RSI INDICATOR EXPLAINED – WHAT IS THE RSI INDICATOR?
The “Relative Strength Index”, or “RSI”, indicator is a popular member of the “Oscillator” family of technical indicators. J. Welles Wilder created the RSI in order to measure the relative changes that occur between higher and lower closing prices. Traders use the index to determine overbought and oversold conditions, valuable information when setting entry and exit levels in the forex market.
The RSI is classified as an “oscillator” since the resulting curve fluctuates between values of zero and 100. The indicator typically has lines drawn at both the “30” and “70” values as warning signals. Values exceeding “85” are interpreted as a strong overbought condition, or “selling” signal, and if the curve dips below “15”, a strong oversold condition, or “buying” signal, is generated.
RSI FORMULA
The RSI indicator is common on Metatrader4 trading software, and the calculation formula sequence involves these straightforward steps:
Choose a predetermined period “X” (Standard value is “14”, although a value of “8” or “9” tends to be more sensitive;
Calculate “RS” = (Average of “X” periods up closes/Average of “X” periods down closes;
RSI = 100 – [100/(1 + RS)]
Software programs perform the necessary computational work and produce an RSI indicator as displayed in the bottom portion of the following chart:
The RSI indicator is composed of a single fluctuating curve.
Large surges in price changes can cause the RSI indicator to give false signals. It is prudent to complement the RSI with another indicator. Wilder also believed that the forte of the indicator was revealed when its values diverged from the prevailing prices in the market.
If you don't like the standard RSI, you can try the Currency RSI Scalper.
All my developments: https://www.mql5.com/en/users/genino/seller
