Relative Strength Index (14)
The Relative Strength Index (14) is a momentum oscillators indicator used in Skyrexio Strategy Builder for momentum analysis and overbought/oversold identification.
Introduction
The Relative Strength Index (14) is a neutral momentum oscillator that measures the speed and magnitude of price changes to identify overbought and oversold conditions. This indicator is essential for mean reversion strategies and trend strength assessment, oscillating between 0-100 with clear thresholds for market extremes.
How Relative Strength Index (14) Works
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) was developed by J. Welles Wilder Jr. to measure the speed and magnitude of price changes. The calculation is: RSI = 100 - (100 / (1 + RS)), where RS = Average Gain / Average Loss over 14 periods.
RSI characteristics: • Values above 70 indicate overbought conditions (potential selling opportunities) • Values below 30 indicate oversold conditions (potential buying opportunities) • 50 level acts as bullish/bearish momentum divider • Divergence analysis - RSI diverging from price often signals potential reversals
Market Psychology: RSI measures the "internal strength" of price movements by comparing recent gains to recent losses. When RSI is above 70, it suggests buying pressure has been dominant recently and may be exhausted. When below 30, selling pressure has been dominant and may be nearing exhaustion, creating potential reversal opportunities.
Key Characteristics
Category
Momentum Oscillators
Type
Neutral Momentum Oscillator
Primary Use
Overbought/oversold identification and momentum measurement
Timeframe
All timeframes supported (1m to 1M)
Confirmation
Volume analysis, price action, support/resistance
Strategy Applications
🟢 LONG STRATEGY (Primary Use)
Use RSI for LONG strategies when RSI < 30 indicates oversold conditions, especially in ranging markets or during pullbacks in uptrends.
Base Entry Order (LONG)
Additional Entry Orders (LONG)
Take Profit Orders (LONG)
Stop Loss Orders (LONG)
🔴 SHORT STRATEGY (Primary Use)
Use RSI for SHORT strategies when RSI > 70 indicates overbought conditions, especially in ranging markets or during rallies in downtrends.
Base Entry Order (SHORT)
Additional Entry Orders (SHORT)
Take Profit Orders (SHORT)
Stop Loss Orders (SHORT)
Advanced Strategy Combinations
Multi-Timeframe RSI Confirmation
Timeframe Alignment:
Daily: RSI direction for major bias
4H: RSI extremes for intermediate signals
1H: RSI execution with volume confirmation
Entry: 1H RSI extreme + higher timeframe alignment Target: RSI opposite extreme or 50 level Stop: RSI failure to recover from extreme
RSI Divergence Strategy
RSI Divergence Framework:
Bullish Divergence (LONG Setup):
Price makes lower lows
RSI makes higher lows (above 30)
Enter when RSI crosses above 35-40
Target RSI 60-70 levels
Bearish Divergence (SHORT Setup):
Price makes higher highs
RSI makes lower highs (below 70)
Enter when RSI crosses below 60-65
Target RSI 30-40 levels
Hidden Divergence (Trend Continuation):
Bullish Hidden: Price higher lows, RSI lower lows (uptrend continuation)
Bearish Hidden: Price lower highs, RSI higher highs (downtrend continuation)
Execution Framework:
Base Order: RSI divergence confirmation
Additional: RSI momentum recovery/decline
Take Profit: RSI opposite extreme or trend exhaustion
Stop Loss: Divergence pattern invalidation
Risk Management Guidelines
Position Sizing Based on RSI Levels
RSI < 20
Reduced (extreme risk)
Contrarian LONG
High
RSI 20-30
Standard size
Mean reversion LONG
Medium
RSI 30-70
Minimal
Trend following only
Medium
RSI 70-80
Standard size
Mean reversion SHORT
Medium
RSI > 80
Reduced (extreme risk)
Contrarian SHORT
High
RSI Reliability Factors
✅ RSI extremes with volume confirmation ✅ Multi-timeframe RSI alignment ✅ RSI divergence with price action ✅ Support/resistance level confluence
❌ RSI extremes in strong trends ❌ Single timeframe signals ❌ RSI without volume confirmation ❌ Conflicting market structure
Best Practices
For Mean Reversion Strategies
Wait for extremes - RSI < 30 for LONG, RSI > 70 for SHORT
Volume confirmation - Ensure volume supports the reversal
Support/resistance - Best results at key price levels
Quick profits - Take profits at RSI 50 or opposite extreme
For Trend Following Strategies
RSI > 50 for LONG bias - Bullish momentum confirmation
RSI < 50 for SHORT bias - Bearish momentum confirmation
Avoid extremes - Don't fight strong trends at RSI extremes
Pullback entries - Use RSI oversold in uptrends, overbought in downtrends
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Fighting trends - Don't short strong uptrends at RSI 70+
Ignoring volume - RSI without volume confirmation is weak
Wrong timeframes - Use appropriate timeframes for strategy
No divergence - Missing divergence signals that precede major moves
Market Conditions Analysis
Trending Up
🟡 Medium
Use RSI < 30 for pullback entries
Trending Down
🟡 Medium
Use RSI > 70 for rally fades
Ranging
🟢 High
Classic overbought/oversold strategy
High Volatility
🟢 High
RSI extremes more reliable
Low Volatility
🟡 Medium
Use tighter RSI parameters
Related Indicators
Conclusion
Relative Strength Index (14) is a versatile momentum oscillator that excels at identifying overbought and oversold conditions. Its primary strength lies in mean reversion strategies, while also providing valuable momentum confirmation for trend-following approaches.
Key Takeaways
PRIMARY USE: Overbought (>70) and oversold (<30) identification
SECONDARY USE: Momentum confirmation with 50 level
BEST MARKETS: Ranging markets and pullbacks in trends
ALWAYS: Combine with volume analysis and respect market context
Success with RSI requires understanding that it works best in ranging markets and for identifying pullback opportunities in trends. The key is combining RSI signals with volume confirmation and respecting the overall market structure.
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