TRADACITY

The Price Rate-of-Change (ROC) indicator displays the difference between the current price and the price x-time periods ago. The difference can be displayed in either points or as a percentage.

 

The ROC displays the wave-like motion in an oscillator format by measuring the amount that prices have changed over a given time period. This cyclical action is the result of the changing expectations as bulls and bears struggle to control prices.

 

Usage: 

 

ROC is a momentum indicator that measures velocity and also leads the price action. As prices increase, the ROC rises; as prices fall, the ROC falls. The greater the change in prices, the greater the change in the ROC. The time period used to calculate the ROC may range from 1 to 200-period (or longer).

 

The most popular time periods are the 12 and 25 period ROC. The higher the ROC, the more overbought the security; the lower the ROC, the more likely a rally.  However, as with all overbought/oversold indicators, it is prudent to wait for the market to begin to correct (i.e., turn up or down) before placing your trade.  A market that appears overbought may remain overbought for some time.  In fact, extremely overbought/oversold readings usually imply a continuation of the current trend.

 

The 12-period ROC tends to be very cyclical, oscillating back and forth in a fairly regular cycle.  Often, price changes can be anticipated by studying the previous cycles of the ROC and relating the previous cycles to the current market.