What does +DI cross -DI in DMI mean?

A +DI cross above -DI signals bullish momentum, especially when confirmed by rising ADX and price action, helping traders spot potential trend reversals.

Jul 23, 2025 at 09:49 pm

Understanding the DMI Indicator Components

The Directional Movement Index (DMI) is a technical analysis tool developed by J. Welles Wilder to assess the strength and direction of a market trend. The DMI consists of three primary components: the +DI (Positive Directional Indicator), the -DI (Negative Directional Indicator), and the ADX (Average Directional Index). The focus of this article is on the interaction between the +DI and -DI lines. The +DI measures the strength of upward price movement, while the -DI reflects the strength of downward price movement. When traders observe a +DI cross -DI, they are witnessing a shift in momentum between buying and selling pressure.

Each of these lines is derived from directional movement calculations based on price highs and lows over a specified period, typically 14 days. The raw directional movement is smoothed to form the +DI and -DI values, which are then plotted on a scale from 0 to 100. A higher +DI value suggests that upward price momentum is strengthening, while a higher -DI value indicates increasing downward momentum. The crossover between these two lines is considered a key signal by many traders.

What a +DI Cross Over -DI Signifies

When the +DI line crosses above the -DI line, it is interpreted as a potential bullish signal. This crossover suggests that upward price pressure has overcome downward pressure, indicating that buyers are gaining control of the market. Traders often view this as a possible entry point for long positions, especially when the crossover occurs after a period of consolidation or downtrend. The significance of the signal increases when the crossover happens at lower levels, such as below 30, as it may indicate a reversal from weak momentum to emerging strength.

Conversely, when the +DI line crosses below the -DI line, it is seen as a bearish signal. This indicates that selling pressure is now dominating buying pressure, potentially signaling the start of a downtrend or continuation of a bearish phase. Traders may use this as a cue to exit long positions or initiate short positions. It is important to note that the crossover alone does not guarantee a trend reversal; it only reflects a shift in directional momentum.

How to Identify a Valid +DI/-DI Crossover

To correctly interpret a +DI cross -DI, traders must ensure the signal is valid and not a false alarm. The following steps should be followed:

• Confirm that the crossover occurs on a closing basis, not just an intraday spike.
• Check that the ADX line is rising or above a threshold (commonly 20 or 25), indicating that a trend is forming or already in place.
• Analyze the price action around the crossover to see if it aligns with support/resistance levels or chart patterns.
• Use additional confirmation tools such as volume spikes or candlestick patterns to strengthen the signal.

Failure to validate the crossover can lead to whipsaws, especially in sideways or choppy markets. For example, in a ranging market, the +DI and -DI lines may cross multiple times without a sustained trend developing. Therefore, combining the DMI with other indicators like moving averages or RSI improves signal reliability.

Practical Example Using a Cryptocurrency Chart

Let’s examine a real-world scenario using a Bitcoin/USD daily chart. Suppose the +DI has been below the -DI for several weeks, indicating a bearish trend. On day 45, the +DI line begins to rise while the -DI starts to decline. On day 47, the +DI crosses above the -DI. At this point, the ADX line is at 24 and trending upward, confirming increasing trend strength.

Price action shows that Bitcoin has just bounced off a key support level near $28,000, and volume on the up days has been higher than on down days. These factors align with the bullish crossover signal. A trader might enter a long position at the close of day 47, placing a stop-loss just below the recent swing low. Over the next two weeks, Bitcoin climbs to $32,000, validating the signal.

This example illustrates how the +DI crossing -DI can serve as an early warning of trend change when supported by other technical factors.

Common Misinterpretations and Pitfalls

One major misconception is assuming that every +DI/-DI crossover leads to a profitable trade. In reality, many crossovers occur during consolidation phases and result in false signals. For instance, if the ADX is below 20, the market may lack a clear trend, making the crossover less reliable. Another pitfall is ignoring the broader market context. A bullish crossover in a cryptocurrency during a macroeconomic downturn or regulatory crackdown may fail due to external pressures.

Additionally, traders sometimes overlook the importance of timeframes. A crossover on a 5-minute chart may be insignificant compared to one on a daily chart. Using multiple timeframes—such as checking the weekly DMI before acting on a daily signal—can reduce risk. Lastly, failing to adjust the DMI period from the default 14 can limit its effectiveness for different trading styles. Scalpers might use a 7-period DMI, while long-term investors may prefer a 21-period setting.

Configuring DMI on Trading Platforms

Most cryptocurrency trading platforms, including TradingView, Binance, and MetaTrader, support the DMI indicator. To set it up:

• Open the chart of the desired cryptocurrency pair.
• Click on the "Indicators" button and search for "DMI" or "Average Directional Movement Index."
• Add the indicator to the chart.
• Ensure that both +DI and -DI lines are visible; some platforms require enabling them in settings.
• Adjust the period if needed by editing the indicator’s parameters.
• Optionally, add the ADX line for confirmation.

On TradingView, users can customize the colors of the +DI (typically green) and -DI (typically red) for easier visual identification. Alerts can also be set to notify when a crossover occurs, allowing timely responses even when not actively monitoring the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default period setting for DMI, and can it be changed?

The default period for DMI is 14, as recommended by J. Welles Wilder. This can be adjusted in most trading platforms to suit different strategies. Shorter periods make the indicator more sensitive, while longer periods smooth out noise but may lag.

Does a +DI cross -DI guarantee a price increase?

No, it does not. While the crossover suggests increasing bullish momentum, it is not a standalone guarantee of price rise. External factors, lack of trend strength (low ADX), or market manipulation can negate the signal.

Can the DMI be used effectively in sideways markets?

The DMI is less effective in sideways markets because frequent crossovers generate false signals. It performs best in trending conditions. Traders often combine it with volatility filters or range-bound indicators to avoid losses in flat markets.

How does the DMI differ from MACD in identifying trend direction?

The DMI focuses on trend strength and directional movement, using highs and lows to calculate +DI and -DI. MACD, on the other hand, measures momentum based on moving average convergence. DMI is better for identifying trend initiation, while MACD excels in spotting momentum shifts.