Advance-decline ratio hits a 17-month low in August, shows data

Indicates that number of declining stocks far exceeds those advancing, and may be a bearish signal

The advance-decline ratio (or ADR) has hit a 17-month low in August, ostensibly on account of profit-taking in mid- and small-cap stocks.
 
According to the data from the bourses, the ratio so far this month stands at 0.74 — the lowest since March 2020 (0.56).
 
The markets had corrected steeply in March last year as the pandemic forced the government to declare a nationwide lockdown.
 
Interestingly, this time, the decline in the ratio comes during a month when both the leading indices, the Sensex and Nifty, have hit new highs.
 
The ratio is a popular market