Commodity Channel Index

CCI is an oscillator that provides an indication of overbought or oversold markets.

Overview

The Commodity Channel Index, CCI, was designed to identify the beginning and the end of commodity market cycles by Donald Lambert. It has also proven effective for other markets. CCI compares the current mean price with the average mean price over a period of usually 20 days.

Interpretation

The CCI indicates the price is increasingly high compared to average prices as it moves towards +100. As the CCI drops towards -100, it indicates that the price is increasingly low compared to average prices.

Signals

  1. CCI provides a warning of overbought and oversold markets when the line crosses the +100 or the -100 levels. The actual buy or sell signal is usually provided, however, when the line then crosses back over the +/-100 level.
  2. Divergence from the price is also a good warning of a possible correction or trend reversal.
  3. Zero-line crossings can often provide a confirmation buy/sell signal or a complimentary warning of a change in trend.