Adaptive Super Bands is a volatility band indicator for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Unlike traditional Bollinger Bands, which use Standard Deviation with equal weighting across all bars, this indicator uses an Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) variance model. EWMA places more weight on recent price action, allowing the bands to respond more quickly to changes in volatility.
The indicator includes a market regime filter and a volatility-compression detector.
Core Components
1. EWMA Volatility Model
Variance is calculated using an EWMA process with a configurable decay factor (Lambda, default 0.94). The decay factor controls how quickly older volatility data fades from the calculation.
2. Regime Filter
A combined Average Directional Index (ADX) and R-squared (R²) filter classifies the current market state.
When ADX is below the trend threshold and R² is below the range threshold, the market is classified as ranging. The base multiplier is increased, widening the bands.
When ADX is above the trend threshold and R² is above the range threshold, the market is classified as trending. The base multiplier is reduced, tightening the bands.
3. Squeeze Detection
The current band width is compared to its 100-bar history using a Z-Score calculation. When the Z-Score drops below -1.0, the indicator marks a Squeeze state. The middle line color changes to reflect this state.
4. Signal Arrows
Buy and Sell arrows are plotted at bar close when price has rejected the outer band. Arrows are confirmed at candle close and are not redrawn after the bar closes.
Inputs
Middle EMA Period — central baseline period (default 20)
Base Multiplier (K) — standard band width multiplier (default 2.0)
Volatility Memory (Lambda) — EWMA decay factor (default 0.94)
ADX Period — regime filter lookback (default 14)
Trend Threshold ADX — ADX value above which trend is confirmed (default 25.0)
Trend Threshold R-squared — R² value above which trend is confirmed (default 0.30)
Range Threshold R-squared — R² value below which range is confirmed (default 0.10)
Range Multiplier Boost — band widening in ranges (default +0.50)
Trend Multiplier Cut — band tightening in trends (default -0.50)
Squeeze Lookback — bars used in Z-Score calculation (default 100)
Squeeze Threshold — Z-Score level that triggers Squeeze state (default -1.00)
Popup Alert — enable MetaTrader popup notifications
Push Notification — enable mobile push notifications
Email Alert — enable email notifications
Sound Alert — enable sound notifications
Compatibility
The indicator works on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. It is compatible with all instruments and all timeframes from M1 to MN. Default settings are calibrated for H1 and above. For lower timeframes, increase Volatility Memory to 0.97 for smoother output.
Installation
1. Download the file from MQL5 Market
2. Restart MetaTrader if needed
3. Drag the indicator onto any chart
For questions about parameters or behavior, please use the Comments tab.