Z-Score
A Z-score is a statistical measurement that describes a value's relationship to the mean of a group of values, measured in terms of standard deviations. It tells a trader how many standard deviations a current price is away from its historical average.
A Z-score of zero indicates the price is exactly at the mean, while a positive or negative Z-score indicates how far above or below it is. In trading, a high absolute Z-score suggests an extreme move that may be due for a reversal.
This is a key metric for quantitative strategies that rely on mean reversion. It allows traders to standardize different assets and compare their relative performance.
By setting thresholds for Z-scores, investors can automate their entry and exit points. It is a powerful tool for removing emotion from trading decisions and focusing on objective data.
Z-scores are essential for any trader who uses statistical analysis to guide their market participation.