What is Chaikin Money Flow?

Chaikin Money Flow (CMF)
Forex Trading Glossary

Quick Answer: Chaikin Money Flow is a volume-weighted oscillator that reveals whether money is flowing into or out of a market.

What is Chaikin Money Flow (CMF)?

Chaikin Money Flow is a volume-weighted oscillator that measures buying and selling pressure. It evaluates whether money is flowing into or out of a market by combining price action with volume.

How CMF Works

  • Money flow multiplier: Locates the close within the period's range.
  • Money flow volume: Multiplier multiplied by volume.
  • CMF value: Sum of money flow volume over a set number of periods divided by total volume.
  • Oscillation: Values move between +1 and -1.

Interpreting CMF

Positive readings point to accumulation, negative readings point to distribution.

Trading Applications

  • Trend confirmation: Pair positive CMF with bullish breakouts.
  • Divergence signals: Watch for CMF failing to confirm new price highs.
  • Filter entries: Combine with price action or volatility tools.
  • Adjust settings: Shorter lookbacks react faster but add noise.

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