[isatrader]

To add to your discussion. I find one of the best ways to help identify the index Stages is to use the Percentage of stocks above their 150 day MA data for that index. For example:

60% and above: Stage 2
41 to 59% range: Stages 1 or 3
Below 40%: Stage 4

These are rough figures. But for the most part are fairly good estimations when combined with significant breakout levels and various other measures that we look for to determine the Stages. So might be a good additional parameter to add to your screener if you can get the data for it as an additional test into your screener.