DMI Toolbox Strategy

The Directional Movement Index (DMI) was originally developed by J. Welles Wilder Jr. in 1978. Wilder introduced the DMI along with the Average Directional Index (ADX) in his book, “New Concepts in Technical Trading Systems,” which became a foundational reference for technical analysis.

The indicator can offer a myriad of signals for building a trading strategy. In an effort to provide the user with a meaningful way to evaluate these signals, this DMI Toolbox Strategy offers the chance to back-test various combinations and permutations of DMI signals on long trades. By default it will open a long position on the +DI (upward movement) crossing above the -DI (downward movement). By default, It exits long positions when the ADX (trend strength) reverses.

Suggested Use

Try a wide variety of long entry and exit signals across many different timeframes to see what is most effective for the item you wish to trade. There is a table in the upper right corner that will give a quick view of which signal is dominant across 5 timeframes, based on your current settings. Adjust the pyramidding, slippage, and commission values to more closely match your situation.

Visual Helpers

The DMI indicator has been altered to include a smoothed version of the ADX, as well as a colored background to show which signal is dominant (+DI or -DI). Small up arrows call your attention to ADX crossovers that may indicate a significant threshold in trend strength.