TRIX Indicator

Overview :
The TRIX is a momentum indicator that calculates the percent rate of change of a triple smoothed exponential moving average of closing price. It is a leading indicator, in that it is designed to signal trends shorter than the time sample used to calculate the TRIX. However, you introduce more lag time into the indicator response as the moving average period is increased.

The TRIX oscillates around a zero line. Trading opportunities arise when the TRIX graph changes direction. Buy when the slope of the TRIX line turns positive or crosses zero from below. Sell when the slope turns negative or crosses zero from above. Divergence in the movement in price and the TRIX line can also signal an impending trend change.

Interpretation :
The TRIX indicator oscillates around a zero line. Its triple exponential smoothing is designed to filter out “insignificant” cycles (i.e., those that are shorter than the number of periods you specify).

Trades should be placed when the indicator changes direction (i.e., buy when it turns up and sell when it turns down). You may want to plot a 9-period moving average of the TRIX to create a “signal” line (similar to the MACD indicator, and then buy when the TRIX rises above its signal, and sell when it falls below its signal.

Divergences between the security and the TRIX can also help identify turning points.

Example :
The following chart shows Checker Drive-In, its 12-day TRIX (solid line), and a 9-day “signal” moving average of the TRIX (dotted line).

I drew “buy” arrows when the TRIX rose above its signal line and drew “sell” arrows when it fell below its signal line. This method worked well when prices were trending, but it generated numerous false signals when prices were moving sideways.

A bearish divergence occurred when the TRIX was falling (trendline “A”) while prices rose. Prices subsequently corrected. Similarly, a bullish divergence occurred when the TRIX was rising (trendline “B”) while prices were falling. Prices subsequently rallied.

Calculation :
To calculate the TRIX indicator :
1- Calculate an n-period exponential moving average of the closing prices.
2- Calculate an n-period exponential moving average of the moving average calculated in Step #1.
3- Calculate an n-period exponential moving average of the moving average calculated in Step #2.
4- Calculate the 1-period (e.g., 1-day) percent change of the moving average calculated in Step #3.

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