CCI Standard and Hidden Divergences

The CCI Standard/Hidden Divergence indicator will plot the Commodity Channel Index (CCI), and will also identify and plot standard (regular) divergences between the indicator and the price action, OR it can be set to identify and plot hidden (reverse) divergences between the indicator and the price action. The divergences themselves are implemented as lines (default green for bullish divergence and red for bearish divergence) drawn in the indicator pane. If activated via the Inputs dialog, alerts will be generated whenever a new divergence is identified or when an existing divergence is extended.

An option is also provided to highlight the divergences in the price pane. When this option is selected, shapes will be drawn above the bar highs that identify the starting/ending point of an upper (bearish) divergence, and vice-versa for lower (bullish) divergences. You can select to highlight all divergences, or just the most recent divergence.

A divergence is often a precursor to a price reversal. In a bullish (regular) divergence, price will be making lower-lows while the indicator being tracked will make higher lows which typically indicates a reduction (or reversal) in momentum. The reverse is true for a bearish (regular) divergence.

When a security is in a strong trend, regular divergence will tend to generate a number of false signals. In this situation hidden divergences can be used to identify entry/re-entry points. A bullish (hidden) divergence occurs when price makes a higher-low while the indicator makes a lower-low. The reverse is true for a bearish (hidden) divergence.

While divergences can be used to generate entry signals, most traders use them to confirm some other trading signal. And as mentioned above, if the security is trending you would look for hidden divergences while at all other times you would focus on regular divergences.

Almost any oscillator can be used for purposes of divergence-detection, but there are certain indicators that are more effective at this task and these include the CCI, RSI, Momentum, Stochastics, and MACD. We offer divergence-checking versions of all of these.

The Inputs menu provides full control over the underlying indicator parameters as well all divergence-specific properties and cosmetics.