How to use the stock signal screener
- Obtain RSI, MACD and 200-day SMA readings calculated from the same completed session.
- Enter RSI(14), then choose where MACD sits relative to its signal line.
- Choose whether price is above, near or below its 200-day simple moving average.
- Read the result as bullish alignment, bearish alignment or mixed—not as a trade instruction.
Start with the 200-day average for broad trend context, compare MACD for changing momentum, then use RSI for the balance of recent gains and losses. Conflicting indicators are normal. Always check the observation time and underlying chart before interpreting a summary label.
RSI(14): recent gain and loss momentum
The Relative Strength Index is a bounded oscillator from 0 to 100. For each session, change equals current close minus previous close; gain is the positive portion, while loss is the absolute value of the negative portion. Wilder-style smoothing updates the previous 14-period averages.
Relative Strength Index
RS = Average Gain ÷ Average Loss; RSI = 100 − [100 ÷ (1 + RS)]
Readings above 70 are traditionally called overbought and readings below 30 oversold. Neither threshold proves a reversal is imminent: strong trends can keep RSI elevated or depressed for extended periods.
MACD(12, 26, 9): changes in momentum
MACD compares a faster 12-period exponential moving average with a slower 26-period EMA. A 9-period EMA of the MACD line becomes its signal line. Repeated crossovers during a sideways market can create whipsaws.
MACD and exponential averages
α = 2 ÷ (n + 1); MACD = EMA₁₂ − EMA₂₆; Histogram = MACD − Signal
An EMA updates as α × current close + (1 − α) × previous EMA. MACD above its signal line describes positive short-term momentum relative to the slower baseline, not a guaranteed positive return.
Price versus the 200-day moving average
A simple moving average gives equal weight to every included closing price. The 200-session SMA is often used as a long-term trend proxy.
200-day simple moving average
SMA₂₀₀ = Σ latest 200 closes ÷ 200; Distance % = (Close − SMA₂₀₀) ÷ SMA₂₀₀ × 100
Price above the average describes its position relative to its own history. It does not establish fair value or prove that the trend will persist.
Three hypothetical signal interpretations
Aligned upward momentum
Suppose price is 8% above its SMA200, RSI is 58, and MACD is above its signal line. The tool reports bullish alignment, describing the inputs rather than forecasting a gain.
Aligned downward momentum
Suppose price is 8% below its SMA200, RSI is 42, and MACD is below its signal. The setup is bearish alignment, but unexpected news could reverse price immediately.
Conflicting evidence
Suppose price is above its SMA200, RSI is 76, but MACD has crossed below its signal. Mixed is more honest than forcing a directional call.
Calculation methodology and limitations
Production calculations should use split-adjusted daily closes and completed sessions. At least 200 observations are needed for the long average, with additional history retained so exponential calculations can stabilize. Vendors can still differ because of adjustment policies, rounding and initialization.
This page intentionally accepts user-entered values instead of publishing undated or fabricated equity signals. A reliable implementation requires licensed split-adjusted history, completed-session timestamps and a server-rendered fallback; no provider is implied before those requirements are met. Technical patterns remain backward-looking; the SEC warns that past performance does not predict future results.
Formula references: Fidelity’s indicator methodology for RSI, MACD and the simple moving average.
Common questions
Stock Signal Screener FAQs
Is RSI above 70 an automatic sell signal?
No. It identifies strong recent gains relative to losses. RSI can remain above 70 during a persistent trend, so the reading needs price, trend and risk context.
Is RSI below 30 an automatic buy signal?
No. Falling securities can remain oversold, and business or market conditions may continue to deteriorate. An oversold label is descriptive, not a recommendation.
What does a MACD crossover mean?
It means the MACD line moved from one side of its smoothed signal line to the other. It describes a momentum change but does not establish how long it will last.
Why use a 200-day moving average?
It smooths a long span of completed trading sessions and provides a broad trend reference. Because it is backward-looking, it reacts slowly to recent price changes.
Does 200-day mean 200 calendar days?
No. For equities, it normally means 200 completed trading sessions. Weekends and market holidays are not observations.
Why can indicator values differ between chart providers?
Possible causes include adjusted versus unadjusted prices, market-close timing, rounding, missing observations, and differences in how EMA or RSI values are initialized.
Are the screener values live?
No. The evaluator uses values you enter from one completed session. FinanceBase will not present equity signals as live until a redistribution-licensed adjusted-price provider is configured.
Is a stock signal screener investment advice?
No. It is an informational calculation from historical-price indicators. Risk, diversification, fundamentals, costs, taxes and personal circumstances still matter.