How to operate the turning head of the RSI in the overbought zone? How to hold positions when the trend continues?

RSI's turning head strategy involves entering short positions when RSI peaks above 70 and declines, signaling potential price corrections in overbought zones.

Jun 07, 2025 at 05:43 am

Introduction to RSI and the Turning Head Strategy

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of price movements. It oscillates between 0 and 100 and is typically used to identify overbought or oversold conditions in the market. An asset is generally considered overbought when the RSI is above 70 and oversold when it is below 30. The turning head strategy is a specific technique used by traders to capitalize on potential reversals within these zones.

Understanding the Turning Head in the Overbought Zone

When the RSI enters the overbought zone, it suggests that the asset may be due for a price correction. However, not all overbought conditions lead to immediate reversals. The turning head refers to a specific pattern where the RSI forms a peak in the overbought zone and then begins to decline, signaling a potential reversal.

To identify a turning head, traders look for the following signs:

• RSI reaches or exceeds 70, indicating an overbought condition.
• Formation of a peak in the RSI, which could be the highest point in the current trend.
• Subsequent decline in the RSI from the peak, suggesting that the momentum is shifting.

Operating the Turning Head Strategy

To operate the turning head strategy effectively, follow these steps:

• Monitor the RSI: Keep an eye on the RSI values on your trading chart. Use a reliable charting platform that provides accurate RSI readings.
• Identify the Overbought Zone: Look for instances where the RSI moves above 70. This indicates that the asset is potentially overbought.
• Watch for the Peak: Once the RSI is in the overbought zone, monitor for a clear peak formation. This peak should be higher than recent RSI readings.
• Confirm the Decline: After identifying the peak, wait for the RSI to start declining from this peak. This decline should be noticeable and not just a minor dip.
• Enter the Trade: Once the RSI begins to decline from the peak, consider entering a short position or selling your current holdings. This is based on the anticipation of a price correction.

Holding Positions When the Trend Continues

Sometimes, despite the RSI indicating an overbought condition, the price trend may continue upwards. In such cases, traders need to adapt their strategy to hold positions effectively. Here's how you can manage your positions during a continued uptrend:

• Use Trailing Stops: Implement trailing stop-loss orders to lock in profits as the price continues to rise. This allows you to stay in the trade while minimizing potential losses if the trend reverses.
• Monitor Volume: Keep an eye on trading volume. A continued uptrend with decreasing volume might indicate weakening momentum, suggesting a potential reversal.
• Adjust RSI Thresholds: Consider adjusting the RSI thresholds to account for the asset's volatility. Some traders use higher thresholds (e.g., 80) in strong bull markets to avoid premature exits.
• Reassess the Turning Head: If the RSI forms another peak in the overbought zone, reassess whether this new peak is a more significant turning head. If so, it might be time to exit the position.

Risk Management in the Turning Head Strategy

Effective risk management is crucial when employing the turning head strategy. Here are some tips to manage your risks:

• Set Stop-Loss Orders: Always set a stop-loss order to limit potential losses if the market moves against your position.
• Position Sizing: Determine the appropriate position size based on your risk tolerance and account balance. Avoid risking more than a small percentage of your capital on any single trade.
• Diversify: Spread your investments across different assets to reduce the impact of any single trade on your overall portfolio.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with market news and events that could affect the asset's price. Sudden news can cause rapid price movements that might invalidate your trading signals.

Practical Example of the Turning Head Strategy

To illustrate the turning head strategy in action, consider the following hypothetical scenario:

• Asset: Bitcoin (BTC)
• Time Frame: Daily chart
• RSI Setting: 14 periods

On the daily chart, you notice that the RSI for Bitcoin has moved above 70, indicating an overbought condition. The RSI forms a peak at 75 and then starts to decline. You decide to enter a short position as the RSI continues to fall from the peak.

After entering the short position, Bitcoin's price begins to correct, confirming your decision. However, the price then resumes its uptrend, and the RSI moves back into the overbought zone. You use a trailing stop to manage your position and eventually exit with a profit when the RSI forms another peak and starts to decline again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the turning head strategy be used in other technical indicators?

A: While the turning head strategy is primarily associated with the RSI, similar concepts can be applied to other momentum indicators like the Stochastic Oscillator or the MACD. However, each indicator has its own characteristics and settings, so adjustments may be necessary.

Q: How does the turning head strategy differ from traditional overbought/oversold trading?

A: The turning head strategy focuses specifically on the formation of a peak and subsequent decline in the overbought zone, whereas traditional overbought/oversold trading might simply involve entering trades when the RSI crosses above 70 or below 30. The turning head strategy aims to capture more precise reversal points.

Q: Is the turning head strategy suitable for all market conditions?

A: The turning head strategy works best in trending markets where clear overbought and oversold conditions are present. In highly volatile or range-bound markets, the strategy may generate more false signals, requiring additional confirmation tools.

Q: How can I combine the turning head strategy with other technical analysis tools?

A: Combining the turning head strategy with other tools like trend lines, support and resistance levels, or candlestick patterns can enhance its effectiveness. For example, waiting for a bearish candlestick pattern to form near a resistance level after identifying a turning head can provide stronger confirmation for a potential reversal.