Learning Center

Market Similarity

What Is Market Similarity?

A short-term signal that ranks a stock on how closely a stock mirrors the “market” based on the performance of the S&P 500 index. It does not distinguish between the direction of a stock’s price (up or down). A high number just means it is moving with the market. A low number means it is likely to outperform or underperform vs. the market. Use this signal with others to decide to buy, hold, or sell.

How to use Market Similarity?

Market Similarity ranges from 0 to 100 and can be examined for a certain stock or an aggregation of stocks such as ETFs.

A High Market Similarity (80+) indicates movement very close to the S&P 500, both in direction and amount.

A Low Market Similarity (20 or less) indicates stock price movement that significantly deviates from the movements of the S&P 500. This implies higher risk, as it means there is a higher potential for deviation from the market's performance. It also means a potential higher reward.

A portfolio with low Market Similarity could provide some insulation against losses in a market crash. It could also prevent it from benefitting when markets boom.

It is essential to research historical tracking patterns, as stocks might be similar to the S&P 500 in rising markets but not during falling markets.

Update Frequency and Usage for Market Similarity

Market Similarity updates once per day. It doesn't move too fast and as a result, is good to leverage whenever you see the number.