The Ease of Movement indicator shows the
relationship between volume and price change. As with Equivolume
charting, this indicator shows how much volume is required to move
prices.
The Ease of Movement indicator was developed Richard
W. Arms, Jr., the creator of Equivolume.
Interpretation
High Ease of Movement values occur when prices are
moving upward on light volume. Low Ease of Movement values occur when
prices are moving downward on light volume. If prices are not moving, or
if heavy volume is required to move prices, then the indicator will also
be near zero.
The Ease of Movement indicator produces a buy signal
when it crosses above zero, indicating that prices are moving upward
more easily; a sell signal is given when the indicator crosses below
zero, indicating that prices are moving downward more easily.
Example
The following chart shows Compaq and a 14-day Ease
of Movement indicator. A 9-day moving average was plotted on the Ease of
Movement indicator.
"Buy" and "sell" arrows were placed on the chart
when the moving average crossed zero.
Calculation
To calculate the Ease of Movement indicator, first
calculate the Midpoint Move as shown below.
Next, calculate the "High-Low" Box Ratio expressed
in eighths with the denominator dropped (e.g., 1-1/2 points = 12/8 or
just 12).
The Ease of Movement ("EMV") indicator is then
calculated from the Midpoint Move and Box Ratio.
The raw Ease of Movement value is usually smoothed
with a moving average.