What is the True Strength Index Indicator (TSI)?

As a trader or investor, understanding technical analysis is essential to making informed trading decisions. The True Strength Index (TSI) indicator is a widely-used tool in technical analysis that can help measure the strength of a security’s trend and identify potential trend reversals. This article explains how the TSI indicator works, its benefits and drawbacks, and provides practical examples of how it can be used to improve trading strategy.

What is the True Strength Index (TSI) Indicator?

The True Strength Index (TSI) indicator is a technical momentum oscillator used to measure the strength of a security’s (and not only) trend. It is based on the assumption that price momentum changes direction before price. This indicator is used to identify overbought and oversold conditions and potential trend reversals. The TSI indicator is also known as a double-smoothed momentum indicator, which means that it uses two exponential moving averages to smooth out the price data.

The TSI indicator was developed by William Blau in the early 1990s. Blau’s goal was to create an indicator that would be more responsive to market movements than other momentum indicators. He accomplished this by using a fast and slow exponential moving average and calculating the difference between them.

Source: https://www.mql5.com/

How does the TSI Indicator work?

The TSI indicator uses two exponential moving averages (EMAs) to smooth out the price data. The first EMA is calculated over a short period, typically 13 periods, and the second EMA is calculated over a longer period, usually 25 periods. The difference between these two EMAs is then smoothed out with another EMA over a period of seven periods.

The TSI formula is as follows:

• EMA = Exponential Moving Average
• Close = the closing price
• Long = the longer EMA period
• n = the smoothing period

How to use the TSI Indicator in Trading?

TSI Crossover

One effective way to use the TSI indicator is to look for crossovers of the TSI line and the signal line. When the TSI line crosses above the signal line, it is considered a buy signal, and when it crosses below the signal line, it is considered a sell signal.

Source: https://thetsitrader.blogspot.com/

Divergence

Another way to use the TSI indicator is to look for divergence between the price action and the TSI line. When the price is making higher highs, but the TSI line is making lower highs, it is considered a bearish divergence, and traders may consider selling. Conversely, when the price is making lower lows, but the TSI line is making higher lows, it is considered a bullish divergence, and traders may consider buying.

Source: https://thetsitrader.blogspot.com/

Overbought/Oversold

Traders can also use the TSI indicator to identify overbought and oversold conditions. When the TSI line is above a certain threshold, such as 70, it is considered overbought, and traders may consider selling. Conversely, when the TSI line is below a certain threshold, such as 30, it is considered oversold, and traders may consider buying.

Source: https://thetsitrader.blogspot.com/

Moving Average Crossover

Traders can also use the TSI indicator in combination with moving averages. When the TSI line crosses above a moving average, it is considered a buy signal, and when it crosses below a moving average, it is considered a sell signal.

Souce: https://thetsitrader.blogspot.com/

TSI Trendline

Traders can also draw trendlines on the TSI indicator to identify potential buy/sell signals. When the TSI line breaks above a trendline, it is considered a buy signal, and when it breaks below a trendline, it is considered a sell signal.

Source: https://thetsitrader.blogspot.com/

Pros of using the TSI Indicator:

• The TSI indicator is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of trading strategies, not only on stocks.
• It helps identify overbought and oversold conditions and potential trend reversals.
• It confirms the strength of a trend, making it easier to identify profitable trading opportunities.
• It can be used in conjunction with other technical indicators to improve the accuracy of trading signals.

Cons of using the TSI Indicator:

• Like all technical indicators, the TSI indicator is not perfect and can give false signals.
• It is a lagging indicator, which means that it may not be the best tool for identifying trend reversals.
• The TSI indicator can be affected by market noise and can give false signals in volatile markets.

Duration and optimal timeframes

One of the most common questions traders ask themselves are whether the TSI indicator can be used for long-term investing. While the TSI indicator can be useful for identifying momentum in the market, it may not be the best tool for identifying long-term trends. Long-term investors may prefer to use other technical indicators or fundamental analysis to identify stocks with strong long-term potential. Time frame is fundamental.

The best time frame to use the TSI indicator depends on your trading or investing strategy. Short-term traders may prefer to use shorter time frames, such as 5-minute or 15-minute charts, while long-term investors may prefer to use longer time frames, such as daily or weekly charts. It is essential to choose a time frame that aligns with your investment goals and trading strategy.

The accuracy of the TSI indicator also depends on various factors, including market conditions and the settings chosen for the indicator. Like all technical indicators, the TSI indicator is not perfect and can give false signals. It is vital to use the TSI indicator in conjunction with other technical indicators and to evaluate the overall market context before making trading decisions.

Moreover, the TSI indicator can be used in combination with other technical indicators to improve the accuracy of trading signals. For example, some traders may use the TSI indicator in combination with the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator to identify potential trend reversals. It is crucial to choose technical indicators that complement each other and provide a comprehensive view of market conditions.

True Strength Index (TSI) vs. Trend Strength Index (TSI)

Finally, it is essential to differentiate between the True Strength Index (TSI) and the Trend Strength Index (TSI). The Trend Strength Index uses one exponential moving average (EMA) without smoothing, making it highly sensitive and fast-moving. It is best used to identify the strength of the current trend. On the other hand, the True Strength Index is more advanced because it is based on multiple EMAs. Due to its triple-EMA setup, it provides a more accurate measure of trend strength and can be used for crossover and divergence trading strategies.

Conclusion

The True Strength Index (TSI) is a widely used technical indicator that can help traders and investors make better trading decisions by measuring the strength of a security’s trend and identifying potential trend reversals. This article explains what the TSI indicator is, how it works, and how to use it in your trading or investing strategy. Additionally, it explores some of the benefits and drawbacks of using this indicator and provides practical examples of how to use it in the real world. Although the TSI indicator is not perfect and can give false signals, it is a versatile tool that can be used in conjunction with other technical indicators to improve the accuracy of trading signals.