The New Highs-Lows Cumulative indicator is a
long-term market momentum indicator. It is a cumulative total of the
difference between the number of stocks reaching new 52-week highs and
the number of stocks reaching new 52-week lows.
Interpretation
The New High-Low Cumulative indicator provides a
confirmation of the current trend. Most of the time, the indicator will
move in the same direction as major market indicies. However, when the
indicator and market move in opposite directions, it is likely that the
market will reverse.
The interpretation of the New Highs-Lows Cumulative
indicator is similar to the Advance/Decline Line in that divergences
occur when the indicator fails to confirm the market index's high or
low. Divergences during an up-trending market indicate potential
weakness, while divergences in a down-trending market indicate potential
strength.
Example
The following chart shows the S&P 500 and the New
Highs-Lows Cumulative indicator.
A classic divergence occurred during 1985 and 1986
where the S&P 500 Index was making new highs, but the New Highs-Lows
Cumulative indicator was failing to surpass its previous highs. This was
followed by the crash of 1987.
Calculation
The New Highs-Lows Cumulative indicator is simply a
cumulative total of the number of stocks making new 52-week highs minus
the number of stocks making new 52-week lows.