The Price Relative indicator compares the performance of one security to another. This indicator can be used to compare the performance of a stock against a benchmark index, such as the S&P 500, or its sector/industry group. This makes it possible to determine if a stock is leading or lagging its peers.
The Price Relative is used to gauge relative strength, which is important when it comes to stock selection. Many portfolio managers compare their performance to a benchmark, such as the S&P 500. Their goal is to outperform that benchmark. In order to achieve this goal, managers often look for stocks that are showing relative strength. Enter the Price Relative. The Price Relative rises when a stock shows relative strength and is outperforming its benchmark. Conversely, the Price Relative falls when a stock shows relative weakness and is underperforming its benchmark.