What does it mean that the CMO indicator continues to oscillate above +30?

When the CMO stays above +30, it signals strong, sustained bullish momentum, often seen during crypto bull runs or strong uptrends.

Jun 25, 2025 at 03:29 am

Understanding the CMO Indicator

The Chande Momentum Oscillator (CMO) is a technical analysis tool developed by Tushar Chande to measure momentum in financial markets. In cryptocurrency trading, the CMO helps traders identify overbought or oversold conditions and potential trend reversals. The oscillator ranges from -100 to +100, with values above zero indicating bullish momentum and values below zero signaling bearish pressure.

When the CMO indicator continues to oscillate above +30, it suggests that bullish momentum remains strong and consistent. Unlike other oscillators like RSI or MACD, the CMO focuses purely on momentum without smoothing, which makes it more responsive to price changes. Traders often interpret sustained movement above this level as a sign of ongoing strength in the asset's price.

What Happens When CMO Stays Above +30?

If the CMO stays above +30 for an extended period, it typically indicates that buyers are consistently pushing prices higher. This behavior may occur during strong uptrends where each pullback is met with aggressive buying. In crypto markets, such trends can be fueled by positive news cycles, macroeconomic developments, or increased institutional interest.

• Sustained momentum: A prolonged stay above +30 reflects strong accumulation.
• Market confidence: It shows that investors have conviction in the current direction.
• Trend validation: Such patterns help confirm that the prevailing uptrend is still intact.

This kind of behavior is commonly seen during bull runs in major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum when market participants exhibit strong risk appetite.

How to Interpret CMO Crosses Above +30

A single cross above +30 may not carry much weight unless confirmed by volume and other indicators. However, when the CMO crosses into positive territory and remains there, it signals growing bullish dominance. To interpret this properly:

• Look at the previous trend: If the price was consolidating before the move, a breakout may be forming.
• Check volume levels: Increasing volume during the rise supports the strength of the move.
• Confirm with moving averages: A rising 20-day or 50-day moving average aligns with the momentum signal.

Traders should also monitor candlestick patterns and support/resistance levels to avoid false breakouts.

Why Is +30 Considered a Key Threshold?

The +30 level is not arbitrary; it represents a critical threshold where momentum shifts decisively toward buyers. Below this level, bulls may lack sufficient force to push the price meaningfully higher. However, once the CMO breaks and sustains above +30, it indicates that the market has shifted into a stronger bullish phase.

This threshold is particularly useful in volatile crypto markets where momentum can shift rapidly. For instance, during altcoin rallies, many assets experience rapid momentum surges. Observing whether the CMO holds above +30 can help traders determine if the rally has staying power or if it’s just a short-lived spike.

How to Trade When CMO Is Above +30

Trading based solely on the CMO being above +30 is risky without additional context. Here’s how you can structure your approach:

• Look for entry opportunities: If the price pulls back to key support levels while the CMO remains above +30, consider entering long positions.
• Avoid premature exits: As long as the CMO doesn’t show signs of rolling over, holding through minor corrections may be beneficial.
• Use trailing stops: Protect profits while allowing room for further upside.
• Combine with other tools: Overlay Fibonacci retracements or Bollinger Bands to fine-tune entries and exits.

For example, if Bitcoin’s CMO rises and stabilizes above +30, and the price finds support near its 20-day moving average, it could present a compelling buying opportunity.

Common Misinterpretations of CMO Behavior

Many traders misread the CMO's movements, especially in highly volatile crypto environments. One common mistake is treating the oscillator like RSI, expecting overbought conditions at +50 or above. However, the CMO can remain elevated for long periods during strong trends, making traditional overbought/oversold thresholds less effective.

Another misunderstanding is ignoring divergence signals. Even if the CMO stays above +30, if it starts to trend lower while the price continues upward, this bearish divergence could warn of weakening momentum.

Additionally, some traders ignore time frames. A CMO reading above +30 on a daily chart might indicate a strong trend, but on a 1-hour chart, it might just reflect short-term volatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the CMO stay above +30 indefinitely?

Yes, in strong trending markets, especially in crypto where sentiment can drive extended moves, the CMO can remain above +30 for weeks or even months without reversing.

Q2: What does it mean if the CMO drops below +30 after being above it for a long time?

It could signal a potential shift in momentum, though not necessarily a reversal. Traders should watch for follow-through and confirmation from other indicators before assuming a trend change.

Q3: How does the CMO compare to RSI in crypto trading?

While both are momentum indicators, the CMO is unsmoothed, making it more sensitive to price changes. RSI, on the other hand, uses smoothed data and is often interpreted differently around overbought/oversold zones.

Q4: Should I use the CMO alone or combine it with other indicators?

The CMO works best when combined with trend-following tools like moving averages or volume indicators. Using multiple confirmations increases the reliability of signals in fast-moving crypto markets.