Connors RSI | TrendSpider Learning Center (2024)

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Introduction

Connors RSI (CRSI) is a momentum oscillator developed by Larry Connors and the team at Connors Research. The primary purpose of this technical analysis indicator is to identify overbought and oversold conditions in shorter trading timeframes. It aims to improve the traditional 14-period RSI indicator developed by Welles Wilder, which reacts too slowly for short-term trading.

CRSI is a composite indicator combining three separate components into a single oscillator. This article will discuss each component, how to calculate Connors RSI, how to interpret its signals and the advantages and disadvantages of using the indicator in trading.

Components

RSI (Relative Strength Index)

The Relative Strength Index (RSI), created by J. Welles Wilder, is a crucial component of Connors RSI. This momentum oscillator measures the speed and change of price movements on a scale of 0 to 100. It is designed to identify overbought and oversold conditions in a market. Wilder’s RSI contributes to two of the three components in Connors RSI.

UpDown Length

The second component of Connors RSI is the UpDown Length, which measures the number of consecutive up or down days. It is a streak indicator that tracks the duration of a price trend, with longer streaks indicating stronger trends. UpDown Length is expressed as a percentage of the longest streak within a specified lookback period.

Rate-of-Change

The third component of Connors RSI is the Rate-of-Change (ROC). ROC is a momentum indicator that measures the percentage change in price over a given period. It highlights the strength of price movements and helps identify potential trend reversals. The ROC component in Connors RSI is calculated using a short-term lookback period.

Example scanners based on Connors RSI

Connors RSI can be used in Scanning the market. To see how exactly it can be used in this way, we provide the following samples. Both scanners search the market for stocks using this indicator.

How to Calculate Connors RSI

Calculating Connors RSI involves the following steps:

1. Calculate the RSI using a given period (typically 3).
2. Calculate the UpDown Length by counting consecutive up or down days and expressing it as a percentage of the longest streak within a specified lookback period (typically 2).
3. Calculate the Rate-of-Change using a specified period (typically 100).
4. Average the three components to get the Connors RSI value.

Interpreting Connors RSI Signals

Overbought and Oversold Signals

CRSI signals are similar to those of traditional RSI. A value of 30 or below indicates oversold conditions, while a value of 70 or above suggests overbought conditions. Traders can use these levels as potential entry or exit points for their trades.

Divergence

Divergence occurs when the price of an asset and the Connors RSI move in opposite directions. Positive divergence occurs when the price makes lower lows and the CRSI makes higher lows, suggesting a potential bullish reversal. Conversely, negative divergence occurs when the price makes higher highs and the CRSI makes lower highs, indicating a possible bearish reversal. Traders can use divergences to spot potential trend reversals and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.

CRSI Trading Strategies

Various trading strategies utilize Connors RSI. Some of these include:

1. CRSI Crossovers: Traders can use CRSI crossovers with predefined overbought and oversold levels (e.g., 30 and 70) to generate buy and sell signals. When the CRSI crosses above 30, it can be considered a buy signal; when it crosses below 70, it can be viewed as a sell signal.
2. CRSI Divergences: As mentioned earlier, traders can use positive and negative divergences between price and CRSI to anticipate potential trend reversals.
3. CRSI Breakouts: Traders can look for breakouts from consolidation patterns, such as triangles or rectangles, accompanied by a strong CRSI reading, indicating a potential trend continuation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

1. Connors RSI improves upon the traditional RSI by incorporating additional components, making it more responsive to short-term price movements.
2. The indicator is versatile and can be applied to various financial instruments and timeframes.
3. CRSI provides clear overbought and oversold signals, making it easier for traders to time their entries and exits.

Disadvantages:

1. Like other technical indicators, Connors RSI is not foolproof and may produce false signals.
2. CRSI is best used in conjunction with other technical analysis tools and should not be relied upon as a standalone indicator.
3. The indicator may not be suitable for longer-term investors less concerned with short-term price fluctuations.

Example strategy based on Connors RSI

Connors RSI can be used in Testing Strategies. To see how exactly it can be used in this way, we provide the following sample. The strategy tests buying and selling rules built around this indicator.

The Bottom Line

Connors RSI is a valuable technical analysis indicator that improves upon the traditional RSI by incorporating additional components to make it more responsive to short-term price movements. Traders can use the indicator to identify overbought and oversold conditions, spot divergences and implement various trading strategies. However, it is essential to remember that no indicator is perfect, and Connors RSI should be used in conjunction with other technical analysis tools for more accurate decision-making.