37. Relative Vigor Index (RVI)


1. What is Relative Vigor Index (RVI)?

The Relative Vigor Index (RVI) is a momentum oscillator that measures the conviction of a recent price action, comparing the close relative to the trading range. The idea is that in a healthy uptrend, closing prices are nearer to the high, while in a downtrend, they tend to close near the low.


2. Components of RVI?

  • Numerator: Smoothed difference between Close and Open.

  • Denominator: Smoothed difference between High and Low.

  • RVI Formula:

    RVI=Smoothed (Close−Open)Smoothed (High−Low)RVI = \frac{\text{Smoothed }(Close - Open)}{\text{Smoothed }(High - Low)}

  • A signal line is usually a 4-period SMA of the RVI.


3. Pros and Cons of RVI?

Pros:

  • Incorporates price positioning within the range, adding nuance to momentum analysis.

  • Generates clear crossover signals.

  • Works well when combined with trend confirmation tools.

Cons:

  • Can lag due to smoothing.

  • May produce false signals in range-bound or choppy markets.

  • Less popular, so fewer tools/platforms support it by default.


4. What is the purpose of RVI in stock analysis?

  • To detect bullish or bearish momentum shifts.

  • To identify entry/exit points via crossovers and divergence.

  • To complement other oscillators like MACD or RSI for confirmation.


5. How is RVI calculated or derived?

  1. Calculate:

    Numerator=Close−Open,Denominator=High−Low\text{Numerator} = Close - Open,\quad \text{Denominator} = High - Low

  2. Apply a smoothing method (typically a 4-period weighted average).

  3. Divide the smoothed numerator by the smoothed denominator:

    RVI=Smoothed (Close−Open)Smoothed (High−Low)RVI = \frac{\text{Smoothed }(Close - Open)}{\text{Smoothed }(High - Low)}

  4. Plot the RVI line along with a signal line (SMA of RVI).


6. When should traders use RVI?

  • In trend-following or momentum-based strategies.

  • To confirm price action or MACD crossover setups.

  • When looking for divergence between price and momentum.


7. What are the limitations or risks of using RVI?

  • Lagging nature due to smoothing may delay entries.

  • Can give false positives in consolidating markets.

  • Interpretation can be tricky without trend context.


8. What are common mistakes when interpreting RVI?

  • Using it as a standalone signal generator.

  • Ignoring signal line context and divergence.

  • Applying without trend validation or volume support.


9. How can RVI be combined with other tools for better accuracy?

  • Use with MACD, RSI, or ADX to validate momentum and trend strength.

  • Combine with support/resistance levels and candlestick patterns.

  • Pair with volume indicators to gauge strength behind the move.


10. How do professional traders interpret RVI differently from beginners?

Professionals:

  • Watch for divergence and crossover confluence.

  • Use RVI as a secondary momentum filter, not a primary trigger.

  • Analyze RVI in the context of higher timeframes and market structure.

Beginners:

  • React to every RVI crossover without validation.

  • Use default periods without tuning to the asset.

  • Ignore broader trend or price action context.


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