Risk Meter Indicator for TradingView
The Risk Meter is a powerful market risk assessment tool designed to help traders evaluate the current risk environment using a simple, data-driven score. By analyzing four critical market factors—VIX (volatility index), market breadth, trailing volatility, and credit spreads—the indicator generates a risk score between 0 and 4. This score empowers traders to make informed decisions about hedging, exiting positions, or re-entering the market, with clear visual cues and alerts for intraday monitoring.
What It Does
Calculates a Risk Score: Assigns a score from 0 to 4, where each point reflects an active risk condition based on four market indicators.
Identifies Risk Levels:
A score of 3 or higher indicates a high-risk environment, suggesting traders consider hedging or reducing exposure.
A score of 2 or lower for at least two consecutive days signals a potential opportunity to re-enter the market.
Provides Visual Feedback: Uses color-coded Columns, threshold markers, and a component table for quick interpretation.
Supports Decision-Making: Offers a structured approach to managing risk and timing trades.
How It Works
The Risk Meter aggregates four key risk conditions, each contributing 1 point to the total score when triggered:
Elevated and Rising VIX (Risk 1)
Condition: The VIX is above 18 and higher than it was 20 days ago.
Purpose: Detects increasing market fear or uncertainty.
Market Breadth Dropping (Risk 2)
Condition: Either:
Fewer than 50% of S&P 500 stocks are above their 200-day moving average and fewer than 70% are above their 50-day moving average, or
The 3-day EMA of the 200-day breadth falls below 80% of its 20-day SMA.
Purpose: Identifies weakening participation across the market.
Trailing Volatility (Risk 3)
Condition: The 30-day annualized volatility of the equal-weight S&P 500 (RSP) exceeds 35%.
Purpose: Highlights periods of heightened price instability.
Credit Spreads (Risk 4)
Condition: The price ratio of high-yield bonds (HYG) to Treasuries (TLT or IEF) is lower than it was 20 days ago, indicating widening credit spreads.
Purpose: Signals potential stress in credit markets.
The total risk score is the sum of these conditions (0 to 4). Additionally, the indicator tracks consecutive days with a score of 2 or lower to generate re-entry signals.
How to Read It Intraday
The Risk Meter is built on daily data but can be monitored intraday for real-time insights. Here’s how traders can interpret it:
Risk Score Plot:
Displayed as a step line ranging from 0 to 4.
Colors:
Red: High risk (score ≥ 3) – caution advised.
Green: Re-entry signal – score ≤ 2 for at least two consecutive days (triggered when the count increments from 1 to 2).
Blue: Neutral or low risk (score < 3 without a re-entry signal).
Threshold Lines:
Dashed Gray Line at 3: Marks the high-risk threshold.
Dotted Gray Line at 2: Indicates the low-risk threshold for re-entry signals.
Risk Component Table:
Located in the top-right corner, it lists:
VIX, Breadth, Volatility, and Credit Spreads.
Status: Shows "" (warning, red) if the risk condition is met, or "✓" (safe, blue) if not.
Helps traders pinpoint which factors are driving the score.
Alerts:
High Risk Alert: Triggers when the score moves from < 3 to ≥ 3.
Re-entry Signal Alert: Triggers when the score ≤ 2 for two consecutive days.
Intraday Usage Tips
Check the indicator throughout the day for early signs of risk shifts, especially if the score is near a threshold (e.g., 2 or 3).
Combine with other intraday tools (e.g., price action, volume) since the Risk Meter updates daily but reflects broader market conditions.
How Traders Can Use It
High-Risk Signal (Score ≥ 3):
Consider hedging positions (e.g., with options) or reducing equity exposure to protect against potential downturns.
Re-entry Signal (Score ≤ 2 for 2+ Days):
Look to re-enter the market or increase exposure, as it suggests stabilizing conditions.
Daily Risk Management:
Use the score and table to assess overall market health and adjust strategies accordingly.
Alert-Driven Trading:
Set up alerts to stay notified of critical risk changes without constant monitoring.
Why Use the Risk Meter?
This indicator offers a systematic, multi-factor approach to risk assessment, blending volatility, breadth, and credit market data into an easy-to-read score. Whether you’re an intraday trader or a longer-term investor, the Risk Meter helps you stay proactive, avoid surprises, and time your trades with greater confidence.
Financial Risk Disclaimer for the Risk Meter Tool
Important Notice: The Risk Meter is a market risk assessment tool designed to provide insights into current market conditions based on historical data and predefined indicators. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, or a guarantee of future market performance.
Key Considerations
No Guarantee of Accuracy: While the Risk Meter utilizes reliable data sources and established financial metrics, the creators do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Financial markets are complex and subject to rapid, unpredictable changes, and the tool’s output may not fully reflect all market dynamics.
Market Risks: Trading and investing in financial markets carry significant risks, including the potential loss of principal. Market volatility, economic shifts, and other factors can lead to unexpected outcomes. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results, and the Risk Meter’s assessments are based on historical data, not future predictions.
Not a Substitute for Professional Advice: The Risk Meter is not intended to replace personalized financial guidance. Users are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified financial advisor, perform their own research, and evaluate their personal financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment objectives before making any trading or investment decisions.
Limitation of Liability: The creators of the Risk Meter, including any affiliates, developers, or contributors, are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential losses or damages arising from the use of this tool. This includes, but is not limited to, financial losses, missed opportunities, or decisions based on the tool’s output.
User Responsibility: By using the Risk Meter, you accept full responsibility for your trading and investment decisions. You acknowledge that you use the tool at your own risk and that the creators bear no responsibility for any outcomes resulting from its use.
Final Note
The Risk Meter is a supplementary tool designed to enhance your understanding of market risk. It is not a comprehensive solution for investment management. Approach trading and investing with caution, ensuring your decisions align with your personal financial strategy.