The Choppiness Index (CMI) is a technical indicator designed to distinguish trending markets from ranging (choppy) markets, aiding traders in filtering breakout signals and improving trend-following entries. It calculates the ratio of the sum of high–low price ranges over a specified period (default 14) to the true range, then applies a logarithmic scale to produce a single output line labeled "CMI."
Key functionality includes:
- High CMI values indicate a choppy or range-bound market, suggesting caution with directional trades or waiting for breakout confirmation.
- Low CMI values signal trending markets, highlighting opportunities for trend-following strategies.
- Adjustable period settings (7–28) allow tuning based on timeframe and market conditions.
- Suggested thresholds: above ~61.8 for choppy markets, 38.2–61.8 for consolidation, and below ~38.2 for trending conditions.
- Suitable for multiple markets including Forex, commodities (gold, silver), indices, cryptocurrencies, and stocks.
- Recommended use on higher timeframes (H1, H4, Daily) for trend confirmation and swing trading, and on lower timeframes (M5–M30) with shorter periods for scalping.
- Can be combined with other indicators such as ADX, ATR, MACD, RSI, Supertrend, and Bollinger Bands for enhanced strategy development.
- Non-repainting values are calculated on completed bars to support reliable analysis.
This indicator serves as an informational tool to support trading decisions and should be used alongside proper risk management and complementary indicators.