Volatility Momentum in Python

Coding and Trading a Volatility-Adjusted RSI in Python

Sofien Kaabar, CFA
8 min readOct 22, 2022

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Structured indicators are the result of fusing two or more together to form a weighted or adjusted indicator that takes into account more variables. For example, we know that there is a Stochastic-RSI indicator which combines the two formulas together in an attempt to improve the signals, this article discusses the creation of an RSI-ATR indicator which adjusts the RSI for the average true range, a measure of volatility.

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The Relative Strength Index

First introduced by J. Welles Wilder Jr., the RSI is one of the most popular and versatile technical indicators. Mainly used as a contrarian indicator where extreme values signal a reaction that can be exploited. Typically, we use the following steps to calculate the default RSI:

  • Calculate the change in the closing prices from the previous ones.
  • Separate the positive net changes from the negative net changes.
  • Calculate a smoothed moving average on the positive net changes and on the absolute values of the negative net changes.
  • Divide the smoothed positive changes by the smoothed negative changes. We will refer to this calculation as the Relative Strength — RS.
  • Apply the normalization formula shown below for every time step to get the RSI.

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Sofien Kaabar, CFA

Top writer in Finance, Investing, Business | Trader & Author