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Key Takeaways

Difficulty:Intermediate
Reliability:High
Category:trend
Timeframes:1H, 4H, Daily

Average Directional Index (ADX)

trendšŸ“Š 1H, 4H, Daily

Measures trend strength without indicating direction. Values 0-100, higher = stronger trend.

Formula

Code
ADX = 14-period smoothed average of DX
DX = 100 Ɨ |+DI - -DI| / (+DI + -DI)

Detailed Explanation

The Average Directional Index (ADX) was developed by J. Welles Wilder to quantify trend strength.

**Components:** - **ADX Line**: Measures trend strength (0-100) - **+DI (Positive Directional Indicator)**: Upward movement strength - **-DI (Negative Directional Indicator)**: Downward movement strength

**Interpretation:** - 0-25: Weak or no trend (ranging) - 25-50: Strong trend - 50-75: Very strong trend - 75-100: Extremely strong trend

Parameters

Period
Default: 14
ADX calculation period

šŸ“ˆ Bullish Signals

+DI crosses above -DI with ADX > 25

šŸ“‰ Bearish Signals

-DI crosses above +DI with ADX > 25

Python Implementation

ADX with directional indicators

Python
import pandas_ta as ta
adx = ta.adx(df['high'], df['low'], df['close'], length=14)
df['ADX'] = adx['ADX_14']
df['DI_Plus'] = adx['DMP_14']
df['DI_Minus'] = adx['DMN_14']

TradingView Pine Script

Try on TradingView
JavaScript
//@version=5
indicator("ADX")
[diplus, diminus, adx] = ta.dmi(14, 14)
plot(adx, "ADX", color=color.blue)
plot(diplus, "+DI", color=color.green)
plot(diminus, "-DI", color=color.red)
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MT5 MQL5 Code

C++
int adx_handle = iADX(_Symbol, _Period, 14);
double adx[], di_plus[], di_minus[];
CopyBuffer(adx_handle, 0, 0, 3, adx);
CopyBuffer(adx_handle, 1, 0, 3, di_plus);
CopyBuffer(adx_handle, 2, 0, 3, di_minus);

Python Libraries

pandas-ta
Technical analysis
pip install pandas-ta

Common Mistakes

āœ—Using ADX alone without DI lines for direction
āœ—Trading in low ADX environments expecting trends

Confirmation Signals

DI crossover
Price action
Volume

Best For

Trend strength measurementFiltering tradesIdentifying ranging markets

šŸ’” Pro Tips

  • ā€¢ADX only measures strength, not direction
  • ā€¢Rising ADX = strengthening trend, falling ADX = weakening
  • ā€¢ADX > 40 indicates very strong trend
Last updated: December 29, 2024

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Trading involves significant risk and you may lose your capital. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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