Adaptive Momentum Cycle Oscillator (AMCO)

1. Concept and Foundation
The Adaptive Momentum Cycle Oscillator (AMCO) is an advanced indicator designed to dynamically adjust to varying market conditions while identifying price cycles and trends. It combines momentum and volatility into a single, oscillating signal that helps traders detect turning points in price movements. By incorporating adaptive periods and trend filtering, AMCO ensures relevance across different asset classes and timeframes. This innovation bridges the gap between traditional oscillators and trending indicators, providing a comprehensive tool for both cycle identification and trend confirmation.

2. Dynamic Adaptation to Market Conditions
A standout feature of AMCO is its ability to adapt its sensitivity based on market volatility. Using the ATR (Average True Range) as a measure of current volatility, AMCO adjusts its calculation periods dynamically. During periods of high volatility, it extends its lookback periods to smooth out noise and avoid false signals. Conversely, in low-volatility environments, it shortens its periods to remain responsive to smaller price fluctuations. This adaptability ensures that AMCO remains effective and reliable in both trending and ranging markets.

3. Trend Awareness and Directional Weighting
AMCO integrates a trend filter based on a long-term moving average, such as SMA(200), to align its signals with the broader market direction. This filter ensures that buy signals are prioritized during uptrends and sell signals during downtrends, reducing counter-trend trades. Additionally, a directional weighting mechanism amplifies momentum signals that align with the prevailing trend. This dual-layer approach significantly enhances the accuracy of signals, making AMCO especially useful in markets with clear directional bias.

4. Normalized Visualization for Clarity
The AMCO includes a normalized histogram that provides a clear visual representation of momentum strength relative to recent volatility. By dividing the raw AMCO value by the ATR, the histogram ensures consistency across assets with varying price ranges and volatility levels. Positive bars indicate bullish momentum, while negative bars signify bearish momentum. This intuitive visualization makes it easier for traders to interpret market dynamics and act on actionable signals, regardless of asset type or timeframe.

5. Practical and Actionable Signals
AMCO generates practical signals based on zero-line crossovers, allowing traders to easily identify shifts between bullish and bearish cycles. Positive values above the zero line suggest upward momentum, signaling potential buying opportunities, while negative values below the zero line indicate downward momentum, signaling potential sell opportunities. By combining adaptive behavior, trend filtering, and momentum-strength normalization, AMCO offers traders a robust framework for navigating complex markets with confidence. Its versatility makes it suitable for scalping, swing trading, and even longer-term investing.