Squeeze Momentum Indicator

Identifies periods of low volatility before large moves

Overview

The Squeeze Momentum Indicator (SMI) combines Bollinger Bands (volatility) and Keltner Channels (momentum) to identify periods when the market is "squeezed" - consolidating with low volatility before explosive moves. Black dots/momentum changes signal upcoming breakouts.

Key Use: Time explosive breakouts by detecting low-volatility consolidation periods.

Formula

Squeeze = When Bollinger Bands are inside Keltner Channels

Momentum = Linear regression of (Close - SMA(Close, 20))

When squeeze ends, momentum determines direction

Squeeze Active (Black)

Low volatility - prepare for breakout.

Squeeze Released (Color)

Momentum fires - direction shown by color.

Parameters

Bollinger Bands: 20-period, 2 std dev

Keltner Channels: 20-period EMA, 1.5 ATR

Momentum: 20-period momentum with LR

Use Cases

Breakout Trading

Enter on squeeze release with momentum confirmation.

Volatility Management

Avoid trading during squeeze; scale up post-squeeze.

Trend Confirmation

Momentum color confirms direction of breakout.

Characteristics

✓ Advantages

  • • Predicts breakouts before they occur
  • • Clear visual squeeze identification
  • • Momentum direction clarity

⚠ Limitations

  • • Complex indicator layers
  • • Squeezes can last awhile
  • • Requires momentum confirmation

Tips & Best Practices

  • Black dots = squeeze active; colored dots = explosive move likely
  • Enter on momentum color change with supporting volume
  • Place stop near squeeze consolidation range
  • Works best on 15-min to daily timeframes

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