How to operate when +DI rises in DMI but does not break through -DI?

A rising +DI without crossing -DI indicates increasing buying pressure but not enough to confirm a trend reversal, requiring additional confirmation for reliable trading decisions.

Jun 18, 2025 at 07:21 am

Understanding the DMI Indicator

The Directional Movement Index (DMI) is a technical analysis tool used to identify the strength and direction of a trend in cryptocurrency markets. It consists of two lines: +DI (Positive Directional Indicator) and -DI (Negative Directional Indicator), along with the ADX (Average Directional Index) line that measures trend strength. When +DI rises but does not cross above -DI, it suggests increasing positive momentum without confirming a reversal or breakout in price.

This situation often confuses traders who expect a clear signal when one line crosses the other. However, in volatile crypto markets, such signals may lag or produce false positives. Understanding how to interpret this scenario is crucial for making informed decisions.

What Happens When +DI Rises Without Breaking -DI?

When +DI rises but remains below -DI, it indicates that buying pressure is increasing but not strong enough to overcome selling pressure. This can occur during consolidation phases or weak uptrends where bulls are attempting to gain control but lack sufficient volume or conviction.

In cryptocurrency trading, this often appears on charts during sideways movements after sharp declines. For example, if Bitcoin has recently dropped from $30,000 to $28,000 and starts showing higher lows, the +DI might rise as buyers step in, but if sellers still dominate, -DI remains above +DI.

Traders should avoid assuming a bullish breakout based solely on rising +DI. Instead, they should look for additional confirmation through volume patterns, candlestick formations, or support/resistance levels.

How to Adjust Your Trading Strategy

In scenarios where +DI rises but does not break -DI, traders should consider the following adjustments:

• Monitor Volume: A rising +DI accompanied by increasing volume may suggest genuine buying interest even before a crossover occurs.
• Watch Key Support Levels: If the asset is approaching a known support zone and +DI is rising, it could indicate a potential bounce.
• Use Candlestick Patterns: Bullish reversal patterns like hammer candles or engulfing patterns near key levels can confirm the strength behind the rising +DI.
• Combine with Other Indicators: Using tools like RSI or MACD alongside DMI can help filter out false signals and improve trade accuracy.

These steps allow traders to make more nuanced decisions rather than relying solely on DMI crossovers.

Entry and Exit Considerations

If you decide to enter a long position based on rising +DI, do so cautiously. Here’s how:

• Set Tight Stop-Loss Orders: Since there’s no confirmed trend yet, limit your risk exposure by placing stop-loss orders just below recent swing lows.
• Use Partial Entries: Enter the trade in smaller increments as +DI continues to rise and other indicators align favorably.
• Look for Confluence: Only consider entries when multiple signals align—such as rising +DI, bullish candlesticks, and oversold RSI readings.
• Exit Gradually: If the price moves in your favor but +DI hasn’t crossed -DI, consider taking partial profits early while letting the rest ride if momentum builds.

By managing positions carefully, traders can protect capital while still participating in potential reversals.

Risk Management Techniques

Risk management becomes even more critical when trading in ambiguous conditions like rising +DI without a crossover. Here's how to manage effectively:

• Position Sizing: Reduce position size when entering trades based on incomplete signals like rising +DI without confirmation.
• Timeframe Analysis: Check higher timeframes (e.g., 4-hour or daily charts) to ensure the broader trend isn’t against your trade.
• Use Trailing Stops: If the price begins to move favorably, trail your stop to lock in gains while allowing room for volatility.
• Avoid Overleveraging: Crypto markets are highly volatile; leverage should be used sparingly unless a strong trend is confirmed via DMI crossover and other indicators.

Proper risk controls help preserve capital and prevent emotional decision-making during uncertain market phases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I short sell if -DI remains above +DI even though +DI is rising?

Yes, but only if other bearish signals are present. A rising +DI shows increasing buying pressure, so shorting should be done cautiously and ideally with confirmation from other indicators like resistance levels or bearish candlesticks.

Q2: Should I ignore all buy signals until +DI crosses above -DI?

No. Rising +DI alone can be a precursor to a bullish trend. You can take partial positions with tight stops if other supporting factors like volume or chart patterns align.

Q3: How long should I wait for +DI to cross -DI before abandoning the trade idea?

There’s no fixed time, but if the price remains range-bound for several days without a breakout and +DI begins to decline, it’s safer to abandon the setup.

Q4: Is DMI reliable in cryptocurrency markets given their high volatility?

DMI works best in trending markets. In crypto, which often experiences choppy price action, combining DMI with volatility filters like Bollinger Bands or volume indicators improves its reliability.