TRIX Indicator

The triple exponential average (TRIX) indicator was first presented in the 1980s by Jack Hutson, who worked as an editor for a magazine on technical analysis in the area of ​​stocks and commodities. The TRIX indicator is an oscillator that is primarily used to identify oversold and overbought market conditions whilst it can also be used as a momentum indicator. TRIX uses a triple smoothing to help filter out insignificant price movements, also known as “market noise”. A signal line can be applied to look for signal line crossovers whereas directional bias can be determined with absolute levels and bullish/bearish divergences can be used to identify possible price reversals.

What is the TRIX indicator?

The TRIX is a triple smoothed average line known as the Triple Smoothing Exponential Moving Average or EMA. It can be used both as an oscillator, triple exponential smoothing oscillator, which fluctuates around its zero lines and as a momentum indicator. According to the nature of the moving averages, the TRIX is a smoothed indicator that filters out false signals. The TRIX indicator achieves the best results in clearly trending markets.

TRIX indicator settings

Standard settings for the use of the TRIX indicator in technical analysis are to be selected for the indicator itself for a period of 5 to 15 days with a 9-day trigger line. With this setting, however, the TRIX indicator’s course is very similar to the curve of the popular and widely used MACD indicator. You can adjust the TRIX settings according to your own trading strategy. Generally, the lower the periods, the more signals the indicator will generate.

How to use the TRIX indicator?

When TRIX is used as a momentum indicator, a positive value suggests momentum is increasing, while a negative value suggests momentum is decreasing. Many analysts believe that when the TRIX crosses above the zero line, it gives a buy signal, and when it closes below the zero line, it gives a sell signal.

TRIX indicator as an oscillator

When used as an oscillator, the TRIX indicator can identify oversold and overbought markets. Values ​​beyond 0.2 and -0.2 are considered extremes. If the line returns from these extreme areas, a trading signal is generated.

TRIX indicator for momentum

The TRIX is a momentum indicator that can indicate an increasing or decreasing momentum. Crossing the zero line could be a buy or sell signal depending on the direction of movement. If the TRIX indicator crosses the signal line from bottom to top, it can be a buy signal. If the signal line is cut from top to bottom, this can be interpreted as a sell signal.

As with other momentum indicators, one should pay attention to divergences and convergences if trend lines in the indicator and price chart run in different directions or the same direction. This means that a trend is weakening and can turn.

A bullish divergence by the fact that the base security is in a downward trend and steadily lower lows occur in the course of the price. The TRIX indicator does not follow the price movement; rising lows occur. Accordingly, a bearish divergence occurs in the downward trend and behaves in exactly the opposite way.

TRIX indicator trading strategy

TRIX (15,9) is quite similar to MACD (12,26,9). Both are momentum oscillators that fluctuate above and below the zero line. Both have signal lines based on a 9-day EMA. Most notably, both lines have similar shapes, signal line crossovers, and centerline crosses. The biggest difference between TRIX and MACD is that TRIX is the smoother of the two; TRIX lines are less jagged and tend to turn a bit later.

To increase trading efficiency, we supplement the TRIX indicator trading strategy with two moving averages with periods of 10 and 20. This is to help try and prevent the amount of false signals.

Trading on the TRIX + MA system is carried out as follows:

• If the fast MA crosses the slow MA from the bottom up and the main TRIX line crosses the signal line in the same direction, a buy deal is opened.
• If the fast MA crosses the slow MA from top to bottom and the main TRIX line crosses the signal line in the same direction, a sell deal is opened.

TRIX indicator conclusion

TRIX is an indicator that combines trend with momentum. The triple smoothed moving average covers the trend, while the 1-period percentage change measures momentum. In this regard, TRIX is similar to MACD and PPO. The standard setting for TRIX is 15 for the triple smoothed EMA and 9 for the signal line.

Forex traders who are looking for more sensitivity should try a shorter timeframe (5 versus 15). This will make the indicator more volatile and better suited for centerline crossovers. Chartists looking for less sensitivity should try a longer timeframe (45 versus 15). This will smooth the indicator and make it better suited for signal line crossovers.

TRIX indicators represent a versatile and relatively easy way to analyze a price’s performance, as well as to predict the future outcome of that performance — at least to some degree. As soon as one has a decent understanding, both of the market in which they operate and the tools used to streamline that operation, they can begin to trade with confidence.

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