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Above/Below 50-Day MA

Overview​

The Above/Below 50-Day MA profile splits the market into stocks trading above their 50-day simple moving average and stocks trading below it. The 50-day MA is the classic intermediate-term trend line, so the size balance between the two camps tells you how healthy the market's medium-term trend really is.

Coloring by year-to-date return adds a second dimension: you can see not just which side of the average each stock sits on, but whether the year's winners or losers populate each camp. Strong YTD performers falling below their 50-day MA are often the first sign of a tiring rally.

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This profile updates in real time. The percentage of stocks above the 50-day MA is one of the most widely watched breadth measures, and this map lets you see it rather than just read the number.

Strategy Focus​

  • Gauge the health of the intermediate-term trend across the whole market
  • Watch for breadth thrusts, when the above-MA camp expands quickly off a low
  • Spot deterioration, when former leaders slip below their 50-day average
  • Identify fresh recoveries, weak YTD names reclaiming their 50-day MA
  • Frame market exposure decisions around objective trend participation

Map Configuration​

  • Main Category: MA 50 Above/Below
  • Box Size: Average Turnover 3 Months ($)
  • Box Color: Return Year to Date (%)

Metrics Behind the Map​

  • MA 50 Above/Below: Splits the market by whether a ticker's last price is above or below its 50-day simple moving average.
  • Average Turnover 3 Months ($): The three-month average daily turnover, calculated as price times volume, so liquid names dominate the view.
  • Return Year to Date (%): The percentage change from the year open to the current last price, coloring each box by how the stock has done this year.

Practical Use Cases​

  • Use the size ratio of the two camps as a quick trend-health indicator
  • Look for green boxes on the below side: strong YTD names in pullbacks that may offer entries at the average
  • Look for red boxes on the above side: losers reclaiming trend, a possible early turnaround signal
  • Track the balance daily during corrections to spot the first signs of repair
  • Pair with Above/Below 200-Day MA to compare medium-term and long-term trend health