Know Sure Thing

The Know Sure Thing is a advanced indicators indicator used in Skyrexio Strategy Builder for advanced market analysis and complex signal generation.

Introduction

The Know Sure Thing (KST) is a momentum oscillator that combines four different rate-of-change timeframes to identify major trend changes and cyclical turning points. This advanced indicator provides context-dependent signals with LONG opportunities when crossing above zero and SHORT opportunities when crossing below zero, making it excellent for catching major trend shifts.

How Know Sure Thing Works

Know Sure Thing was developed by Martin Pring as a sophisticated momentum oscillator that combines four different Rate of Change (ROC) periods with different smoothing periods to create a comprehensive momentum picture. The indicator filters out short-term noise while identifying significant momentum shifts.

Construction:

  • ROC 1: 10-period ROC smoothed with 10-period SMA

  • ROC 2: 15-period ROC smoothed with 10-period SMA

  • ROC 3: 20-period ROC smoothed with 10-period SMA

  • ROC 4: 30-period ROC smoothed with 15-period SMA

Calculation: KST = (ROC1×1) + (ROC2×2) + (ROC3×3) + (ROC4×4)

Zero line crossovers - Primary signals for major trend changes • Signal line crossovers - Secondary signals for timing entries • Divergence patterns - Early warning of trend exhaustion • Extreme readings - Identify overbought/oversold conditions • Multi-timeframe nature - Combines short and long-term momentum

Momentum Psychology: KST reveals the underlying momentum structure by combining multiple timeframes. When KST crosses above zero, it indicates that momentum across all timeframes is turning bullish. When it crosses below zero, momentum is turning bearish across multiple timeframes, suggesting a major trend change.

Key Characteristics

Attribute
Details

Category

Advanced Indicators

Type

Momentum Oscillator

Primary Use

Major trend identification

Timeframe

All timeframes supported (1m to 1M)

Confirmation

Volume, price action, signal line

Strategy Applications

🟢 LONG STRATEGY (Primary Use)

Base Entry Order (LONG)

Trigger Type: Once per bar close
Bar TF: 4H

First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Cross Above
Second Condition: Value
Value: 0

AND

First Condition: Volume
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Simple Moving Average (20)
Timeframe: 4H

Additional Entry Orders (LONG)

Additional Entry 1: Signal line confirmation
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Cross Above
Second Condition: Know Sure Thing Signal Line
Timeframe: 4H

AND

First Condition: RSI
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 50

OR

Additional Entry 2: Momentum acceleration
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 50

AND

First Condition: Close Price
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: EMA (50)
Timeframe: 4H

Take Profit Orders (LONG)

Rule 1: Exit condition - KST momentum exhaustion
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Cross Below
Second Condition: Know Sure Thing Signal Line
Timeframe: 4H

OR

Rule 2: Exit condition - Overbought with momentum divergence
First Condition: RSI
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 75

AND

First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 100

OR

Rule 3: Exit condition - Volume exhaustion signal
First Condition: Volume
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Simple Moving Average (20)
Timeframe: 4H

AND

First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 50

Stop Loss Orders (LONG)

Rule 1: Stop loss - KST crosses below zero (major trend change)
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Cross Below
Second Condition: Value
Value: 0

OR

Rule 2: Stop loss - Momentum breakdown confirmed
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: -50

AND

First Condition: Volume
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Simple Moving Average (20)
Timeframe: 4H

OR

Rule 3: Stop loss - Price breaks key support
First Condition: Close Price
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: EMA (50)
Timeframe: 4H

AND

First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: -25

🔴 SHORT STRATEGY (Primary Use)

Base Entry Order (SHORT)

Trigger Type: Once per bar close
Bar TF: 4H

First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Cross Below
Second Condition: Value
Value: 0

AND

First Condition: Volume
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Simple Moving Average (20)
Timeframe: 4H

Additional Entry Orders (SHORT)

Additional Entry 1: Signal line confirmation
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Cross Below
Second Condition: Know Sure Thing Signal Line
Timeframe: 4H

AND

First Condition: RSI
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 50

OR

Additional Entry 2: Momentum acceleration downward
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: -50

AND

First Condition: Close Price
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: EMA (50)
Timeframe: 4H

Take Profit Orders (SHORT)

Rule 1: Exit condition - KST momentum exhaustion
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Cross Above
Second Condition: Know Sure Thing Signal Line
Timeframe: 4H

OR

Rule 2: Exit condition - Oversold with momentum divergence
First Condition: RSI
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 25

AND

First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: -100

OR

Rule 3: Exit condition - Volume exhaustion signal
First Condition: Volume
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Less Than
Second Condition: Simple Moving Average (20)
Timeframe: 4H

AND

First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: -50

Stop Loss Orders (SHORT)

Rule 1: Stop loss - KST crosses above zero (major trend change)
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Cross Above
Second Condition: Value
Value: 0

OR

Rule 2: Stop loss - Momentum reversal confirmed
First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 50

AND

First Condition: Volume
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Simple Moving Average (20)
Timeframe: 4H

OR

Rule 3: Stop loss - Price breaks key resistance
First Condition: Close Price
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: EMA (50)
Timeframe: 4H

AND

First Condition: Know Sure Thing
Timeframe: 4H
Operator: Greater Than
Second Condition: Value
Value: 25

Advanced Strategy Combinations

Multi-Timeframe KST Analysis

Timeframe Hierarchy:

  • Weekly: Major trend context (KST direction)

  • Daily: Primary signals (zero line crosses)

  • 4H: Execution timeframe

  • 1H: Fine-tuning entries with signal line

KST Divergence Strategy

Setup Process:

  1. Price makes new high/low but KST doesn't confirm

  2. Look for KST signal line crossover in opposite direction

  3. Wait for volume confirmation of the divergence

  4. Enter when KST crosses zero line in divergence direction

Execution:

  • Base Order: KST zero cross after divergence setup

  • Additional: Signal line confirmation

  • Take Profit: KST extreme readings or momentum exhaustion

  • Stop Loss: Divergence invalidation (new price extreme with KST confirmation)

Cyclical Analysis with KST

Risk Management Guidelines

Position Sizing

Strategy Type
Position Size
Conditions

Zero Line Cross

Standard

Clear cross with volume

Signal Line Cross

Reduced (75%)

Secondary confirmation

Divergence Play

Small (50%)

Higher risk setup

Extreme Readings

Avoid

KST >200 or <-200

KST Reliability Factors

✅ Clear zero line crossovers with volume ✅ Signal line confirms the direction ✅ Aligns with longer timeframe trend ✅ Supported by price action patterns

Best Practices

For LONG Strategies

For SHORT Strategies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Market Conditions Analysis

Market Type
LONG Strategy Effectiveness
SHORT Strategy Effectiveness

Uptrend

🟢 High (zero cross up)

🔴 Low (against trend)

Downtrend

🔴 Low (against trend)

🟢 High (zero cross down)

Ranging

🟡 Medium (mean reversion)

🟡 Medium (mean reversion)

High Volatility

🟡 Medium (more signals)

🟡 Medium (more signals)

Low Volume

🔴 Low (wait for confirmation)

🔴 Low (wait for confirmation)

Indicator
Relationship
Link

MACD

Similar momentum concept

RSI

Momentum confirmation

Volume

Signal confirmation

ROC

Component indicator

Conclusion

Know Sure Thing is a sophisticated momentum oscillator that excels at identifying major trend changes by combining multiple timeframes. Its zero line crossovers provide some of the most reliable signals for catching major trend shifts in both bullish and bearish directions.

Key Takeaways

Success with Know Sure Thing requires patience to wait for clear zero line crossovers and the discipline to hold positions during major trend moves. The indicator's multi-timeframe nature makes it excellent for position trading and swing trading strategies.

Ready to Build Your Own Strategy?

Try our free AI-powered Strategy Builder at app.skyrexio.com and start creating professional trading strategies today. No coding required!

Last updated