TRIX indicator for identifying tops and bottoms

The TRIX indicator helps cryptocurrency traders spot trend reversals by filtering market noise and highlighting momentum shifts.

Jul 15, 2025 at 01:22 pm

Understanding the TRIX Indicator in Cryptocurrency Trading

The TRIX indicator, or Triple Exponential Average, is a momentum oscillator commonly used in technical analysis to identify overbought and oversold conditions. In the context of cryptocurrency trading, where volatility can be extreme and trends may reverse suddenly, the TRIX indicator offers traders a way to filter out market noise and spot potential trend reversals.

Unlike simple moving averages that lag behind price action, the TRIX indicator applies triple smoothing to the price data, reducing false signals. This makes it particularly useful for identifying potential tops and bottoms in fast-moving crypto markets. Traders often combine the TRIX indicator with other tools such as volume indicators or support/resistance levels to increase accuracy.

Note:

The TRIX indicator is not designed to provide directional bias but rather to highlight changes in momentum that could signal upcoming reversals.

How to Calculate the TRIX Indicator

To fully understand how the TRIX indicator works, it's essential to grasp its calculation method. The process involves several steps:

• Step 1: Calculate a single exponential moving average (EMA) of closing prices over a specified period (usually 14 or 15 periods).
• Step 2: Apply EMA again to the result from Step 1.
• Step 3: Apply EMA one more time to the output from Step 2.
• Step 4: Compute the percentage change between the current triple-smoothed EMA and the previous value.

This final percentage change forms the TRIX indicator line on the chart. A signal line, which is typically a moving average of the TRIX indicator, is also plotted to generate buy/sell signals when it crosses above or below the main TRIX indicator line.

Important:

While default settings are common, adjusting the lookback period based on asset volatility—especially in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum—can improve performance.

Using TRIX to Identify Tops in Crypto Markets

In highly volatile cryptocurrency markets, spotting tops early can prevent significant losses. When the TRIX indicator starts to decline from a high positive level while price continues to rise, it indicates weakening momentum—a potential sign of a top forming.

Here’s how to interpret this scenario:

• Watch for positive divergence: If the price is making new highs but the TRIX indicator fails to confirm with a lower high, this could signal exhaustion.
• Look for crossovers: When the TRIX indicator crosses below its signal line during an uptrend, especially after reaching overbought territory, it may indicate a reversal.
• Combine with volume: A drop in volume alongside declining TRIX values strengthens the case for a potential top.

Tip:

Use candlestick patterns like shooting stars or bearish engulfing candles alongside TRIX indicator signals to reinforce your analysis.

Recognizing Market Bottoms Using TRIX

Just as the TRIX indicator helps identify tops, it can also assist in detecting bottoms in cryptocurrency charts. During downtrends, if the TRIX indicator begins to rise from a deeply negative region while the price continues to fall, it suggests underlying strength returning to the market.

Key observations include:

• Negative divergence: Price makes new lows but the TRIX indicator forms higher lows—this is a classic bullish divergence.
• Signal line crossovers: A crossover above the signal line while the TRIX indicator is in oversold territory can serve as a strong buy signal.
• Momentum confirmation: Wait for a clear move into positive territory before considering entry, especially in choppy markets.

Caution:

Avoid acting on early signs without confirmation; many false signals occur during consolidation phases.

Practical Steps to Implement TRIX in Trading Platforms

Most modern trading platforms, including those popular among crypto traders like Binance, TradingView, and Bybit, offer built-in TRIX indicator tools. Here’s how to set it up:

• Open your preferred trading platform and navigate to the chart of the cryptocurrency you're analyzing.
• Locate the indicators menu and search for "TRIX" or "Triple Exponential Moving Average."
• Adjust the period setting according to the timeframe you’re using—common values range from 10 to 20 for daily charts.
• Enable the signal line if available to get crossover signals.
• Customize colors and styles for better visual clarity.

Pro Tip:

Save your custom TRIX indicator configuration so you don’t have to reconfigure it every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TRIX indicator be used alone for trading decisions?

A: While the TRIX indicator provides valuable insights into momentum shifts, relying solely on it increases the risk of false signals. It’s best used in conjunction with other indicators like RSI, MACD, or Fibonacci retracement levels.

Q: Is the TRIX indicator suitable for all cryptocurrencies?

A: Yes, the TRIX indicator can be applied to any tradable asset, including altcoins and stablecoins. However, less liquid or newer cryptocurrencies might produce erratic readings due to low trading volumes.

Q: How does the TRIX indicator differ from MACD?

A: Both are momentum indicators, but the TRIX indicator applies triple smoothing to reduce lag, whereas MACD uses two EMAs and a histogram to show momentum. TRIX tends to give fewer but potentially more reliable signals in trending markets.

Q: What should I do if the TRIX indicator gives conflicting signals with price?

A: Divergences between the TRIX indicator and price are key reversal signals. However, always wait for confirmation through additional tools or candlestick patterns before taking action.