Discrete Fourier Transformed Money Flow Index

3 jul 2023

The Discrete Fourier Transform Money Flow Index indicator integrates the Money Flow Index (MFI) with Discrete Fourier Transform (credit to author wbburgin - May 26 2023 tradingview.com/v/gThgCf69/) smoothing to offer a refined and smoothed depiction of the MFI's underlying trend. The MFI is calculated using the formula: MFI = 100 - (100 / (1 + MR)), where a high MFI value indicates robust buying pressure (signaling an overbought condition), and a low MFI value indicates substantial selling pressure (signaling an oversold condition).

Why is the DFT and MFI combined?
The aim of this combination between DFT and MFI is to effectively filter out short-term fluctuations and noise, enabling a clearer assessment of the overall trend. This smoothing process enhances the reliability of the MFI by emphasizing dominant and sustained buying or selling pressures. This script executes a full DFT but only uses filtering from one frequency component. The choice to focus on the magnitude at index 0 is significant as it captures the dominant or fundamental frequency in the data. By analyzing this primary cyclic behavior, we can identify recurring patterns and potential turning points more easily. This streamlined approach simplifies interpretation and enhances efficiency by reducing complexity associated with multiple frequency components. Overall, focusing on the dominant frequency and applying it to the MFI provides a concise and actionable assessment of the underlying data.

Note: The FMFI indicator provides both smoothed and non-smoothed versions of the MFI, with the option to toggle the original non-smoothed MFI on or off in the settings.

Application
FMFI functions as a trend-following indicator. Bullish trends are denoted by the color white, while bearish trends are represented by the color purple. Circles plotted on the FMFI indicate regular bull and bear signals. Additionally, red arrows indicate a strong negative trend, while green arrows indicate a strong positive trend. These arrows are calculated based on the presence of regular bull and bear signals within overbought and oversold zones. To enhance its effectiveness, it is recommended to combine this indicator with other complementary technical analysis tools and integrate it into a comprehensive trading strategy. Traders are encouraged to explore a wide range of settings and timeframes to align the indicator with their unique trading preferences and adapt it to the current market conditions. By doing so, traders can optimize the indicator's performance and increase their potential for successful trading outcomes.

Utility
Traders and investors can employ this indicator to enhance their trend-following strategies. The white-colored components of the FMFI can help identify potential buying zones, while the purple-colored components can assist in identifying potential selling points. The red and green arrows can be used to pinpoint moments of strong bull or bear momentum, allowing traders to position themselves advantageously in their trading activities. Please note that future performance of any trading strategy is fundamentally unknowable, and past results do not guarantee future performance.