Adaptive Z-Momentum (AZM) [Blk0ut]

Adaptive Z-Momentum (AZM) is a momentum indicator that expresses the normalized deviation of price from a dynamic anchor (VWAP or EMA) in standard-score (z-score) terms, with adaptive “extreme” thresholds, trend sensitivity, and optional regime filtering. The line color, background shading, and labels help you visually discern when momentum is mild, building, or overextended.

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## Features & Concept

* Computes **z = (price – anchor) / σ**, where the anchor is either Session VWAP (intraday) or EMA (non-intraday).
* Uses exponential moving averages (EWMA) to adaptively estimate the running mean and variance, making the indicator responsive to regime changes.
* Defines an **adaptive extreme threshold** (±z threshold) based on the chosen percentile of |z| over a lookback window (e.g. 90th percentile) — dynamically adjusting to volatility environment.
* Colors the main z-line **differently when inside vs. outside the extreme thresholds**, giving immediate visual feedback.
* Optionally shades the background when momentum is over the extremes (bullish or bearish).
* Supports a **self-tuning mode** (ADX-aware) that tightens or relaxes lookback/smoothing in strong trend vs. chop regimes.
* Regime filtering options (EMA slope or ADX threshold) let you filter signals in trend vs. non-trend markets.
* Plots Δz (the change in z) in various styles to help detect acceleration or deceleration in momentum.
* Adds optional thrust/fade labels to highlight when z crosses ±extreme zones, or when momentum stalls.

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## How to Use

* Look for **z crossing** above zero (bullish momentum) or below zero (bearish momentum).
* When **z enters the extreme band**, it suggests strong momentum; when it exits, that may indicate exhaustion or reversal.
* Watch **Δz** (momentum acceleration) for clues of weakening or strengthening momentum before z itself reacts.
* Use the **regime filter** to enforce that signals only count in favorable directional markets.
* Customize inputs: lookback window, smoothing length, extreme percentile, ADX/auto settings, colors, etc., to match your trading style and timeframe.
*Use VWAP as the anchor on intraday/session charts — because it resets each session, it highlights deviations from session “fair value” and captures volume-flow bias.
*Use EMA on swing or multi-day charts — it doesn’t reset, so it preserves trend structure and gives a smoother momentum baseline across sessions.
*In trending markets, EMA tends to deliver more reliable momentum extremes; in range or mean-reversion regimes, VWAP often gives more intuitive reversal zones.

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## Limitations & Disclaimers

* Like all indicators, AZM is **lagging** (though adaptive) and should not be used as a standalone entry/exit trigger — always combine with price action, structure, or confirmation.
* The extreme thresholds are **percentile-based**, meaning in very quiet or very noisy periods, “extreme” may shift rapidly; use your eyes alongside the indicator.
* Because the script uses historical data and smoothing, earlier bars may differ from real-time behavior.
* Past behavior is no guarantee of future performance. Use proper risk management and test ideas on historical data before trading live.

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## Inputs & Customization

* **Anchor** mode: Session VWAP (intraday) or EMA
* **Lookback window** and **smoothing EMA** for computing z
* **Extreme percentile** (e.g. 90) to define ±z thresholds
* **Auto / ADX-based tuning** to allow dynamic parameter changes in trending vs chop markets
* **Regime filter** (EMA slope or ADX) to restrict signals to trending conditions
* **Color settings** for inside vs outside extremes, background shading, zero line, Δz style, labels, etc.
* **Show/hide labels**, choose Δz style (columns, histogram, line, etc.)

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## Why It’s Useful

By combining standard-score normalization with adaptive thresholds and regime sensitivity, AZM helps you see **relative momentum extremes** in a way that adjusts to market regime shifts. The dual visual cues (line color + background) reduce ambiguity at a glance.

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