Is the second surge of RSI above 70 more dangerous?

In crypto trading, a second RSI surge above 70 may signal weakening bullish momentum and a potential bearish reversal.

Jun 18, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Understanding RSI and Its Significance in Cryptocurrency Trading

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator used to measure the speed and change of price movements. In the cryptocurrency market, where volatility reigns supreme, RSI becomes an essential tool for traders. Typically ranging from 0 to 100, RSI values above 70 are considered overbought, while values below 30 are deemed oversold. When RSI rises above 70, it signals that an asset may be overbought, potentially indicating an upcoming reversal or pullback.

In crypto trading, especially for volatile assets like Bitcoin or altcoins, seeing RSI breach 70 isn't uncommon. However, the concern arises when RSI makes a second surge above 70, which some traders interpret as a stronger bearish signal compared to the first instance.

Important Note: An overbought RSI doesn't necessarily mean an immediate price drop. It simply suggests caution and the need for further confirmation through other indicators.

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What Happens During the First Surge of RSI Above 70?

During the first surge of RSI above 70, many traders view it as a potential sign of strength rather than weakness. In strong uptrends, especially in bull markets, prices can remain overbought for extended periods without significant pullbacks. This behavior is often seen in fast-moving cryptocurrencies where FOMO (fear of missing out) drives rapid price appreciation.

Traders who rely solely on RSI might get stopped out prematurely if they short the market based only on this initial overbought reading. Therefore, it's crucial to combine RSI with other technical tools such as moving averages, volume analysis, or Fibonacci retracement levels to confirm potential reversals.

• First-time overbought conditions may indicate continued bullish momentum.
• It’s common during breakout scenarios or after major news events.
• Relying only on RSI at this stage can lead to false signals.

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Why Is the Second Surge of RSI Above 70 Considered More Dangerous?

When RSI returns to overbought territory after a brief pullback, forming what's known as a double top pattern or a retest, it raises concerns among experienced traders. The second time RSI hits 70 or higher, it suggests that buyers are once again pushing the price upward, but with less conviction than before.

This scenario often indicates weakening momentum and a possible exhaustion of buying pressure. If the price fails to make a new high while RSI reaches similar or lower levels, it creates a bearish divergence, signaling a potential reversal.

• Second surge may reflect weakening bullish momentum despite rising prices.
• Bearish divergences become more apparent during this phase.
• Volume patterns should be checked to confirm lack of participation.

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How to Confirm Whether the Second RSI Surge Is a Valid Warning Signal?

To determine whether the second RSI surge is indeed dangerous, traders must look beyond the indicator itself. Here are key steps to validate the warning:

• Check for price action rejection near resistance zones—look for long upper wicks or bearish candlestick patterns.
• Analyze volume trends—if volume declines during the second RSI surge, it may indicate reduced buyer interest.
• Use trendlines or moving averages to assess support and resistance levels—breaks below these can confirm a reversal.
• Observe other oscillators like MACD for confirmation of momentum shift.

For example, if RSI hits 70 twice, and on the second attempt, the MACD line crosses below the signal line, it adds weight to the bearish outlook.

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Case Study: How the Second RSI Surge Played Out in a Real Crypto Scenario

Let’s take a hypothetical case using a popular altcoin chart. Suppose Ethereum breaks out from a consolidation phase and rallies sharply. RSI climbs above 70, prompting early warnings of overbought conditions. However, the price continues upward due to strong demand.

After reaching a peak, ETH pulls back slightly, RSI dips below 70, and then another wave of buying pushes the price up again. RSI surges back above 70. But this time, the rally lacks the same volume as before, and the price fails to surpass the previous high.

• Bullish sentiment weakens even though RSI appears similar to the first surge.
• Traders observing divergence between RSI and price might initiate short positions or tighten stop-losses on longs.
• The eventual breakdown below key support confirms the reversal.

This scenario illustrates why the second surge can be more dangerous—it often precedes a meaningful correction or trend reversal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can RSI stay above 70 for a prolonged period without a price reversal?

Yes, especially in strong uptrends or during periods of extreme speculation. In such cases, RSI can remain overbought for extended durations. Traders should not assume an automatic reversal just because RSI is above 70.

Q2: Should I always avoid buying when RSI is above 70?

Not necessarily. Buying in overbought conditions can still be profitable in a strong uptrend. However, it requires additional confirmation and proper risk management strategies.

Q3: What timeframes are best for analyzing RSI surges?

Shorter timeframes like 1-hour or 4-hour charts tend to show more frequent RSI spikes, while daily charts offer more reliable signals. Combining multiple timeframes helps filter noise and identify stronger trends.

Q4: Does the second RSI surge always result in a bearish reversal?

No, it does not guarantee a reversal. The second surge serves as a warning sign, but actual reversals depend on broader market dynamics, including volume, macroeconomic factors, and overall investor sentiment.