Mass Index Warning – Get The Basics In 5 Minutes Flat

Written by Lawrence PinesUpdated Cited by Forbes, The Guardian, Stanford University +48+ more

The Mass Index warns commodity traders of potential trend reversals by tracking price range expansion and contraction.

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Read on to learn what the Mass Index is used for in trading as a technical analysis tool.

We cover how the mass index shows potential price reversals and how the two key components of the tool give this insight to traders.

What Is The Mass Index In Trading?

The Mass Index is used to warn of a future price reversal.

The theory behind the Mass Index is that reversals occur when the price range [high – low] increases (i.e. more volatility).

mass index technical analysis shows potential price reversals
This E-mini S&P 500 futures chart shows the Mass Index warning of an impending price reversal

What Are The Components Of A Mass Index?

The components for a Mass Index reversal of trend, “Reversal Bulge” as the creator of the Mass Index, Donald Dorsey refers to it, are listed below:

  1. Mass Index rises above the trigger line (set at 26.5) and the setup line (set at 27).
  2. Mass Index then falls below the setup line. When the Mass Index falls below the trigger line, then a reversal of the prior trend is expected.

The Mass Index is presented as a useful technical tool that traders might use to time entry into bottoming markets.

Where Can I Trade And Use The Mass Index?

Further Reading on Volatility Indicators

These volatility tools complement Mass Index: Standard Error Bands, Swing Index, and VIX & VXN Indexes.

FAQs

What does the Mass Index tool measure in trading?

The Mass Index is a technical analysis tool measures significant differences between selected price highs and lows in a trading chart. The mass index is used to project potential price reversals based on price ranges that have expanded far beyond average. These expanding price ranges indicate a likelihood of price contraction.

Is the Mass Index an accurate measure of volatility?

The Mass Index can be useful to measure potential volatility by observing previous price ranges and projecting the averages to future potential price points on the chart. For example, if the price range of the Dow Jones futures is approaching the widest price range it’s even shown within a given time period, there is a higher likelihood of decreasing volatility thereafter.

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