What is the Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO)?

By PriyaSahu

       The Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO) is a technical indicator that measures the difference between two moving averages as a percentage of the longer moving average. Traders use PPO to understand the momentum of a stock or security by comparing short-term and long-term price trends. It helps identify when a stock is gaining or losing strength and signals possible buy or sell points.



What is the Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO)?

The PPO calculates the difference between two exponential moving averages (EMAs) and expresses it as a percentage of the longer EMA. This helps traders see how strong a price trend is, regardless of the stock’s price level. It is useful for comparing momentum between different stocks or markets.



How is PPO Calculated?

PPO is calculated by subtracting the longer-term EMA from the shorter-term EMA, dividing the result by the longer-term EMA, and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. The formula is:

PPO = ((Short EMA - Long EMA) / Long EMA) × 100

Usually, a 12-day EMA and 26-day EMA are used, but these periods can change depending on trading style.



Why is PPO Useful for Traders?

PPO helps traders understand price momentum in percentage terms, which is better for comparing different stocks. When the PPO rises, it shows increasing momentum, and when it falls, momentum is slowing. It also helps traders spot buy and sell signals when PPO crosses its signal line, which is usually a 9-day EMA of the PPO.



Difference Between PPO and MACD

PPO and MACD are similar because both use moving averages to measure momentum. However, MACD shows the difference between two EMAs in absolute terms, while PPO shows this difference as a percentage of the longer EMA. PPO is better when comparing momentum across stocks with different prices because it normalizes the data.



How Can You Use PPO in Trading?

Traders use PPO by watching when the PPO line crosses above or below its signal line. A cross above suggests buying opportunities, while a cross below may signal selling. PPO divergences from price movements can also warn of possible trend reversals, helping traders make better decisions.



Why is PPO Important for Indian Traders?

PPO is important for Indian traders because it helps compare momentum across various Indian stocks, which may trade at vastly different price levels. By using PPO, traders can spot strong trends and possible reversals in NSE and BSE-listed stocks. It makes technical analysis easier and more accurate, which is very helpful in India’s fast-moving markets.



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