- The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a popular technical analysis indicator used to measure the strength of a security's price action and to identify potential overbought or oversold conditions.
- The RSI indicator oscillates between 0 and 100, with readings above 70 typically considered overbought and readings below 30 considered oversold.
- Traders use the RSI indicator to confirm trends and to identify potential trend reversals. When the RSI is above 50, it's a bullish signal, while a reading below 50 is considered bearish.
- The RSI calculation is based on the average gain and average loss over a certain period of time, typically 14 days. The formula for RSI is: RSI = 100 - [100 / (1 + RS)], where RS = Average Gain / Average Loss.
- Divergences between the RSI and price action can also be used to identify potential trend reversals. For example, a bullish divergence is when the price makes lower lows, but the RSI makes higher lows, while a bearish divergence is when the price makes higher highs, but the RSI makes lower highs.
- While the RSI indicator can be a useful tool for traders, it's important to remember that no indicator is perfect and should be used in combination with other technical and fundamental analysis tools.
- Lastly, it's important to note that the RSI indicator is not specific to a particular asset class and can be used for stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies.