What should I do if the BBI indicator has multiple false breakthroughs in the short term? How to increase the moving average level filtering?

To reduce false signals from the BBI indicator in crypto trading, combine it with multiple moving averages and volume confirmation for more reliable trend validation.

Jun 15, 2025 at 12:42 pm

Understanding the BBI Indicator and Its Challenges

The BBI (Bull Bear Index) is a technical indicator used in cryptocurrency trading to identify potential trend reversals. It combines multiple moving averages into a single line, making it easier for traders to interpret market sentiment. However, during volatile periods—especially in crypto markets—the BBI indicator can generate multiple false breakthroughs, leading to misleading signals.

False breakthroughs occur when the price temporarily moves beyond the BBI line but quickly reverses, causing confusion for traders. These situations are common in short-term trading due to rapid price swings and high volatility. To mitigate this issue, many traders look for additional filters or tools that can enhance signal accuracy.

Why False Breakthroughs Happen with the BBI Indicator

In fast-moving crypto markets, especially on smaller timeframes like 5-minute or 15-minute charts, false breakthroughs become more frequent. This is because:

• Market noise dominates short-term movements.
• Large orders or whale activities can cause sudden price spikes.
• Lack of volume confirmation leads to unreliable breakouts.

These factors make it difficult for the BBI indicator alone to provide accurate trade setups. As a result, traders often combine it with other indicators to improve decision-making and reduce false signals.

Using Moving Averages as a Filtering Mechanism

One effective way to filter out false breakthroughs is by using moving averages as a secondary layer of validation. The idea is to ensure that any breakout above or below the BBI line aligns with the direction of a longer-term moving average.

For example:

• If the BBI suggests a bullish breakout, check whether the price is also above the 20-period exponential moving average (EMA).
• Conversely, if a bearish signal appears, verify if the price has fallen below a key moving average level.

This dual-filter system helps eliminate premature entries based on short-lived price fluctuations.

How to Set Up Multiple Moving Average Filters

To increase the filtering effect, you can use a combination of moving averages rather than relying on just one. Here’s how to set up a robust filtering system:

• Add three different moving averages to your chart:

  • A fast EMA (e.g., 9-period)
  • A medium EMA (e.g., 20-period)
  • A slow SMA (e.g., 50-period)

• Only consider a BBI breakout valid if all three moving averages align in the same direction.

• For example, in a bullish setup, the price should be above the 9 EMA, which in turn should be above the 20 EMA, and both should be above the 50 SMA.

This layered approach ensures that the breakout isn’t just a temporary fluctuation but part of a stronger trend.

Customizing Moving Average Settings for Crypto Volatility

Cryptocurrency markets are inherently more volatile than traditional financial markets. Therefore, standard moving average settings may not work effectively. You can customize them based on the following criteria:

• Use EMA instead of SMA for faster reaction to price changes.
• Adjust the period lengths depending on the timeframe:
  • On 5-minute charts: Try 7 EMA and 20 EMA
  • On 1-hour charts: Go with 12 EMA and 50 SMA
• Apply volume-weighted moving averages (VWMA) to give more importance to periods with higher trading volume.

By tailoring these settings, you can better adapt to the erratic behavior of crypto assets and improve the reliability of your BBI-based trades.

Incorporating Volume Confirmation with BBI Signals

Another critical factor in validating BBI breakthroughs is volume confirmation. High volume during a breakout indicates strong market participation, reducing the likelihood of a false move.

Here’s how to incorporate volume:

• Overlay a volume histogram on your chart.
• Look for a significant increase in volume when the BBI line is broken.
• If the breakout occurs with low volume, treat it with caution and avoid entering immediately.

Some advanced traders also use Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) alongside BBI and moving averages to further confirm momentum shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Bollinger Bands with the BBI indicator to reduce false signals?

Yes, combining BBI with Bollinger Bands can help identify overbought and oversold conditions. When a BBI signal coincides with a touch of the upper or lower band, it adds context to whether the breakout is sustainable.

Q: Is it better to use BBI on higher timeframes to avoid false breakthroughs?

Absolutely. Higher timeframes like 1-hour or 4-hour charts tend to filter out market noise. Using BBI on these timeframes reduces the number of false signals and provides clearer trend identification.

Q: How do I know which moving average combination works best for altcoins versus Bitcoin?

Bitcoin tends to follow broader market trends, so standard moving averages like 9 EMA and 20 EMA work well. Altcoins are more volatile, so shorter EMAs (like 5 EMA and 10 EMA) may offer better responsiveness without lagging too much.

Q: What should I do if the BBI gives conflicting signals with moving averages?

When BBI and moving averages conflict, it usually indicates a sideways or choppy market. In such cases, it's advisable to stay out of trades until a clear alignment emerges. You can also switch to range-bound indicators like RSI or Stochastic for better clarity.