LearningTechnical AnalysisRSI, MACD & Momentum
Module 2 of 36 min read

RSI, MACD & Momentum

Use RSI and MACD to identify overbought/oversold conditions and trend changes.

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

is a that measures the speed and magnitude of recent price changes, scaled from 0 to 100. RSI above 70 suggests the is — potentially due for a . RSI below 30 indicates conditions — a potential bounce. The default look-back period is 14 days.

RSI above 70 = overbought. RSI below 30 = oversold.

MACD — Moving Average Convergence Divergence

compares two (typically 12-day and 26-day). The MACD line crosses above the signal line as a signal; crossing below is . The histogram shows the difference between the two lines, making divergence easy to spot.

Divergence — when price and momentum disagree

divergence: price makes a new low, but makes a higher low — selling is exhausting. : price makes a new high, but RSI makes a lower high — buying is fading. Divergence is an early warning signal before reversals.

Divergence often predicts trend reversals before price confirms.

Combining indicators

No indicator works alone. A can stay for weeks in a strong . Use and as supporting evidence, not standalone buy/sell signals. Combine them with , , and fundamental context for stronger conviction.

Test Your Knowledge

4 questions · instant feedback

Quick Quiz1 / 4

An RSI reading of 80 on a stock suggests: