DIRECTIONAL MOVEMENT INDEX (DMI) EXPLAINED
The Directional Movement Index (DMI) is a technical indicator used in financial markets to analyze the strength and direction of price movements. It was developed by J. Welles Wilder and is a component of the larger Average Directional Index (ADX) system.
The DMI consists of two lines: the Positive Directional Indicator (+DI) and the Negative Directional Indicator (-DI). These lines are used to determine the strength of upward and downward price movements, respectively, and to generate trading signals.
Here's how the DMI works:
Calculation of True Range (TR): True Range measures the volatility of a financial instrument over a given period. It is calculated as the greatest of the following three values:
The difference between the current high and low prices.
The absolute value of the difference between the current high and the previous close.
The absolute value of the difference between the current low and the previous close.
Calculation of Directional Movement (DM): Directional Movement measures the upward and downward movement in prices over a given period. It is calculated as follows:
Upward Movement (DM+): If the current high is higher than the previous high, and the current low is higher than the previous low, then DM+ equals the current high minus the previous high. Otherwise, DM+ is zero.
Downward Movement (DM-): If the previous low is lower than the current low, and the previous high is lower than the current high, then DM- equals the previous low minus the current low. Otherwise, DM- is zero.
Calculation of the Average True Range (ATR): ATR is an exponential moving average of the True Range over a specified period.
Calculation of the Positive Directional Indicator (+DI) and Negative Directional Indicator (-DI):
+DI: It is calculated by dividing the exponential moving average of DM+ by the ATR and multiplying the result by 100.
-DI: It is calculated by dividing the exponential moving average of DM- by the ATR and multiplying the result by 100.
The +DI and -DI lines provide information about the strength of upward and downward price movements. When the +DI line is above the -DI line, it indicates bullish strength, suggesting that buyers are in control. Conversely, when the -DI line is above the +DI line, it indicates bearish strength, suggesting that sellers are dominant.
Additionally, traders often look for crossovers between the +DI and -DI lines. A bullish signal occurs when the +DI line crosses above the -DI line, while a bearish signal occurs when the -DI line crosses above the +DI line. These crossovers can be used to generate buy and sell signals.
The DMI is often used in conjunction with the Average Directional Index (ADX), which measures the overall trend strength. The ADX can help confirm the signals generated by the +DI and -DI lines.
It's important to note that the DMI is just one tool among many used by traders and investors to analyze markets, and its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific financial instrument and market conditions. It's advisable to use the DMI in combination with other indicators and analysis techniques for comprehensive decision-making.
Visual Examples of how to use the tool.
You may also consider changing chart types to Hieken Ashi in order to smooth price data to prevent false trend changes
You can see in the image below a lot of the false trend changes where remove
The Average Directional Index (ADX) is a component of the Directional Movement Index (DMI) system and is used to measure the strength of a prevailing trend in the market. While the +DI and -DI lines of the DMI indicate the strength of upward and downward price movements, the ADX provides an overall assessment of the trend's strength, regardless of its direction.
The ADX is calculated based on the smoothed averages of the +DI and -DI lines. It is typically displayed as a single line on a separate chart, ranging from 0 to 100. The interpretation of the ADX reading is as follows:
ADX below 20: This indicates a weak or non-existent trend. It suggests that the market is in a consolidation phase or is experiencing erratic price movements. Traders may choose to avoid trading or use range-bound strategies during such periods.
ADX between 20 and 40: This suggests the development of a trend. As the ADX moves toward 40, it indicates increasing trend strength. Traders may consider entering trades in the direction of the prevailing trend, as it suggests that the market is becoming more directional.
ADX above 40: This signifies a strong trend. A rising ADX indicates a strengthening trend, while a falling ADX suggests a weakening trend. During such periods, traders may prefer trend-following strategies and look for opportunities to ride the momentum.
ADX above 50: This indicates an extremely strong trend. A reading above 50 suggests a robust and well-established trend. Traders may choose to stay in their positions and avoid counter-trend trades.
It's important to note that the ADX does not indicate the direction of the trend, only its strength. Therefore, it is often used in combination with the +DI and -DI lines to confirm the presence of a strong trend and its direction. For example, when the ADX is rising above 20 and the +DI line is above the -DI line, it suggests a strong bullish trend. Conversely, when the ADX is rising above 20 and the -DI line is above the +DI line, it suggests a strong bearish trend.
By considering the ADX in conjunction with the +DI and -DI lines, traders can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the market conditions and make informed decisions about entering or exiting trades.
Visual Example of the use of the ADX line below
The DMI consists of two lines: the Positive Directional Indicator (+DI) and the Negative Directional Indicator (-DI). These lines are used to determine the strength of upward and downward price movements, respectively, and to generate trading signals.
Here's how the DMI works:
Calculation of True Range (TR): True Range measures the volatility of a financial instrument over a given period. It is calculated as the greatest of the following three values:
The difference between the current high and low prices.
The absolute value of the difference between the current high and the previous close.
The absolute value of the difference between the current low and the previous close.
Calculation of Directional Movement (DM): Directional Movement measures the upward and downward movement in prices over a given period. It is calculated as follows:
Upward Movement (DM+): If the current high is higher than the previous high, and the current low is higher than the previous low, then DM+ equals the current high minus the previous high. Otherwise, DM+ is zero.
Downward Movement (DM-): If the previous low is lower than the current low, and the previous high is lower than the current high, then DM- equals the previous low minus the current low. Otherwise, DM- is zero.
Calculation of the Average True Range (ATR): ATR is an exponential moving average of the True Range over a specified period.
Calculation of the Positive Directional Indicator (+DI) and Negative Directional Indicator (-DI):
+DI: It is calculated by dividing the exponential moving average of DM+ by the ATR and multiplying the result by 100.
-DI: It is calculated by dividing the exponential moving average of DM- by the ATR and multiplying the result by 100.
The +DI and -DI lines provide information about the strength of upward and downward price movements. When the +DI line is above the -DI line, it indicates bullish strength, suggesting that buyers are in control. Conversely, when the -DI line is above the +DI line, it indicates bearish strength, suggesting that sellers are dominant.
Additionally, traders often look for crossovers between the +DI and -DI lines. A bullish signal occurs when the +DI line crosses above the -DI line, while a bearish signal occurs when the -DI line crosses above the +DI line. These crossovers can be used to generate buy and sell signals.
The DMI is often used in conjunction with the Average Directional Index (ADX), which measures the overall trend strength. The ADX can help confirm the signals generated by the +DI and -DI lines.
It's important to note that the DMI is just one tool among many used by traders and investors to analyze markets, and its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific financial instrument and market conditions. It's advisable to use the DMI in combination with other indicators and analysis techniques for comprehensive decision-making.
Visual Examples of how to use the tool.
You may also consider changing chart types to Hieken Ashi in order to smooth price data to prevent false trend changes
You can see in the image below a lot of the false trend changes where remove
The Average Directional Index (ADX) is a component of the Directional Movement Index (DMI) system and is used to measure the strength of a prevailing trend in the market. While the +DI and -DI lines of the DMI indicate the strength of upward and downward price movements, the ADX provides an overall assessment of the trend's strength, regardless of its direction.
The ADX is calculated based on the smoothed averages of the +DI and -DI lines. It is typically displayed as a single line on a separate chart, ranging from 0 to 100. The interpretation of the ADX reading is as follows:
ADX below 20: This indicates a weak or non-existent trend. It suggests that the market is in a consolidation phase or is experiencing erratic price movements. Traders may choose to avoid trading or use range-bound strategies during such periods.
ADX between 20 and 40: This suggests the development of a trend. As the ADX moves toward 40, it indicates increasing trend strength. Traders may consider entering trades in the direction of the prevailing trend, as it suggests that the market is becoming more directional.
ADX above 40: This signifies a strong trend. A rising ADX indicates a strengthening trend, while a falling ADX suggests a weakening trend. During such periods, traders may prefer trend-following strategies and look for opportunities to ride the momentum.
ADX above 50: This indicates an extremely strong trend. A reading above 50 suggests a robust and well-established trend. Traders may choose to stay in their positions and avoid counter-trend trades.
It's important to note that the ADX does not indicate the direction of the trend, only its strength. Therefore, it is often used in combination with the +DI and -DI lines to confirm the presence of a strong trend and its direction. For example, when the ADX is rising above 20 and the +DI line is above the -DI line, it suggests a strong bullish trend. Conversely, when the ADX is rising above 20 and the -DI line is above the +DI line, it suggests a strong bearish trend.
By considering the ADX in conjunction with the +DI and -DI lines, traders can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the market conditions and make informed decisions about entering or exiting trades.
Visual Example of the use of the ADX line below
C Nicholas Downie
