Spread Chart
Overview
The Spread Chart feature enables different data files to be combined together into one chart, and can be used to create custom indices or to perform Relative Strength Comparisons. The options available are Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division spreads.
**NOTE:** since spread charts were introduced in Optuma these alternative tools and features have been added:
To create relative strength ratios between two symbols (similar to a Division Spread) see these options:
-
Relative Index Comparison tool: https://help.optuma.com/kb/faq.php?id=502
-
Relative Strength Charts:
To create more complex charts using any mathematical formula you can create your own custom formulas:
- Custom Code Builder: <../scripting/custom-code-builder>
*Note: By default, the Spread Chart will be displayed as a line, but this can be changed in the Properties.*
Opening a Spread Chart
To open a Spread chart, go to the New menu, expand the Multi-Code Chart section, expand the Spread section, and select which Spread option you would like to create (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication or Division).
In the window that opens, enter the codes you wish to use to generate the spread chart.
Once all the codes have been added, go to the bottom-right corner of the window and click Open.
Another way to open a Spread Chart is to press F3 on your keyboard to open the Security Selection Window. Press the Multiple Codes button in the top right of the Security Selection before entering the codes you wish to open in the Spread Chart. After the desired codes have been selected, click on Open List As… in the bottom-right corner of the window before mousing down to Open Spread Chart.
From here, an Addition Spread Chart will open. If you wish to use a Subtraction, Multiplication, or Division chart, click on Addition in the Chart Title and select the type of chart you wish to open instead.
Add or Remove Codes
To Add codes to an existing spread chart, click on the + button in the Chart Title and type in the code before pressing Enter on your keyboard to add it.
Alternatively, to remove a code from an existing spread chart, mouse over the name of the stock and click on the red x that appears.
Actions & Properties
Actions
Apply Settings to All: When multiple Spreads have been applied to a chart, page or workbook, this action can be used to apply the settings of the one selected to other instances of the tool. This is a great time saver if an adjustment is made to the tool - such as changing the colour - as this allows all the other Spreads in the chart, page or entire workbook to be updated instantly.
Copy Tool: Allows you to copy the selected Spread, which can then be pasted onto a different chart window.
Move to Back: If the lines of the chart are displaying in front of other tools or indicators clicking this action will move the lines view to the background.
Move to Front: If the lines of the chart are displaying behind other tools or indicators on the chart, clicking this action will bring the lines to the forefront.
Restore Default Settings: Click this action if you have adjusted the default settings of the Spread chart, and wish to return to the standard properties originally installed with Optuma.
Save Settings as Default: If you have adjusted any of the Spread Chart properties (colour for example) you can save the adjustments as your new default setting. Each time you apply a new Spread to a chart, the tool will display using the new settings.
Delete: Delete the Spread from the chart.
Properties
Tool Name: Allows you to adjust the name of the chart, as it’s displayed in the Structures Panel.
Time Frame: Gives you the option of changing the Spread chart’s time frame (1 Day, 1 Week, etc).
Default Price Unit: Used to set the Price Unit various Gann-based tools will use by default when applied to the selected chart. For example, setting the Default Price Unit to 0.01 will set any Gann Fan applied to the chart to use 0.01 as its price unit. For more information on the Price Unit, please click here.
Spread Type: Allows you to change the style of Spread chart displayed (Addition, Division, Multiplication or Subtraction).
Display: Can nominate to display either of the following values: Close, Open, High, Low, Median Price, Average Price.
Line Style: The Line Style property allows you to adjust the type of line displayed. There are 8 options available: Solid, Dots, Dash, Dash Dots, Long Dash, Long Dash Dot, Long Dash Dot Dot, Stippled.
Colour Scheme: The Colour Scheme option is not applicable to Spread Charts, so is locked to a Single Colour.
Plot Style: Allows you to change how the Spread chart is displayed. There are 8 options available: Line, Dot, Histogram, Step, Shaded, Shaded Step, Bars, Candles.
Line Width: Allows you to adjust the thickness of the Spread chart line.
Line Colour: Allows you to change the colour of the Spread chart line.
Offset: Moves the Spread chart forward or backwards in time. The offset is measured in bars, so a value of 2 will push the tool forward 2 periods and -2 will move the plot of the Spread chart back 2 periods.
Tool Transparency: Use this slider bar to adjust the transparency of the chart. Moving the slider to the left will increase the transparency of the chart.
Visible: Un-tick this checkbox to hide the chart.
Show In Price Scale: Tick this box to show the latest value in the price scale.