RSI or Relative Strength Index is an indicator that measures overbought and oversold levels. Readings below 25-30 can be seen as oversold and readings above 70-75 can be seen as overbought.

Apply Relative Strength Index (RSI) to Your Trading Charts

RSI was invented by J. Welles Wilder and first introduced to the public in 1978. This indicator is one of the more popular ones in trading despite being relatively new. RSI measures momentum by comparing the extent of the stocks recent gains and losses by transforming this info into a number between 0-100. Many traders confuse this indicator with relative strength between two stocks. RSI has nothing to do with that though the name implies it.

Most Used Settings

RSI is formed by using the average gain/loss over a predetermined period which J. Welles Wilder recommended a period of 14. This is probably the most used setting and since the invention of RSI we have been introduced to intraday trading so we are seeing many different settings. Scalpers might use a lower setting of 7 periods but you have to figure out what your trading style is and then back test the setting to see what is best.

RSI is plotted as a number between 0-100 with overbought and oversold levels at 70 and 30. Wilder recommend these levels but I have seen many traders preferring 80-20. This will result in fewer but higher odds trades.

Probably the most used technique when using relative strength index is a crossover of 50, either to the upside or downside. When above 50, the stock has a bigger average gain then average losses but the opposite is true when RSI is under 50.

Another great use of this technique is the overbought/oversold levels. Many traders will be looking to enter the trade at these levels if its with the trend. It is important to take notice of the trend as RSI can stay either overbought or oversold for an extended period of time.

Many traders also use the overbought and oversold levels for either tightening their stops or taking profit.

Tips and Ideas

Now we have an idea of what the RSI is telling us and how to use RSI to increase our odds for success trading the stock market. Some ways to use it are:

1. Combining both the overbought or oversold level with a crossover of 50 increases the odds of success. By only taking crossover after hitting the extreme levels will ensure that your stock has enough momentum to give you a decent risk to reward.

2. Divergence is another great way to increase your odds for success. By combining the above mentioned entry with divergence you are increasing your odds for a fast profit. If price makes a new low but RSI makes a higher low it tells us that momentum to the downside is drying up and a significant bounce can occur any time now. Wait for confirmation of the 50 crossover and you have yourself a high odds trade.

Relative Strength Index RSI Chart

Our Implementation

Here is another overbought oversold signal technical indicator (oscillator) coming up for you in our next stock market education technical analysis section Stochastic

Comments

3A%2F%2F0.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D60&r=G /% Jackson says

Hi, great website. I am learning a lot from you. I am a beginner trader and I find your information so useful!

Just a quick question. I have been looking around for a program where I can get everyday prices of stock, plot DMA, plot RSI, plot Divergence lines, resistance, floors and ceilings but I still couldnt find any. What program are you using to plot these lines?

It will really help me.

Thank you!

Jackson

3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D60&r=G /% Philip says

3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D60&r=G /% Venky says