Triple Exponential Average (TRIX) is a momentum indicator that displays the percent rate-of-change of a triple exponentially smoothed moving average of a security’s closing price. The triple exponential average (TRIX) indicator is an oscillator used to identify oversold and overbought markets, and it can also be used as a momentum indicator. Like many oscillators, TRIX oscillates around a zero line. When it is used as an oscillator, a positive value indicates an overbought market while a negative value indicates an oversold market. When TRIX is used as a momentum indicator, a positive value suggests momentum is increasing while a negative value suggests momentum is decreasing. Many analysts believe that when the TRIX crosses above the zero line it gives a buy signal, and when it closes below the zero line, it gives a sell signal. Also, divergences between price and TRIX can indicate significant turning points in the market.

USES

Since TRIX measures the rate-of-change of closing prices, a positive TRIX value is interpreted as a steady rise in the closing price of a security. A positive TRIX is thus akin to a positive trending price, allowing the indicator to act as a buy signal whenever it crosses up above the zero line. Similarly, crossing below the zero line suggests the price is tending to close down at the end of each period, which can be a sell signal.

The “signal line” is also a useful buy/sell indicator. Since the signal line period is shorter, a cross above it suggests that recent stock prices are closing much higher. A buy signal is triggered when TRIX crosses above its signal line, and a sell signal is triggered when TRIX crosses below its signal line. This method can generate false signals during sideways price movements, so it works best when prices are trending. It is therefore wise to use TRIX in tandem with other indicators for confirmation.

[Chart via Stock Signals]

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