is greater. Second, we can see that upside momentum for DELL was stronger than HPQ in March-April. The PPO for DELL advanced from negative territory and exceeded 4. The PPO for HPQ turned positive before the PPO for DELL, but did not exceed 1.6.+Because the Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) is a percentage version of MACD, its values can be compared against other securities. Dell (DELL) and Hewlett Packard (HPQ) are in the same industry group, but their stock prices ​differ. As of late May 2010, DELL was trading in the high teens and HPQ was trading in the mid-40s. The absolute price level has nothing to do with fundamentals,​ but it does affect the level of MACD. HPQ will no doubt have a higher MACD than DELL. However, we can apply the Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) to compare momentum. First, notice that the PPO for DELL ranges from -4 to +4 for an eight-point range). The PPO for HPQ ranges from -3 to +2 for a range of 5. Right off the bat, we can see that DELL is more volatile than HPQ because its PPO range is greater. Second, we can see that upside momentum for DELL was stronger than HPQ in March-April. The PPO for DELL advanced from negative territory and exceeded 4. The PPO for HPQ turned positive before the PPO for DELL, but did not exceed 1.6.
  
 {{:​technical_indicators:​price_oscillators_ppo:​ppo-4-dellppo.png|PPO - Chart 4}}  ​ {{:​technical_indicators:​price_oscillators_ppo:​ppo-4-dellppo.png|PPO - Chart 4}}  ​
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 {{:​technical_indicators:​price_oscillators_ppo:​ppo-5-hpqppo.png|PPO - Chart 5}}    {{:​technical_indicators:​price_oscillators_ppo:​ppo-5-hpqppo.png|PPO - Chart 5}}   
  
-===== Conclusion ​=====+===== The Bottom Line =====
  
-The Percentage Price Oscillator (PPOgenerates the same signals as the MACD, but provides an added dimension as a percentage version of MACD. The PPO levels of the Dow Industrials (price ~11000) can be compared against the PPO levels of IBM (price ~122) because the PPO "​levels"​ the playing field, so to speak. In addition, PPO levels in one security can be compared over extended periods ​of time, even if the price has doubled or tripled. This is not the case for the MACD. Despite its advantages, the PPO is still not the best oscillator to identify overbought or oversold conditions because movements are unlimited (in theory). Levels for [[:​technical_indicators:​relative_strength_index_rsi|RSI]] and the [[:​technical_indicators:​stochastic_oscillator_fast_slow_and_full|Stochastic Oscillator]] are limited, making them better suited to identifying overbought and oversold levels. ​+The PPO generates the same signals as the MACD, but provides an added dimension as a percentage version of MACD. The PPO levels of the Dow Industrials (price ~11000) can be compared against the PPO levels of IBM (price ~122) because the PPO "​levels"​ the playing field, so to speak. In addition, PPO levels in one security can be compared over extended periods, even if the price has doubled or tripled. This is not the case for the MACD. Despite its advantages, the PPO is still not the best oscillator to identify overbought or oversold conditions because movements are unlimited (in theory). Levels for [[:​technical_indicators:​relative_strength_index_rsi|RSI]] and the [[:​technical_indicators:​stochastic_oscillator_fast_slow_and_full|Stochastic Oscillator]] are limited, making them better suited to identifying overbought and oversold levels. ​
  
 ===== Using with SharpCharts ===== ===== Using with SharpCharts =====
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 </​code>​ </​code>​
  
-For more details on the syntax to use for PPO scans, please see our [[docs>scans:​indicators#​percentage_price_oscillator_ppo|Scan Syntax Reference]] in the Support Center.+For more details on the syntax to use for PPO scans, please see our [[https://​support.stockcharts.com/​doku.php?​id=scans:​indicators#​percentage_price_oscillator_ppo|Scan Syntax Reference]] in the Support Center. 
 + 
 +===== PPO FAQs ===== 
 +==== Can I compare the PPO readings for different securities? ==== 
 +Yes, PPO readings for different securities can be compared, even when there are large differences in the price. This is one of the unique features of PPO compared to other momentum oscillators. 
 + 
 +==== What does it mean when PPO is positive or negative? ==== 
 +PPO is positive when the shorter moving average is above the longer one, indicating strong upside momentum. Conversely, PPO is negative when the shorter moving average is below the longer one, indicating strong downside momentum. 
 + 
 +==== What's the difference between MACD and PPO? ==== 
 +While both are similar, there are key differences. MACD levels are affected by the price of a security. In contrast, PPO is not subject to the price level of the security, and thus, PPO readings for different securities can be compared directly. 
 + 
 +==== Can I use PPO to identify overbought or oversold conditions? ==== 
 +PPO may not be the best oscillator for identifying overbought or oversold conditions because movements are unlimited (in theory). Oscillators like RSI and the Stochastic Oscillator are generally better suited, as their levels are limited. 
 + 
 +==== What can the PPO tell me about volatility? ==== 
 +By comparing the PPO ranges of different securities, you can gauge their relative volatility. A security with a larger PPO range is generally more volatile than one with a smaller range.