How To Use My Favorite Indicator
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GREG GUENTHNER |
Hi Reader,
I’m not a big indicator guy.
I’m sure you’ve seen those charts on X (formerly known as Twitter) or StockTwits – multiple lines hovering over price with rows of nondescript squiggles below. They’re obnoxious, noisy, and make it near impossible to track what matters most: Price!
Instead, I like to keep it simple by applying one versatile tool that I find useful in almost every situation: the Relative Strength Index or RSI.
Today, I’ll share with you the one reason why I prefer the RSI over other technical indicators.
But first, you need to know what the Relative Strength Index is and what it is not…
What It Is and How It Works
Newbie traders often confuse the Relative Strength Index with relative strength analysis (a ratio line comparing two assets). I don’t blame them. The name can be misleading.
But J. Welles Wilder, Jr. created the RSI in the late 70s well before the popularity of relative strength analysis. Instead of identifying the assets outperforming their peers, he wanted to capture the strength of price movements…
The RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the velocity of price swings, up or down, with readings oscillating between 100 and 0. An RSI print greater than 70 is considered overbought, while oversold conditions trigger when it falls below 30. Extreme readings such as these often pinpoint key turning points in the trend.
Most analysts and traders use the Relative Strength Index for signs of exhaustion in buying or selling pressure. Remember, price doesn’t move in a straight line. Uptrends consist of rallies followed by consolidations, and downtrends unfold in a series of selloffs interrupted by brief yet forceful relief rallies.
Unless you’re a value investor or prefer to buy and hold, two components comprise every successful trade: direction and timing. That’s where the RSI comes to your aid…
By applying the momentum oscillator to your trend analysis you can better time your entries and exits. For instance, you’re likely entering at the highs when the RSI reaches overbought or exiting at a critical low when it slips into oversold territory.
That’s why so many traders use the RSI during choppy markets, buying low and selling high as prices mean revert.
But most traders are oblivious to the ways they can use this oscillator to ride the underlying trend…
Bullish or Bearish
I find extreme RSI readings valuable. However, I learned early on that the strongest markets hit overbought and stay overbought.
Plus, the Relative Strength Index oscillates at higher levels during uptrends and lower levels during downtrends, indicating who has control.
(Few traders pay attention to this small detail, but it’s crucial.)
Check out the weekly Bitcoin chart with the 14-week RSI in the lower pane …
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