What Is the Relative Strength Index? Definition, Calculation & Example

what is relative strength index

The following chart illustrates the bearish swing rejection signal. As with most trading techniques, this signal will be most reliable https://www.bigshotrading.info/ when it conforms to the prevailing long-term trend. Bearish signals during downward trends are less likely to generate false alarms.

What Does RSI Mean?

The relative strength index (RSI) measures the price momentum of a stock or other security. The basic idea behind the RSI is to measure how quickly traders are bidding the price of the security up or down. The RSI plots this result on a scale of 0 to 100.Readings below 30 generally indicate that the stock is oversold, while readings above 70 indicate that it is overbought. Traders will often place this RSI chart below the price chart for the security, so they can compare its recent momentum against its market price.

As with most trading strategies, this signal will be most reliable when it follows the long-term trend. In addition, bearish signals during downward trends are less likely to provoke false alarms. Develop a trading strategy in conjunction with other technical analysis tools. Generally, an RSI reading of 70 or above indicates overbought conditions. Conversely, a reading of 30 or below points to an oversold situation. However, these traditional levels can be altered to fit the particular security better. For instance, if the security is repeatedly reaching the overbought level of 70, you may want to alter this level to 80.

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The Relative Strength Index can also be used as a buy or sell signal when the indicator returns to a previous level of support and resistance to confirm an S/R flip. If the price and RSI bounce at a previous S/R flip level, a trader can take a position. The value of RSI oscillates from 0 to 100, with a value over 70 indicating the oversold condition and below 30 indicating the oversold condition. For a robust strategy, what is relative strength index most traders combine RSI with other indicators, such as exponential moving averages and relatively short-term moving average crossings. The Relative Strength Index is one of the most popular and widely used momentum oscillators. It was originally developed by the famed mechanical engineer turned technical analyst, J. The RSI measures both the speed and rate of change in price movements within the market.

what is relative strength index

Typically, an RSI less than 30 is considered a bullish sign, while RSI above 70 is regarded as a bearish sign. Conversely, an RSI of 30 or below suggests an oversold or undervalued condition. Taking the prior value plus the current value is a smoothing technique similar to that used in calculating an exponential moving average. This also means that RSI values become more accurate as the calculation period extends. SharpCharts uses at least 250 data points prior to the starting date of any chart when calculating its RSI values. To exactly replicate our RSI numbers, a formula will need at least 250 data points. Technical analysis focuses on market action — specifically, volume and price.

RSI Indicator – Relative Strength Index

Therefore, it’s crucial to understand where this particular momentum indicator triumphs and where it fails to get the most out of its use. Conversely, if the downtrend cannot reach 30 or below and then rallies above 70, that downtrend has weakened and could be reversing to the upside. Remember, both trend lines and moving averages are helpful technical tools to include when using the RSI in this way. Knowing the asset’s primary trend is crucial for understanding RSI readings correctly.

The RSI, or Relative Strength Index, by definition, is a technical analysis indicator first developed by J. Welles Wilder in 1978, designed to measure the strength, speed, and change of price movements on the price charts of financial assets like forex, stocks, crypto, and more. These patterns and trendlines can assist a trader in planning out a strategy, finding entries and exit points, and to gain an advantage in the market.