PO Overview
The Price Oscillator (PO/PPO) is the percentage version of MACD — it measures the percentage difference between two EMAs rather than the absolute difference. This normalization allows comparing momentum across different-priced assets.
PO solves MACD’s main limitation: because MACD uses absolute price difference, a MACD value of 2.0 means different things for a $10 stock vs a $50,000 crypto. PO normalizes this to percentages.
How Price Oscillator Works
Section titled “How Price Oscillator Works”Core Concept
Section titled “Core Concept”- Calculate PO value from the input price/volume data
- Apply smoothing if applicable
- Compare to threshold or signal line for signal generation
- Interpret: Signals indicate momentum direction or extremes
Key Characteristics:
- Momentum Indicator = Measures momentum direction and strength
- Signal Line Available = Yes
- Bounded = No (unbounded)
Visual Interpretation
Section titled “Visual Interpretation”PO Behavior:
- Bullish momentum — percentage-based
- Bearish momentum — percentage-based
- Signal line crossovers provide timing signals
Trading Signals Available on Reversion
Section titled “Trading Signals Available on Reversion”These are the signal names you select when configuring PO in the algorithm builder or via the MCP agent:
| Signal | Triggers When | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
poi_positive | PO is positive (fast EMA > slow EMA) | Bullish momentum — percentage-based |
poi_negative | PO is negative (fast EMA < slow EMA) | Bearish momentum — percentage-based |
poi_above_signalLine | PO crosses above signal line | Momentum accelerating |
poi_below_signalLine | PO crosses below signal line | Momentum decelerating |
Display: Separate pane
Category: Momentum
Threshold range: Unbounded (percentage-based, centered on zero)
Key Characteristics
Section titled “Key Characteristics”What Price Oscillator Does Well:
- Clear Directional Signals
- Combines well with trend filters
- Signal line crossovers signals for entry timing
What to Watch Out For:
- Lagging: Smoothing introduces delay
- Context needed: Combine with trend indicators for direction
When to Use Price Oscillator:
- Momentum Strategies: Trade PO extremes/crossovers with trend confirmation
- Filter for Other Indicators: Use as confirmation alongside price-based signals
When NOT to Use Price Oscillator:
- Standalone System: Always combine with trend context
- Ignoring Market Regime: Different behavior in trends vs ranges