This indicator serves to measure the volatility of the price in relation to the average. It serves four purposes:
1. Identify abnormal prices, extremely stretched in relation to an average; 2. Identify acceptable prices in the context of the main trend; 3. Identify market crashes; 4. Identify divergences.
█ CONCEPTS
The LS Volatility Index was originally described by Brazilian traders Alexandre Wolwacz (Stormer), Fabrício Lorenz, and Fábio Figueiredo (Vlad)
Basically, this indicator can be used in two ways:
1. In a mean reversion strategy, when there is an unusual distance from it; 2. In a trend following strategy, when the price is in an acceptable region.
Perhaps the version presented here may have some slight differences, but the core is the same. The original indicator is presented with a 21-period moving average, but here this value is customizable. I made some fine tuning available, namely:
1. The possibility of smoothing the indicator; 2. Choose the type of moving average; 3. Customizable period; 4. Possibility to show a moving average of the indicator; 5. Color customization.
█ CALCULATION
First, the distance of the price from a given average in percentage terms is measured. Then, the historical average volatility is obtained. Finally the indicator is calculated through the ratio between the distance and the historical volatility.
To facilitate visualization, the result is normalized in a range from 0 to 100. When it reaches 0, it means the price is on average. When it hits 100, it means the price is way off average (stretched).
1. ATR (Average True Range) Added the ability to view ATR volatility in relation to historical volatility. In a nutshell, this shows how large the candlestick's amplitude is compared to the past average amplitude. An example is found in the graphs below, in the blue area that goes from 0 to 30.
The reason for the addition: Originally the LS indicator does not have this feature. I added ATR as an auxiliary tool, to have an overview of volatility, not being restricted only to volatility in relation to a moving average.
The ATR can be hidden if you don't find this information relevant.
Here, the ATR values are normalized in the range from 0 to only 30, in order not to pollute the main indicator, which is the LS Volatility Index.
Remembering that the red line at 30 is inherent in LS. An LS with a value above 30 indicates a price possibly far from the average, while an LS with a value below 30 indicates a price close to the average.
2. Ribbon filling Now there is a possibility to place a colored background between the indicator and the indicator average.
3. Bookmarks The markers were changed from the picture format to the text format, so that the visualization remains clearer. And it also opens up the possibility for more options.
4. Color bar The special color of the 'Change bar color when indicator reaches limit' parameter will only be valid when the candle is confirmed, in order to avoid visual pollution and premature information.
5. Parameters The parameters have been reorganized to make the change easier.
6. Source code Some repetitive calls have been turned into functions. Descriptions have been improved.