In the stock market, RS stands for Relative Strength. It is a technical analysis tool used to compare the performance of a particular stock against a benchmark or the overall market. Relative strength helps investors understand how well a stock is performing compared to the broader market or its peers. It is a valuable tool for identifying stocks that are outperforming the market and can be used to inform buying and selling decisions.
- Measurement of Performance: Relative strength measures the price performance of a stock relative to another stock, index, or benchmark1. It is calculated by dividing the stock price by the benchmark price1.
- Trading Strategy: Investors can use relative strength to buy stocks that are outperforming the market and hold them until their performance deteriorates. This strategy involves buying the strongest stocks and selling them when their performance weakens2.
- Indicator in IBD: In the context of the IBD (Investor's Business Daily) methodology, the relative strength line is a graphical representation of a stock's performance relative to the S&P 500. It is plotted below the price chart and can rise even when the stock price is falling, indicating relative strength3.
- Contrast with RSI: While relative strength measures performance relative to a benchmark, the RSI (Relative Strength Index) measures the speed and change of price movements within a given period of time. RSI is used to determine overbought or oversold conditions in a market1.
In summary, RS in the stock market is a tool that helps investors gauge the relative performance of a stock against a benchmark, which can inform their trading strategies and help them make more informed decisions.