Stiffness Index

Stiffness Index Indicator

Overview
The Stiffness Index is a technical analysis indicator created by Markos Katsanos and first introduced in the November 2018 issue of Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities magazine. This indicator attempts to recognize strong price trends by counting the number of times price was above the 100-day moving average during the indicator period.

Core Philosophy
The premise is the fewer number of times price penetrates the MA, the stronger the trend. The philosophy behind this indicator is that traders should trade when the trend is at its strongest point - when the trend is at its "stiffest". Based on the observation that in strong long-lasting uptrends, price seldom penetrates the 100-bar simple moving average, this indicator helps assess the quality and strength of an uptrend.

How It Works
The Stiffness Index operates through several key components:

1. Moving Average Baseline: Uses a 100-period moving average as the primary reference level
2. Volatility Threshold: Includes a volatility threshold to eliminate minor movements - typically 0.2 standard deviations to reject minimal penetrations above the moving average
3. Counting Mechanism: Calculates the stiffness coefficient as the ratio of the number of times the price has closed above the moving average during the indicator period to the length of that period
4. Smoothing: Applies additional smoothing to the final result for cleaner signals

Key Components

Input Parameters
- Period 1 (100): The moving average period for the baseline calculation
- MA Method 1: Type of moving average for the baseline (SMA, EMA, SMMA, LWMA)
- Summation Period (60): The lookback period for counting closes above the moving average
- Period 2 (3): Smoothing period for the final signal line
- MA Method 2: Smoothing method for the signal line
- Threshold Level (80): Reference level for identifying strong trends

Visual Elements
- Blue Signal Line: The main stiffness reading showing trend strength
- Dotted Line: Adjustable threshold level for reference

Interpretation and Trading Applications

Signal Readings
- High Values (Above Threshold): Indicates a "stiff" trend where price consistently stays above the moving average with minimal penetrations
- Low Values (Below Threshold): Suggests a weaker trend with frequent penetrations of the moving average
- Original threshold levels mentioned in research range from 75-95

Trading Strategy
The original strategy suggests entering long positions when the stiffness reading reaches 90 or higher, with exits when the reading drops below 50. Some implementations use a threshold of 75 for entry confirmation.

Key Characteristics
- Designed primarily for stocks and instruments with upward bias
- Trades infrequently - typically about once per year when using strict parameters
- Best suited for trend-following strategies in strongly trending markets

Advantages
- Trend Quality Assessment: Quantifies the "stiffness" or quality of trends
- Volatility Filtering: Built-in volatility threshold reduces false signals from minor price movements
- Objective Measurement: Provides a numerical assessment of trend strength
- Customizable: Multiple parameters allow adaptation to different markets and timeframes

Best Practices
- Use in conjunction with baseline trend indicators for confirmation
- Most effective in markets with strong directional bias
- Consider the low frequency of signals when developing trading strategies
- May not be suitable for instruments that "twitch up and down" frequently

*Note: This indicator is specifically designed to identify and trade the strongest trending periods, which naturally results in fewer but potentially higher-quality trading opportunities.*