How to trade RSI Indicator and RSI Divergence

Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum indicator that measures the magnitude of recent price changes to analyze overbought or oversold conditions.

RSI values range from 0 to 100.

The relative strength index (RSI) is calculated using the following formula: RSI = 100–100 / (1 + RS) Where RS = Average gain of up periods during the specified time frame / Average loss of down periods during the specified time frame

An asset price is considered overbought (due for a correction) when RSI is above 70, and oversold (due for a rebound) when it is below 30. Some traders user more extreme levels (80/20) to reduce false readings.

In a strong uptrend, RSI will often reach 70 and beyond for sustained periods, and downtrends can stay at 30 or below for a long time. While general overbought and oversold levels can be accurate, they may not provide the most timely signals for trend traders.

Trend traders can use RSI to buy near oversold conditions when the trend is up (i.e. buy the dips — see chart 1 below), and sell short near overbought condition in a downtrend (i.e. sell the rebound). Let’s assume that the long-term trend of an asset is up. A buy signal occurs when the RSI moves below 50 and then back above it. Essentially, this means a pullback in price has occurred, and the trader is buying once the pullback appears to have ended (according to the RSI) and the trend is resuming. The 50 level is used because the RSI doesn’t typically reach 30 in an uptrend unless a potential reversal is underway. A short-trade signal occurs when the trend is down and the RSI moves above 50 and then back below it.

The RSI is often used in conjunction with trendlines, as trendline support or resistance often coincides with support or resistance levels in the RSI reading.

Watching for RSI divergence between price and the RSI indicator is another way to use it.

Divergence occurs when a cryptocurrency price makes a new high or low in price but the RSI does not make a corresponding new high or low value. A bearish divergence forms when a coin price records a higher high and RSI forms a lower high (see chart 2 above). RSI does not confirm the new high and this shows weakening momentum. Bullish divergence, which is interpreted as a buy signal, occurs when price makes a new low, but the RSI value does not.

RSI divergence signals tend to be more accurate on the longer time frames (min 1-hour charts). You get fewer false signals.

RSI Divergence can also be used as a confirmation of a breakout.

Here’s an example of how Bullish RSI Divergence preceded a bullish breakout from Falling Wedge pattern. Together, these two signals create a strong case:

Failure swings can also be strong indications of an upcoming reversal. Failure swings are independent of price action. In other words, failure swings focus solely on RSI for signals and ignore the concept of divergences. A bullish failure swing forms when RSI moves below 30 (oversold), bounces above 30, pulls back, holds above 30 and then breaks its prior high. It is basically a move to oversold levels and then a higher low above oversold levels.

A bearish failure swing forms when RSI moves above 70, pulls back, bounces, fails to exceed 70 and then breaks its prior low. It is basically a move to overbought levels and then a lower high below overbought levels.

Crypto traders on altFINS can easily filter over 2,700 cryptocurrencies to find RSI oversold or overbought situations by checking our Signal Summary page (see below). Alternatively, traders can also build their own custom filter using altFINS Screener. See how to use our Screener here.

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