Trend indicators
VIDYA: Variable Index Dynamic Average
An exponential average that speeds up when momentum is strong and slows down when it is weak.
The idea in plain words
It watches the balance between up moves and down moves (the Chande Momentum Oscillator). Strong one-sided momentum makes the average follow faster; balanced, indecisive trading makes it slow.
How it is calculated
CMO compares the sum of recent up-moves with the sum of down-moves. Its absolute value (0 to 1) scales the speed of an EMA.
CMO = (sum of ups − sum of downs) ÷ (sum of ups + sum of downs) over 9 candles
k = 2 ÷ (12 + 1)
VIDYA today = close × k × |CMO| + VIDYA yesterday × (1 − k × |CMO|)How to use it
- A trend line that stays calm in sideways markets and reacts in strong moves.
- Combine with a breakout: VIDYA turning steeply confirms momentum.
Drawing conclusions
- Flat VIDYA: momentum is balanced, trend signals are unreliable.
Example
On a stock index H1 chart VIDYA stays flat through a quiet morning, then tilts sharply when the price breaks out after a news release.
Prices in examples are illustrative.
Watch out for
- Its speed changes can look erratic on very short timeframes.
A little history
Tushar Chande introduced VIDYA in Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities in 1992.
Educational content only. No indicator or pattern predicts the future, and nothing here is investment advice.