Is the TRIX triple exponential moving average accurate? Can it filter noise when combined with MACD?

TRIX, a momentum oscillator, filters minor price fluctuations to identify trends; its accuracy varies by market, but combining it with MACD can enhance signal reliability.

Jun 06, 2025 at 02:15 pm

The TRIX (Triple Exponential Moving Average) indicator is a momentum oscillator used in technical analysis to identify trends and generate trading signals. It is designed to filter out minor price fluctuations and provide a clearer view of the underlying trend. The question of whether TRIX is accurate depends on various factors, including the market conditions and the specific trading strategy employed. In this article, we will explore the accuracy of TRIX and its potential to filter noise when combined with the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator.

Understanding the TRIX Indicator

The TRIX indicator is calculated by applying a triple exponential moving average to the price data. This process involves smoothing the data three times, which helps to reduce the impact of short-term price fluctuations and emphasize longer-term trends. The formula for TRIX involves the following steps:

• Calculate the single exponential moving average (EMA) of the closing prices.
• Calculate the EMA of the first EMA.
• Calculate the EMA of the second EMA.
• Subtract the previous TRIX value from the current TRIX value to obtain the TRIX oscillator.

The TRIX indicator is typically plotted as a line on a chart, and traders look for crossovers above and below the zero line to identify potential buy and sell signals. A positive TRIX value indicates an upward trend, while a negative value suggests a downward trend.

Accuracy of the TRIX Indicator

The accuracy of the TRIX indicator can vary depending on the specific market and time frame being analyzed. In trending markets, TRIX can be quite effective in identifying the direction of the trend and potential entry and exit points. However, in choppy or sideways markets, the TRIX indicator may generate false signals, as it is less effective at filtering out short-term noise.

To assess the accuracy of TRIX, traders often backtest the indicator on historical data to see how well it would have performed in the past. This can help to identify the best settings and parameters for the indicator, as well as potential weaknesses in different market conditions.

Combining TRIX with MACD for Noise Filtering

The MACD indicator is another popular tool used in technical analysis to identify trends and momentum. It is calculated by subtracting the 26-period EMA from the 12-period EMA and plotting the result as a line on a chart. A signal line, typically a 9-period EMA of the MACD line, is also plotted to generate trading signals.

Combining TRIX with MACD can potentially enhance the ability to filter out noise and generate more reliable trading signals. Here’s how the two indicators can work together:

• TRIX can help confirm MACD signals: When the MACD line crosses above or below the signal line, traders often look for confirmation from other indicators. If the TRIX line is also moving in the same direction, it can increase the confidence in the MACD signal.
• TRIX can filter out false MACD signals: In choppy markets, the MACD may generate false signals due to short-term price fluctuations. The TRIX, with its triple smoothing, can help to filter out these false signals and provide a clearer picture of the underlying trend.
• Divergence between TRIX and MACD: Traders can also look for divergence between the TRIX and MACD indicators. For example, if the MACD is showing a bullish signal but the TRIX is still negative, it may indicate that the bullish signal is not strong enough to warrant a trade.

Implementing TRIX and MACD in Trading

To effectively use TRIX and MACD in trading, follow these steps:

• Choose the right time frame: Depending on your trading style, you may choose to use TRIX and MACD on different time frames. For short-term trading, a shorter time frame like 15 minutes or 1 hour may be appropriate, while for longer-term trading, daily or weekly charts may be more suitable.
• Set the indicator parameters: The default settings for TRIX and MACD can be adjusted to suit your trading strategy. Experiment with different settings to find the best combination for your specific market and time frame.
• Monitor the indicators: Keep an eye on both the TRIX and MACD indicators to identify potential trading opportunities. Look for crossovers, divergences, and other signals that may indicate a change in trend or momentum.
• Combine with other analysis: While TRIX and MACD can be powerful tools, they should not be used in isolation. Combine them with other forms of technical analysis, such as support and resistance levels, trend lines, and chart patterns, to increase the accuracy of your trading signals.

Practical Example of Using TRIX and MACD

Let’s walk through a practical example of how to use TRIX and MACD together to filter noise and generate trading signals. Assume we are analyzing the price chart of Bitcoin on a daily time frame.

• Step 1: Plot the indicators: Add the TRIX and MACD indicators to your chart. Use the default settings for both indicators, which are typically a 15-period EMA for TRIX and 12, 26, and 9 periods for MACD.
• Step 2: Identify the trend: Look at the TRIX line to determine the overall trend. If the TRIX line is above zero, it suggests an uptrend, while a TRIX line below zero indicates a downtrend.
• Step 3: Monitor MACD signals: Watch for crossovers between the MACD line and the signal line. A bullish crossover (MACD line crossing above the signal line) may indicate a potential buying opportunity, while a bearish crossover (MACD line crossing below the signal line) may suggest a selling opportunity.
• Step 4: Confirm with TRIX: Before acting on a MACD signal, check the TRIX line for confirmation. If the TRIX line is also moving in the same direction as the MACD signal, it increases the likelihood of a valid trade.
• Step 5: Look for divergence: Pay attention to any divergence between the TRIX and MACD indicators. For example, if the MACD is showing a bullish signal but the TRIX is still declining, it may suggest that the bullish signal is not strong enough to warrant a trade.

Limitations of TRIX and MACD

While TRIX and MACD can be useful tools for filtering noise and identifying trends, they are not without limitations. Some key limitations include:

• Lag: Both TRIX and MACD are lagging indicators, meaning they are based on past price data and may not always predict future price movements accurately.
• False signals: In choppy or sideways markets, both indicators can generate false signals, leading to potential losses if not used in conjunction with other forms of analysis.
• Over-reliance: Traders who rely too heavily on these indicators without considering other factors, such as market news and fundamental analysis, may miss important information that could impact their trading decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can TRIX be used effectively on all cryptocurrencies?

A: TRIX can be used on any cryptocurrency, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific market and trading conditions. Highly volatile cryptocurrencies may produce more false signals, while more stable coins may provide clearer trends. It’s important to backtest the indicator on historical data for the specific cryptocurrency you are trading to determine its effectiveness.

Q: How often should I adjust the settings of TRIX and MACD?

A: The frequency of adjusting the settings of TRIX and MACD depends on your trading strategy and the market conditions. Some traders may find that the default settings work well for their needs, while others may need to adjust the settings periodically to adapt to changing market conditions. Regular backtesting and monitoring of the indicators can help determine when adjustments are necessary.

Q: Can TRIX and MACD be used for day trading?

A: Yes, TRIX and MACD can be used for day trading, especially when combined with shorter time frames such as 15-minute or 1-hour charts. However, due to the potential for increased volatility and noise on shorter time frames, it’s important to use these indicators in conjunction with other forms of analysis to increase the accuracy of trading signals.

Q: Are there any other indicators that can be used alongside TRIX and MACD to improve trading accuracy?

A: Yes, several other indicators can be used alongside TRIX and MACD to improve trading accuracy. Some popular options include the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Bollinger Bands, and the Stochastic Oscillator. These indicators can provide additional confirmation of trading signals and help to filter out noise more effectively.