VWMA

Modified on 2017/02/28 11:42 by Eugene — Categorized as: TASCIndicators

Syntax

public VWMA(Bars bars, int period, string description)
public static VMWA(Bars bars, int period, double deviations)

Parameter Description

bars	Bars object
period	Indicator calculation period

Description

The Volume Weighted Moving Average (VWMA) is the same a simple moving average except that it gives different weight to each bar's price. The idea behind VWMA is to place a greater emphasis to the price in times of heavy trading activity.

Calculation

Volume weighted moving average is calculated as follows:

VWMA = (Sum of Price * Volume for Lookback Period) / Sum for Volume for Lookback Period

For simplicity's sake, Wealth-Lab's implementation assumes the Close price as the basis price for calculating VWMA.

Interpretation

The VWMA is usually employed together with a comparable SMA. The difference between them shows the effect of volume weighting. Here is just a sample of trading ideas using the VWMA:

Using a SMA as a benchmark with the same lookback period, the VWMA could be used to confirm trend direction.
If VWMA moves below SMA, it may mean that the trend lacks volume support. A divergence could be used as a counter-trend signal.
The VWMA crossing above the SMA may signal a potential bullish trend change.
A tightening distance between the VWMA and the SMA may suggest an exit point or profit taking.

Example

Please refer to April 2017 Traders' Tip article's code.