[RT] Measuring S&P Momentum/Strength

[Brian Keith Voiles <admagic@xxxxxxxx>]

Is there a simple way to measure the momentum or strength of any
given move in the S&P?

For example:

I day trade the S&P.  Let's say I'm long from 1420 with a sell stop at 1415.
And let's say the long position is going my way... and its presently up to 
1426.8.
Then suddenly, there is an attempt to turn the price action down (because I use
candlesticks, I watch the price action... and if there's a doji or VTop 
candle that's
about to close... that's an "okay" indicator that a reversal could happen).

What I want to "know" is what's the best way to measure the strength of that
potential reversal... how can I measure it's momentum or potential strength 
well
enough to know that it's time to take the profits out of the market... or 
if I should
just tighten my stop (my experience suggests I shouldn't move the stop any 
closer
than $1,250... otherwise if the trade turns into a nice up move chances are 
I'll
get stopped out and "miss" the move even though I locked in some small 
profits).

I'd like some assistance in finding an indicator that will accommodate one 
of my rules,
which states:

"When price action shows a potential reversal, but the momentum of the 
reversal is weak,
allow the reversal bar to close, then move the stop loss up to 5 points 
away from the close
of the potential reversal bar."

Any advice from experienced pros is welcome.  Thanks.
Sincerely,
Brian Voiles