What is the Money Flow Index (MFI), and how does it work?

By PriyaSahu

       The Money Flow Index (MFI) is a technical indicator that shows if money is flowing into or out of a stock or market. It uses both price and volume data to identify buying or selling pressure. MFI helps traders know if a stock is overbought (too many people buying) or oversold (too many people selling), helping them decide when to buy or sell.



What is the full form of MFI in trading?

MFI stands for Money Flow Index. It is a momentum indicator used in technical analysis. Unlike RSI which uses only price, MFI uses both price and volume to measure the strength of money flowing in and out of a stock.



How does the Money Flow Index work?

The MFI works by comparing the price and volume of a stock over a specific time period, usually 14 days. It calculates the average price for each day, multiplies it with the volume to get the Money Flow, and then compares positive and negative flows. The final MFI value ranges from 0 to 100. If it goes above 80, the stock is considered overbought. If it drops below 20, it’s seen as oversold.



How is Money Flow Index calculated?

The Money Flow Index is calculated in several steps:

  • Step 1: Find the Typical Price = (High + Low + Close) ÷ 3
  • Step 2: Multiply Typical Price by Volume = Raw Money Flow
  • Step 3: Separate Positive and Negative Money Flow
  • Step 4: Add Positive and Negative Flows over 14 periods
  • Step 5: Calculate Money Flow Ratio = Positive ÷ Negative
  • Step 6: Calculate MFI = 100 - [100 ÷ (1 + Money Flow Ratio)]
This gives the MFI value which tells us if the stock is being bought or sold heavily.



How to use MFI for trading decisions?

MFI helps in deciding when to buy or sell a stock. If the MFI is above 80, the stock might be overbought, and prices may fall soon. If the MFI is below 20, it might be oversold, and prices may rise. Traders use these signals to enter or exit trades. MFI can also be used with other indicators like RSI or MACD for better confirmation.



What is the difference between MFI and RSI?

Both MFI and RSI are momentum indicators. The main difference is that RSI uses only price data, while MFI uses both price and volume. Because of this, MFI is considered more reliable as it gives a deeper view of market pressure. RSI is good for identifying overbought or oversold levels, but MFI adds the power of volume, making it more detailed.



Can MFI be used for intraday trading?

Yes, MFI can be used for intraday trading. Intraday traders often use shorter periods like 5 or 10 instead of 14 to get quicker signals. MFI helps traders know if money is flowing into or out of the stock within the day. It helps find reversals and price breakouts when used with chart patterns and support/resistance levels.



What are the limitations of MFI?

MFI is useful but not perfect. It can give false signals in sideways or choppy markets. If volume data is not reliable, MFI results can be wrong. It’s always better to use MFI with other indicators to confirm trades. Relying on only MFI may lead to wrong decisions during volatile times.



Is MFI suitable for beginners?

Yes, MFI is suitable for beginners because it is easy to understand and use. It gives clear overbought and oversold signals which help in making trading decisions. Beginners can combine MFI with other tools like moving averages to make safer trades. Many trading platforms show MFI directly on charts, so it’s very beginner-friendly.



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