Chaikin A/D Oscillator

Momentum of accumulation-distribution curves

Overview

Chaikin A/D Oscillator measures the momentum of the Accumulation/Distribution line by comparing two moving averages (3-period and 10-period). This shows whether accumulation is accelerating or distribution is intensifying.

Key Use: Detect shifts in accumulation/distribution momentum before A/D line reverses.

Formula

ADO = EMA(A/D, 3) - EMA(A/D, 10)

Where A/D = Accumulation/Distribution Line

Above Zero

Short EMA above long - accumulation accelerating

Below Zero

Short EMA below long - distribution intensifying

Use Cases

Momentum Divergence

Price at new high but ADO declining = early distribution warning.

Zero-Line Crosses

Crossovers signal shifts from accumulation to distribution.

Trend Confirmation

Strong accumulation momentum (positive ADO) confirms uptrend.

Characteristics

✓ Advantages

  • • Early momentum shifts detection
  • • Oscillator format clarity
  • • Divergence opportunities

⚠ Limitations

  • • Dependent on A/D accuracy
  • • Can be choppy in consolidation
  • • Works best with trend support

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