Description
The PZ Lopez Impulse Indicator is a momentum and volatility detection tool that spots meaningful market events by evaluating price directionality against background volatility. By tracking how aggressively price moves and comparing that movement to average market noise, it helps identify true breakouts and high-impact reversal points.
Each bar is analyzed in real time, and the indicator generates a histogram composed of three elements:
- Blue bars: Bullish impulse – strength in upward direction
- Red bars: Bearish impulse – strength in downward direction
- Gray bars: Volatility – overall movement magnitude for the bar
- Dashed line: Average volatility – baseline to compare against impulses
How to Interpret Signals
- Buy Setup: When the blue bullish bar exceeds the average volatility line
- Sell Setup: When the red bearish bar exceeds the average volatility line
- Gray bars without significant color overlay imply noise or indecision
This approach allows you to detect...
- Breakouts backed by strong market participation
- Sharp price reversals with momentum (like hammer or shooting star formations)
- Volatile but indecisive zones, helpful for avoiding traps
The indicator is designed to be extremely easy to read and trade, especially for those who want to act quickly on short-term price impulses or validate signals from other systems. It works on any symbol or timeframe, from fast-moving scalping charts to longer swing setups. Since it is non-repainting, all signals are trustworthy for both backtesting and live decision-making.
Trading Implications
- Go long when a blue bullish impulse bar exceeds the average volatility
- Go short when a red bearish impulse bar exceeds the average volatility
- Use gray-only zones as caution signals or for fade setups
Confirm with price patterns or additional filters for added precision.
