Intraday trading
How do I read the TICK index to gauge broad-market intraday buying vs selling pressure?
By Easy Money Scanner · Educational reference · Not investment advice
The short answer
The TICK index measures the number of NYSE-listed stocks trading on an uptick minus those on a downtick at a given moment, offering a real-time gauge of broad market buying or selling pressure.
How it works
Extreme TICK readings (e.g., above +1000 or below -1000) are often used by scalpers to identify short-term exhaustion points in index-wide momentum.
An example
A TICK reading of -1200 during a market sell-off may suggest a near-term oversold condition where a short-term bounce could occur.
Risk & limitations
TICK readings are noisy, can remain extreme for extended periods during strong trends, and should be combined with other indicators rather than used in isolation.
Examples are hypothetical, not trade recommendations. US contract and regulatory references do not automatically apply in Canada. Rules, margin requirements and broker policies can change; confirm them with the relevant authority and your broker.