The Demand Index is a complex technical indicator that uses price and volume to assess buying and selling pressure affecting a security.
James Sibbet established six rules for using Demand Index when the technical indicator was originally published. While traders may use variations of these rules, they serve as a great baseline for using the indicator in practice.
The six rules are as follows:
A divergence between the Demand Index and price is a bearish indication. Prices often rally to new highs following an extreme peak in the Demand Index. Higher prices with a low Demand Index often indicate a top in the market. The Demand Index moving through the zero line suggests a change in trend. The Demand Index remaining near the zero line indicates weak price movement that won’t last long. A long-term divergence between the Demand Index and price predicts a major top or bottom.
Traders should use the Demand Index in conjunction with other technical indicators and chart patterns to maximize their odds of success.