Purpose of the Force Index
The Force Index, developed by Alexander Elder, multiplies the price change of each candle by its volume and smooths the result with a moving average. Large positive values show strong buying force; large negative values show strong selling force.
How It Works
When you select Force Index in the Trade Rule block, you can configure it with the following settings:
Period of Force Index
The number of candles used to smooth the result (standard: 13).
Uses a simple moving average and tick volume, MetaTrader's standard for this indicator.
Time Frame of Force Index
Sets the chart time frame for the Force Index calculation.
Can be replaced with a variable or input for quick testing and optimization.
Candle ID of Force Index
Defines which candle the calculation starts from.
0: Current candle (still forming).
1: Most recently closed candle.
Higher IDs refer to older candles.
Adjust of Force Index (Modify the Result)
Apply an adjustment to the calculated value by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing by a number.
Example
If you set:
Period: 13
Candle ID: 1
You get the Force Index value of the most recently closed candle. A value above 0 means buyers had the upper hand.
Use Cases
Use a zero-line cross to detect a change in control between buyers and sellers.
Confirm trends when the Force Index stays on one side of 0.
Spot weakening moves when price rises but the Force Index falls.
⚠ Tip: Force Index values depend on volume and differ per symbol. Compare them with 0 or with earlier values rather than with a fixed number.