Price Oscillator
Percent difference between two moving averages of price; equivalent to MACD scaled by the longer MA so it is comparable across different-priced assets.
Formula
PPO = ((EMA(12) − EMA(26)) / EMA(26)) × 100; Signal = EMA(9) of PPO
The Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) computes the percentage difference between a short EMA and a long EMA, making MACD-style readings comparable across stocks with very different price levels. The Absolute Price Oscillator (APO) is the non-normalised version.
Like MACD, it generates signals via zero-line crossovers, signal-line crossovers, and divergence. Because PPO is percentage-based, it is preferred when comparing oscillator readings or creating scans across a broad universe of stocks. Standard settings mirror MACD: 12, 26, 9.
Related Terms
Exponential Moving Average (EMA)
Moving average that weights recent closes more heavily via an exponential multiplier, reacting faster to price changes than the SMA.
BeginnerMACD
Trend-following momentum indicator built from the difference between a 12- and 26-period EMA, with a 9-period signal line and histogram.
BeginnerRate of Change (ROC)
Percent change between the current close and the close n periods ago; positive values confirm upward momentum, negative values confirm selling pressure.
BeginnerTRIX
Momentum oscillator showing the percent change in a triple-smoothed EMA; the extra smoothing filters minor fluctuations and cycles below the signal period.
IntermediateVolume Oscillator
Percent difference between a fast and slow EMA of volume; above zero means short-term volume exceeds long-term average, signalling heightened activity.
Beginner