How to Read the RSI Indicator: A Must-Learn Short-Term Decision Tool for Crypto Traders
Why is RSI particularly important in the encryption market?
The encryption market is highly volatile, with the prices of coins such as BTC and ETH capable of rising or falling by more than 10% in the short term. RSI can help traders find emotional turning points in such high volatility. When the market is overly excited or panicked, the extreme values of RSI often serve as the best “calm reminders.”
For example:
- In early October 2025, the price of Bitcoin fluctuated around $105,000, forming a high-level consolidation, with the RSI remaining above 75 for several consecutive days, followed by a significant pullback.
- On the contrary, some small-cap Altcoins often experience short-term rebounds when the RSI falls below 25.
Analysis of Various Uses of RSI
1. Trend Identification
RSI above 50 indicates that bulls are in control, and one can consider going long; RSI below 50 indicates that bears are dominant, making it suitable to wait or short.
2. Reverse Signal Capture
RSI divergence is the most common trend reversal signal. In the encryption market, due to the tendency of trader sentiment to become overly concentrated, RSI divergence appears frequently and is an important basis for determining tops or bottoms.
3. Use of Multiple Time Frames Together
Short cycles (such as 4-hour or 1-hour RSI) are suitable for short-term traders; long cycles (such as daily RSI) are more appropriate for assessing medium-term trends. Many experienced traders will reference multiple cycle RSIs simultaneously to capture the best entry and exit points.
Use RSI in conjunction with other indicators
When used alone, RSI may produce false signals; combining it with other indicators yields better results:
- RSI + MACD: RSI identifies sentiment, MACD determines trend strength;
- RSI + KDJ: KDJ is more sensitive and can assist RSI in verifying short-term rebounds;
- RSI + Volume: When the RSI rebounds from a low level and the volume increases, the reversal signal is more reliable.
Practical Strategies and Risk Tips
In a bull market, the RSI may stay in the range of 60 to 80 for a long time, which does not mean you should sell immediately. Similarly, in a bear market, an RSI below 40 does not indicate an immediate rebound. Traders should pay attention to the direction of the RSI trend change, rather than a single value.
At the same time, avoid frequent operations due to short-term fluctuations in RSI, especially in high leverage trading where caution is even more necessary.