VWMA/SMA Breakout and Divergence Detector

23 Jun 2019

This indicator compares four different values :

-Fast Simple Moving Average(SMA) [Pink Dotted Line on the graph]
-Fast Volume Weighted Moving Average(VWMA) [Teal Dotted Line]
-Slow SMA [Solid Red Line]
-Slow VWMA [Solid Green Line]

Comparing SMA's and VWMA's of the same length is a common trading tactic. Since volume is not taken into consideration when calculating Simple Moving Averages, we can gain valuable insights from the difference between the two lines.

Since volume should be increasing along with an upwards price movement, the VWMA should be greater than the SMA during a volume-supported uptrend. Thus, we can confirm an uptrend if the VWMA remains greater than the SMA. If the VWMA falls under the SMA in the midst of an upwards price movement, however, that indicates bearish divergence. The opposite is true for downtrends. If price is decreasing and volume is decreasing at the same time (as it should), then we can confirm the downtrend.

Interpreting the Graph:
If the slow SMA is greater than the slow VWMA, then the area representing the difference between the two lines is filled in red. If the slow VWMA is greater than the slow SMA, however, the area between the two is filled green.

If the fast SMA is greater than the fast VWMA, then the area between the two dotted lines is filled in red. On the other hand, the area will be filled green if the fast VWMA is greater than the slow SMA.

In addition to spotting divergences and confirming trends, the four lines can be used to spot breakouts. Typically, a VWMA crossover will precede the SMA crossover. When the fast VWMA crosses over the slow VWMA and then a SMA crossover follows shortly after, then it is a hint that a bullish trend is beginning to form.