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Relative Rotation Graphs

Trading Term

Relative Rotation Graphs (RRGs) are a powerful visualization tool used in technical analysis to compare the relative strength and momentum of multiple securities, sectors, or asset classes against a benchmark and against each other. Developed by Julius de Kempenaer, RRGs help investors and traders quickly identify which assets are leading, lagging, improving, or weakening in performance over time—without needing to view multiple individual charts.

Each security on an RRG is represented by a moving dot or trail that rotates through four distinct quadrants:

  • Leading – High relative strength and high momentum (top right): Strong outperformers.
  • Weakening – High relative strength but declining momentum (bottom right): May be peaking.
  • Lagging – Low relative strength and low momentum (bottom left): Underperformers.
  • Improving – Low relative strength but gaining momentum (top left): Potential future leaders.

The benchmark (often the S&P 500 or another index) is fixed at the center of the chart. Securities plotted on the RRG move over time, and their trails help show the direction and speed of rotation, indicating changes in market leadership.

Relative Rotation Graphs provide a visual and comparative perspective on market dynamics, making it easier to spot sector rotation, identify buy/sell candidates, and adjust portfolio allocations. For example, if several sectors are moving from the improving to leading quadrant, it may suggest a broad-based rally is underway. Traders use RRGs for macro-level trend confirmation, while portfolio managers employ them to monitor asset rotation and optimize exposure across changing market environments. RRGs are available on platforms like StockCharts.com and increasingly within institutional analytics tools.

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