The Triple Exponential Moving Average (TRIX) is a powerful technical analysis tool designed to help traders determine the momentum of a price as well as identify overbought and oversold conditions in an underlying financial asset. TRIX was developed by Jack Hutson in the early 1980s, and as its name suggests, it is used to show the rate of change in a triple exponentially smoothed moving average. Functionally, TRIX can be used as an oscillator as well as a momentum indicator. When used as an oscillator, it shows potential peak and trough price zones; and when used as a momentum (or trend following) indicator, it can filter out spikes in the price that are irrelevant to the overall dominant trend. TRIX has also been described as the ‘impulse indicator’ that is capable of pointing out when there is a growing or sinking impulse in the market. Broadly, TRIX belongs to the Oscillators group of indicators. Other indicators similar to TRIX include the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) and RVI (Relative Vigour Index).

TRIX Calculation

TRIX, which is a triple smoothed EMA, is essentially an EMA, of an EMA, of an EMA, hence the “triple”. Exponential moving averages usually place more weight on current price data as opposed to simple moving averages that just calculate the average of prices, with equal weighting to all price data. Most trading platforms use a default 14-period when calculating TRIX, but the parameters can be adjusted according to the needs of the trader.

Here are the steps followed when calculating a 14-period TRIX:

  1. Single-smoothed EMA = 14-period EMA calculated based on the price’s close
  2. Double-smoothed EMA = 14-period EMA of the single-smoothed EMA
  3. Triple-smoothed EMA = 14-period EMA of the double-smoothed EMA
  4. TRIX = 1-period per cent change of the triple-smoothed EMA

The calculation above will compute a TRIX indicator that swings above and below 0, generating positive and negative values.

Customising TRIX Period and Smoothing

TRIX is built on a triple-smoothed exponential moving average (EMA) of closing prices, which helps filter out market noise while highlighting underlying momentum. Two key parameters control its behaviour:

  • Period Length
    • Default (14): Balances responsiveness with smoothing for most timeframes.
    • Shorter (e.g. 9): Produces quicker signals but increases the risk of false crossovers in choppy markets.
    • Longer (e.g. 30): Smooths out even minor fluctuations at the cost of lag, ideal for capturing major trend moves.
  • Smoothing Stages
    • Each EMA stage applies the smoothing factor in sequence. Increasing the smoothing length (e.g. moving from single to double smoothing) further reduces whipsaws—but delays signals.
    • Traders who prefer crystal-clear momentum readings often accept the trade-off of slower entries and exits.

When to Adjust TRIX Settings

  • Use short settings (9–12) on lower timeframes or during strong impulsive moves for faster entry signals.
  • Use long settings (20–30) on daily or weekly charts to focus on sustained trends and avoid erratic crossovers.

Tailoring TRIX settings to your preferred timeframe and volatility tolerance helps ensure signals land when you’re ready to act—so you’re not constantly second-guessing minor price wobbles.

Experiment with different TRIX periods and smoothing levels in your AvaTrade demo account — discover the balance that fits your trading style.

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Reading the TRIX Indicator

As mentioned above, TRIX can be used as both a trend following indicator and as an oscillator. As a trend following indicator, positive TRIX values imply that an uptrend is in place whereas negative TRIX values denote that a downtrend is in place in the market. When TRIX values run along the 0 value (centreline), it implies that the market stance is neutral. As an oscillator, TRIX is used to watch out for overbought and oversold conditions in the market. Extreme positive values denote overbought conditions, while extreme negative values denote oversold conditions in the market.

Trading TRIX Signals

Here is how to trade the different types of TRIX signals:

Zero Line Cross

As mentioned above, TRIX can help determine the ‘impulse’ of the market. With the 0 value as a centreline, if it crosses from below, it will be an indication that the impulse is growing in the market and traders can seek opportunities to place buy orders in the market. In the same manner, a cross of the centreline from above will signal a shrinking impulse in the market and traders can seek opportunities to place sell orders in the market.

Signal Line Cross

To pick out optimal entry points, traders add a signal line on the TRIX indicator. The signal line is basically a moving average of the TRIX indicator, and as such, it will always lag behind the TRIX. A signal to place a buy order will occur when the TRIX crosses the signal line from below. Similarly, a signal to place a sell order will occur when the TRIX crosses the signal line from above. This is applicable in both trending and ranging markets. In trending markets, a signal line cross will signal that a price retracement is over, and the main trend will resume. In ranging markets, a signal line will confirm that resistance and support zones have been upheld in the market.

Divergence Analysis

Divergence between price and TRIX can signal a looming reversal before it shows on the chart itself. There are two main types:

  • Bullish Divergence
    • Price Action: Successive lows in price get lower.
    • TRIX Signal: Corresponding troughs in the TRIX line form higher lows.
    • Interpretation: Momentum is waning to the downside, suggesting buyers may soon regain control.
  • Bearish Divergence
    • Price Action: Successive highs in price get higher.
    • TRIX Signal: Corresponding peaks in the TRIX line form lower highs.
    • Interpretation: Upward momentum is weakening, hinting at a potential downturn.

How to Use Divergence

  1. Confirm with Structure: Look for divergence near key support or resistance zones to increase reliability.
  2. Wait for Trigger: Only act when TRIX crosses its zero line or its signal line (if you use one), reducing false signals.
  3. Manage Risk: Place stops beyond the most recent swing point to allow for normal retracements.

Rationale
Divergence spots hidden shifts in momentum that pure price analysis can miss. By combining TRIX readings with chart structure, you gain early warning of reversals—so you can prepare your entries or exits ahead of the crowd.

Multi-Timeframe TRIX Strategy

Analysing TRIX across several timeframes helps you filter noise and align entries with the dominant trend. Follow this workflow to balance responsiveness with reliability:

  1. Define the Trend on the Daily Chart
    • Plot a 15-period TRIX on the daily timeframe.
    • Look for sustained moves above (bull trend) or below (bear trend) the zero line.
  2. Confirm Momentum on the 4-Hour Chart
    • Switch to a 4-hour chart with the same TRIX settings.
    • Watch for a cross through the zero line in the direction of the daily trend—this indicates a strengthening move.
  3. Pinpoint Entries on the 1-Hour Chart
    • On the 1-hour chart, wait for a pullback and then a fresh TRIX cross back in line with your higher-timeframe bias.
    • Use the 1-hour signal to time your limit or stop-entry order.
  4. Set Stops and Targets Relative to Structure
    • Place your stop slightly beyond the nearest swing high/low on the 1-hour chart.
    • Aim for at least a 2:1 reward-to-risk ratio, using daily levels for target projection.

Aligning TRIX signals across multiple horizons cuts down on false alarms—so you trade with greater confidence, knowing you’re riding the main trend.

Combining TRIX and Other Indicators

Enhancing TRIX signals with complementary tools helps you filter noise and confirm momentum before committing to a trade.

TRIX + RSI/CCI Confirmation

  • Why it Works: TRIX shows momentum shifts, while RSI and CCI highlight overbought or oversold conditions.
  • How to Use:
    • RSI (14-period): Only act on a bullish TRIX cross when RSI is above 50 (but below 70), and on a bearish TRIX cross when RSI is below 50 (but above 30).
    • CCI (20-period): Look for TRIX signals that coincide with CCI moving out of extreme zones (±100) to avoid fading strong trends.
  • Benefit: You reduce false entries by waiting for both momentum direction (TRIX) and market pressure (RSI/CCI) to align.

TRIX + SMA Crossover Filter

  • Why it Works: A simple moving average (e.g. 50-period) defines the prevailing trend, so you only take TRIX signals in its direction.
  • How to Use:
    • Bullish Filter: Only take TRIX crossing above zero if price is trading above the 50-period SMA.
    • Bearish Filter: Only take TRIX crossing below zero if price is trading below the 50-period SMA.
  • Benefit: This rule keeps you on the right side of the larger trend and avoids counter-trend whipsaws.

Layering TRIX with oscillators or trend-defining moving averages sharpens signal quality—so you’re more likely to act on moves that have both momentum and structural support.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Even a robust indicator like TRIX can give misleading signals if you don’t account for its limitations. Here are two frequent pitfalls—and simple fixes:

  • False Crossovers in Choppy Markets
    • Issue: In sideways or low-volatility conditions, TRIX can oscillate around the zero line, triggering whipsaw entries and exits.
    • Solution: Increase smoothing (longer periods or additional EMA stages) or wait for a clear cross plus confirmation from price action (e.g. a break of recent swing high/low).
  • Over-Reliance on Single-Period TRIX
    • Issue: Using only one TRIX setting may miss context—fast settings catch noise, slow settings lag major moves.
    • Solution: Combine two TRIX lines (e.g. 9-period and 30-period) and act only when both agree, or pair a fast TRIX on a shorter timeframe with confirmation from a slower TRIX on a higher timeframe.

Acknowledging TRIX’s sensitivity to market structure helps you pre-filter unlikely signals—so your trades reflect genuine momentum shifts rather than random fluctuations.

Conclusion & Next Steps

By now, you’ve seen how TRIX’s triple-smoothed EMA design cuts through market noise and highlights true momentum shifts. You’ve learned to:

  • Customise Period and Smoothing to suit your timeframe and volatility.
  • Spot Divergences for early reversal signals.
  • Align signals across Multiple Timeframes for trend confirmation.
  • Filter entries by Combining with RSI/CCI or an SMA trend filter.
  • Avoid Common Pitfalls by tweaking settings or using dual-period TRIX.

Next Steps

  1. Experiment with Settings: In your AvaTrade demo chart, toggle between short (9–12) and long (20–30) TRIX periods to see how smoothing changes signal frequency.
  2. Scan for Divergences: Mark any bullish or bearish divergences you find on daily and 4-hour charts—note how price reacts afterwards.
  3. Apply the Multi-Timeframe Workflow: Define trend on daily, confirm on 4-hour, then enter on the 1-hour chart using limit or stop orders.
  4. Layer on Confirmation Indicators: Add a 14-period RSI or 50-period SMA alongside TRIX to filter out weaker signals.
  5. Review and Refine: Regularly audit your demo trades—adjust your TRIX parameters or confirmation rules to reduce false signals.

Consistent, disciplined use of TRIX in varied market conditions builds both statistical edge and trader confidence—so you can act decisively when opportunities arise.

Ready to put TRIX into practice? Open your AvaTrade demo account now, apply this TRIX strategy, and see how it reshapes your trading decisions.

When you’re comfortable, consider deploying it in a live account to capture real-time momentum moves.

Trading TRIX at AvaTrade

TRIX is available as an inbuilt and customisable indicator at AvaTrade. Here are the benefits of using the indicator at this regulated and award-winning broker:

  • Numerous Indicators
    At AvaTrade, you can combine TRIX with any other tool from a selection of over 150 technical and fundamental analysis tools and indicators to generate high probability trading signals.
  • Wealth of Trading Resources
    AvaTrade has numerous handy resources that can help investors get the most out of their trading activities. For instance, you will get access to Trading Central, AvaSocial and Guardian Angel add-ons to maximise your trading potential.
  • Demo Account
    Test all your TRIX strategies in a live market with virtual funds using an AvaTrade demo account.

** Disclaimer – While due research has been undertaken to compile the above content, it remains an informational and educational piece only. None of the content provided constitutes any form of investment advice.

FAQ

  • What’s the simplest TRIX setting for beginners?

    Start with the default 14-period and single smoothing—this balances signal speed and noise reduction so you can focus on learning momentum basics.

  • Which timeframe works best with TRIX?

    Use daily charts to spot major trends and 4-hour or 1-hour charts to fine-tune entries once you’re comfortable with the indicator.

  • How do I know if a TRIX signal is reliable?

    Look for divergence at key support/resistance or confirmation from a secondary tool (e.g. RSI above 50 for bullish signals).

  • Can I trade all markets with TRIX?

    Yes—TRIX adapts to forex, stocks, commodities, and indices, but always adjust period length to match each market’s typical volatility.

  • What does a zero-line crossover mean?

    A cross above zero signals growing upside momentum, while a cross below zero suggests increasing downside strength.