Understanding the 5 Day Range Percent Filter

The 5 Day Range % Filter returns the difference between the highest and lowest prices a stock has traded within the previous 5 days as a percentage. It does not count the current day’s prices.

The exact formula is: (5d range($)/5d_low($)) x 100

As an example, if the 5 day range for a stock was $5, and the 5 day low was $25, then the 5 day range % would be 20%.

5 Day Range Percent Filter Settings

Activating the 5 Day Range (%) Filter is straightforward. You'll find its settings under the Window Specific Filters Tab in your Alert and Top List Configuration Window.

You can set a minimum and/or maximum value, and stocks that don't fit within your parameters are automatically excluded from your scan results.

• To find stocks with a 5-Day Range of at least 5%, add the 5 Day Range (%) Filter to your scan and enter 5 in the minimum field in the Windows Specific Filters Tab.

• To find stocks with a 5-Day Range of no more than 10%, add the 5 Day Range (%) Filter to your scan and enter 10 in the maximum field in the Windows Specific Filters Tab.

• To find stocks with a 5-Day Range between 5% and 10%, add the 5 Day Range (%) Filter to your scan and enter 5 in the minimum field and 10 in the maximum field in the Windows Specific Filters Tab.

Using the 5 Day Range Percent Filter in Trading

The 5 Day Range Percent Filter is a useful tool for traders, particularly those employing strategies that capitalize on volatility or range-bound markets. Here's how traders might use this filter in their strategies:

- Identifying volatile stocks for short-term trades: Traders interested in short-term, high-risk trading such as day trading or swing trading can use this filter to identify stocks that have exhibited significant price movement over the past 5 days. By setting a high minimum value, traders can find stocks that have a wide range and are therefore potentially volatile.

- Identifying range-bound stocks for swing trading: The filter can also be used to identify stocks that have been trading within a certain range. By setting both a minimum and maximum value, traders can find stocks that are not too volatile but still exhibit enough price movement for profitable swing trades. Once identified, the trader can then use other analysis techniques to determine the best entry and exit points within the stock's trading range.

- Excluding overly volatile or flat stocks from scans: If a trader is looking for stable, moderately volatile stocks for a longer-term investment strategy, they could use this filter to exclude stocks that are too volatile or have little to no movement. Setting a maximum value would exclude stocks with high volatility, while setting a minimum value would exclude flat stocks.

- Sector comparison: Traders can also use this filter to compare the volatility of different sectors. By running scans for stocks within specific sectors and comparing the results, traders can identify which sectors are currently the most volatile. This information can be useful for sector-based strategies.

FAQs about 5 Day Range Percent

What is the purpose of the 5-day range % filter?

Traders use this filter to identify stocks that have experienced significant price fluctuations over the past five trading days. It helps them identify potentially volatile stocks for trading opportunities.

How do I calculate the 5-day range %?

The 5-day range % is calculated by dividing the 5 day range ($) by the 5 day low ($) then multiplying by 100 to express as a percentage.

What threshold should I use for the filter?

The threshold for the filter depends on individual trading strategies and risk tolerance. Some traders may use a fixed percentage, such as 5% or 10%, while others may adjust it based on market conditions or the specific characteristics of the stocks they're trading.

How do I interpret stocks that meet the filter criteria?

Stocks that meet the filter criteria indicate higher volatility or significant price movements over the past five days. Traders may further analyze these stocks to determine whether to buy, sell, or hold positions based on their trading strategies and risk management techniques.