RSI (Relative Strength Index): Definition and Application for Crypto Trading
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a versatile and widely-used momentum oscillator that has stood the test of time since its inception in 1978 by J. Welles Wilder Jr. As a cornerstone of technical analysis, the RSI provides traders with invaluable insights into market momentum, trend strength, and potential trend reversals. By comparing recent gains to recent losses, the RSI helps traders identify overbought and oversold conditions, enabling them to make informed decisions on when to enter or exit trades. In this article, we will delve into the inner workings of the RSI, explore its various applications in trading strategies.
The History of the RSI Indicator
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a popular momentum oscillator that was developed by J. Welles Wilder Jr., a mechanical engineer and renowned technical analyst. Wilder introduced the RSI in his groundbreaking 1978 book, "New Concepts in Technical Trading Systems," which also featured other influential technical analysis tools, such as the Average True Range (ATR) and the Parabolic SAR. Since its introduction, the RSI has become a widely adopted indicator by traders across various markets, including stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
How to interpret the RSI indicator?
The Rationale behind the RSI Indicator
The primary rationale behind the RSI is to measure the speed and change of price movements, providing traders with insights into the strength of a trend and potential trend reversals. By comparing recent gains to recent losses, the RSI helps traders identify overbought and oversold market conditions. This information is valuable for determining optimal entry and exit points in trading, as well as for assessing the overall market sentiment.
The Definition of the RSI Indicator
The RSI is a momentum oscillator that ranges from 0 to 100 and calculates the ratio of average gains to average losses over a specified period, typically 14 days. An RSI value below 30 generally indicates an oversold market, suggesting that the asset may be undervalued and due for a price increase. Conversely, an RSI value above 70 signifies an overbought market, implying that the asset may be overvalued and due for a price decrease. In addition to these extreme levels, the 50 level often serves as a neutral reference point, with values above 50 indicating bullish momentum and values below 50 suggesting bearish momentum.
We can see here that the RSI line in yellow follows the price trend.
On the picture above, we can see that the best signal is the first buy signal. The RSI line remained below the 30 mark for a longer period of time than the other signals on the picture. This indicates that the market was oversold for a long time, calling for a more probable trend reversion.
An important note: the RSI indicator gives signals that tell if the market is oversold or overbought. However, it does not automatically indicate in which direction the market is going to move. During a strong trend, the indicator may stay in the oversold/overbought zone for quite a long time. The movement of the RSI indicator can sometimes be more important and insightful than its actual value.
How to calculate the RSI indicator?
To better interpret the Relative Strength Index, it is crucial to understand what it is made of and how it is calculated. The RSI is calculated from the last X points of a chart. This value is named the period. Note that it can be calculated on any sampling frequency, no matter the timeframe of the analyzed curve. Be it ticks, the second, the minute, the hour, the day, the week or the month, the RSI does not take into account the timeframe considered.
Here is the formula to calculate the RSI over the last X points: |
In this calculation:
- H(X) = average increase over the last X points.
- B(X) = average decrease over the last X points.
- X = the number of periods and can be expressed in days, hours, minutes.
The RSI has no unit of measurement, it is adimensional. It is reduced to a base 100 and is a bounded indicator which evolves between 0 and 100. These two theoretical limits are very rarely reached, if ever.
It is important to acknowledge that the longer the chosen period is, the less sensitive the RSI is to price changes, whether upwards or downwards.
Trading Strategies with the RSI
Some popular RSI trading strategies include:
- Overbought and oversold levels: Traders look for buying opportunities when the RSI falls below 30 (oversold) and selling opportunities when the RSI rises above 70 (overbought).
- RSI divergence: When the price forms higher highs, but the RSI forms lower highs (bearish divergence), it may signal a potential trend reversal to the downside. Similarly, when the price forms lower lows, but the RSI forms higher lows (bullish divergence), it may indicate a potential trend reversal to the upside.
- RSI trendline breaks: Traders can draw trendlines on the RSI chart to identify potential trend reversals. A break of the trendline on the RSI could signal a change in market momentum.
It is impossible to trade consistently with the RSI alone as an indicator. The sole observation of the RSI can at best support a decision. Thus, we advise you to combine the RSI with other technical indicators such as the position of the price compared to Bollinger Bands or Moving Averages, and volume indicators such as the On Balance Volume to better take your decisions.
Using the RSI Indicator with Other Technical Analysis Indicators to Improve Signals
To enhance the accuracy of RSI signals, traders often combine the RSI with other technical analysis indicators, such as moving averages, trendlines, and candlestick patterns. For example, a trader could use moving average crossovers to confirm a potential trend reversal signaled by the RSI. Alternatively, a trader might look for bullish or bearish candlestick patterns that align with RSI readings, adding further confirmation to the signal. The combination of multiple indicators helps traders filter out false signals, increasing the reliability of their trading decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the RSI Indicator
1. How can I set the best period for the RSI in crypto trading?
The default period for the RSI is typically 14 days, but traders can adjust this setting to suit their trading style and the specific market conditions. A shorter period, such as 7 days, will result in a more responsive RSI, providing more frequent signals but potentially increasing the likelihood of false signals. Conversely, a longer period, such as 21 days, will produce a smoother RSI, reducing the number of false signals but potentially delaying trend reversal identification. It is essential to experiment with different settings and find the one that works best for your trading strategy and risk tolerance.
2. Can the RSI be used in different timeframes?
Yes, the RSI can be applied to various timeframes, such as hourly, daily, or weekly charts, depending on a trader's preference and trading style. Short-term traders, like day traders or scalpers, might prefer to use the RSI on shorter timeframes, such as the hourly or 15-minute charts, to capture quick price movements. In contrast, long-term traders, like swing traders or investors, may find the RSI more useful on daily or weekly charts to identify broader market trends and reversals.
3. What are the limitations of the RSI?
While the RSI is a valuable tool, it is not without limitations. The RSI can generate false signals, especially during periods of strong trends or market consolidation. Additionally, the RSI's effectiveness may vary depending on the asset, timeframe, and market conditions. To mitigate these limitations, traders should combine the RSI with other technical analysis tools and consider the broader market context when making trading decisions.