ROC Overview
Rate of Change (ROC) measures the percentage change in price over n periods — the simplest momentum indicator. ROC = ((Close - Close[n]) / Close[n]) × 100. Positive = price rising, Negative = price falling.
ROC’s strength is its simplicity and directness — it answers “how much has price changed?” without any smoothing or transformation.
How Rate of Change Works
Section titled “How Rate of Change Works”Core Concept
Section titled “Core Concept”- Calculate ROC 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”ROC Behavior:
- Bullish momentum
- Bearish momentum
- 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 ROC in the algorithm builder or via the MCP agent:
| Signal | Triggers When | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
roc_positive | ROC value is positive (price higher than n bars ago) | Bullish momentum |
roc_negative | ROC value is negative (price lower than n bars ago) | Bearish momentum |
roc_above_signalLine | ROC crosses above its signal line | Momentum accelerating |
roc_below_signalLine | ROC crosses below its signal line | Momentum decelerating |
Display: Separate pane
Category: Momentum
Threshold range: Unbounded (centered on zero, percentage-based)
Key Characteristics
Section titled “Key Characteristics”What Rate of Change 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 Rate of Change:
- Momentum Strategies: Trade ROC extremes/crossovers with trend confirmation
- Filter for Other Indicators: Use as confirmation alongside price-based signals
When NOT to Use Rate of Change:
- Standalone System: Always combine with trend context
- Ignoring Market Regime: Different behavior in trends vs ranges