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What is relative strength (RS)? How it relates to RPS for Japan stocks
⚡ Quick answer (Speakable)
Relative strength (RS) is an umbrella term for how strong a stock’s price performance is versus other names in the same market. On this site we call it RPS (Relative Price Strength) and show it as per-window in-market percentiles (roughly 1–99)—RPS20, 50, 90, 120, 250. A high reading means “relatively high in that window,” not a buy or sell recommendation.
🤖 Short summary (TL;DR)
In English investing usage you often see “RS,” “relative strength,” or “RS Rating.” RPS Stock’s RPS is a same-market, same-observation-date cross-sectional rank by window. It is designed differently from IBD-style weighted RS Rating approximations. When you cite a number, keep market, window, observation date, and valid sample together.
⚠️ Method boundaries (read first)
- RPS is a percentile of close-to-close price performance ranked among valid same-market names.
- Example markets: Japan (TSE), US, Hong Kong, China A-shares. Japan coverage is described on-site as 3,700+ TSE listings (valid count varies by data date).
- Display windows: RPS20 / RPS50 / RPS90 / RPS120 / RPS250.
- A research metric for screening and sorting—not a rating, forecast, or investment advice.
- ; revised only when page facts or methodology change.
1. What relative strength (RS) means
In equities, relative strength (RS) asks whether a stock’s move over a chosen window was relatively strong versus other stocks in the same market. The focus is cross-sectional comparison, not absolute return alone.
You will see several overlapping labels:
- Relative strength / RS — umbrella term for relative price strength
- RS Rating — often discussed as a single score
- Relative Price Strength / RPS — the term used on this site
All of these usually point at “relative strength inside a market,” but formulas, universes, and refresh timing differ by provider. Do not treat numbers from different services as identical.
For core definitions and calculation overview, see What is RPS? Complete guide and How stock RPS is calculated.
2. Mapping everyday “RS” to this site’s RPS
People say “high RS stocks” in conversation, while the product UI shows “RPS.” This page bridges that vocabulary gap.
| Common phrasing | On this site | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Relative strength / RS | RPS (Relative Price Strength) | In-market relative price strength; always check the window |
| RS Rating (one score) | Period RPS20 / 50 / 90 / 120 / 250 | We show per-window percentiles, not one weighted blend |
| Phrases like “RS 80+” | e.g. research filter RPS120 ≥ 80 | Describes an upper band—not a buy signal |
An RPS reading is the percentile (roughly 1–99) of window performance among the valid same-market sample. Example: RPS90 = 85 means “on that observation date and window, ahead of about 85% of the valid sample”—not “price rose 85%.”
3. IBD-style RS Rating vs period RPS
Growth-stock / CANSLIM write-ups often describe IBD’s RS Rating as a single 1–99 score built by weighting several return windows. A frequently cited approximation uses 63 / 126 / 189 / 252 day performance with weights 0.4 / 0.2 / 0.2 / 0.2.
That weighting is a commonly circulated approximation. IBD’s proprietary details are not fully public, so the approximation may differ from the live product. This site does not reproduce or guarantee IBD numbers.
| Angle | IBD-style RS Rating (typical description) | RPS Stock RPS |
|---|---|---|
| Output shape | Often framed as one blended score | Per-window percentiles (e.g. RPS20 and RPS250 shown separately) |
| Windows | Compressed via weights | Short-to-long shown side by side—easier to spot alignment or divergence |
| Transparency | Official detail partly unpublished (approximations common) | Explained as in-market return → rank → percentile |
| Use boundary | Relative-strength clue for study | Same: research cross-section. Not trade advice |
Practical takeaway: “high RS Rating” cannot be compared directly to this site’s RPS50 or RPS250 unless you know which windows were blended how. Align market, similar window, and observation date first.
4. Don’t confuse RS/RPS with RSI
Broker glossaries widely explain RSI (Relative Strength Index). Similar names invite the myth that “relative strength = RSI.” They are different tools.
- RPS / relative strength (price): cross-sectional comparison across names
- RSI: a time-series oscillator from one name’s up/down moves
See the contrast table in RPS vs RSI.
5. How to read numbers on Japan stocks (as a research filter)
On the Japan screening view (Japan RPS rankings) you can sort TSE names by period RPS. Checklist:
- Fix the market — Japan RPS ranks inside the Japan universe. Don’t mix with US RPS ranks.
- Name the window — write “RPS50 high” or “RPS250 also high,” not just “high RPS.”
- Keep the observation date — ranks can change the next day.
- Separate non-price evidence — volume, liquidity, earnings, sector, and market direction are separate notes.
- Don’t turn it into advice — high RPS is a history of relative strength, not an entry order.
If you study relative strength under CANSLIM’s “L (Leader or Laggard),” also read CANSLIM stock screening guide (research/learning only).
6. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are relative strength (RS) and RPS the same?
In a broad sense both often mean relative price strength inside a market. English usage favors RS / relative strength; this site uses RPS (Relative Price Strength). How the number is built (one weighted score vs per-window percentiles) still differs by provider.
How does RS Rating differ from RPS20/50/90?
RS Rating is often described as one blended 1–99 score across windows. This site’s RPS shows separate in-market percentiles (roughly 1–99) for RPS20, 50, 90, 120, and 250. Neither guarantees future prices.
Is this the same calculation as IBD’s RS Rating?
No. Write-ups often cite an IBD-style weighting approximation (e.g. 63/126/189/252 days at 0.4/0.2/0.2/0.2), but IBD details are not fully public. This site computes RPS as per-window in-market percentiles.
How is RPS different from RSI?
RPS is a cross-sectional rank of many stocks over the same window in one market. RSI (Relative Strength Index) is a time-series oscillator from one stock’s up/down moves. Similar names, different formulas and purposes. Details: RPS vs RSI.
Is RPS 80 or RPS 90 a buy signal?
No. A high RPS only describes that relative performance ranked in the upper band of the valid sample for that market, window, and date. It is not a trade recommendation or a guarantee of future returns.
Which Japan universe is used for comparison?
Japan RPS on this site is designed as an in-market comparison among Tokyo Stock Exchange listings. Coverage is described on-site as 3,700+ TSE names; the valid sample varies with data date, listing status, and calculability.
How does this relate to CANSLIM’s “L”?
In William O’Neil’s CANSLIM, relative strength is a quantitative clue for “L” (Leader or Laggard). This site’s RPS can serve as a research filter for that idea—it is not a substitute for the whole CANSLIM framework or investment advice. Related: CANSLIM strategy guide.
Research-screen with Japan RPS rankings
Sort TSE names by period relative price strength (RPS). Figures summarize past in-market ranks—not investment advice or trade recommendations.
Open Japan RPS rankings