True Strength Index + Position Trading: Ninja Tactics and Hidden Gems for Mastering the Market
If the Forex market were a theme park, Position Trading would be that slow, scenic rollercoaster ride—steady climbs, breathtaking views, and the occasional stomach-dropping twist. Meanwhile, the True Strength Index (TSI) is your trusty park map, pointing out where the ride will take a turn for better or worse. So, buckle up (but not too tight) as we explore how the TSI and Position Trading can work together to help you stay ahead of the game—and maybe even avoid those classic trading blunders that feel like wearing crocs to a wedding.
The Hidden Formula Only Experts Use: Understanding the TSI
Let’s start with the True Strength Index—not just a cool name but a powerful tool that helps traders identify trends without all the false alarms. Unlike its cousins, RSI and MACD, which can act like that one overly enthusiastic friend who always sees opportunities everywhere (including in a pyramid scheme), TSI offers a more nuanced perspective. It’s all about cutting through the noise, showing you where momentum is gaining strength, and where it’s fading like the hype around last year’s fashion trend.
TSI works particularly well in Position Trading. You’re not in this game for short-lived thrills—you’re playing the long game, targeting significant moves that take weeks or even months. Imagine sitting back with a nice cup of coffee as the market gradually climbs, instead of frantically trying to catch every tiny market hiccup.
Why Most Traders Get It Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It)
Picture this: You’re about to enter a trade because you saw a news headline claiming “The Dollar Is Stronger Than Ever!” (We’ve all been there, haven’t we?). However, jumping in purely based on a headline is like deciding to cross a busy street blindfolded because someone said it “seems quiet.” That’s where TSI comes into play—it’s that sober, cautious voice in your ear going, “Hold up. Let’s take a deeper look.” Instead of succumbing to the hype, TSI helps you determine whether the supposed strength is actually sustainable or if it’s just a short-term buzz.
Most traders misuse oscillators like RSI or CCI for Position Trading because they can get too jittery—they’re made for catching those short-term overbought and oversold signals. The True Strength Index, however, gives a smoother, longer-term reading—perfect for when you’re Position Trading and trying to hold for that big payday. The next time the headlines have you feeling like you’re missing out, take a beat and let TSI help you figure out if the momentum is real, or just an echo of an empty promise.
How to Predict Market Moves with Precision
A solid application of TSI in Position Trading is combining it with moving averages—but not just any moving averages. Take a cue from advanced traders who use the 20-period and 50-period Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs). When TSI crosses above zero and both EMAs are in alignment, it’s like finding a rare pair of shoes that are both stylish and on sale—this could mean an excellent opportunity for getting in early on a strong trend.
Here’s a ninja trick that few traders even know: When TSI makes a bullish crossover (think: your mood after the first coffee of the morning) and starts converging with its signal line, you have a strong indication that a breakout could be around the corner. In these moments, position traders need to pay attention because once the crossover is confirmed, it may be time to ride that trend like an old cowboy chasing a good sunset.
The Forgotten Strategy That Outsmarted the Pros
Let’s talk divergence—no, not the movie, but the concept that can genuinely give you a leg up in the Forex world. A classic, often forgotten TSI strategy is spotting divergences in trend strength. When the TSI line diverges from price movement, it’s a surefire sign that something’s cooking behind the scenes—sort of like watching your neighbor suddenly buy 10 bags of fertilizer. Do you need to be concerned? Maybe.
Divergences are often signals that the trend could be exhausting itself. This is where Position Traders shine—by noticing these discrepancies, you avoid being caught in the aftermath of a trend reversal. So the next time everyone’s piling into a position just because “it’s trending,” remember to check your TSI for divergence—you might save yourself a lot of emotional capital.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering TSI in Position Trading
- Step 1: Set up your chart by adding the TSI. We recommend using the 25, 13 settings for optimal sensitivity without the false signals—kind of like adjusting your social media feed to show only posts that are actually worth reading.
- Step 2: Overlay EMAs (20 and 50 periods). When these align and TSI crosses zero, you’re onto something worth your attention.
- Step 3: Look for bullish or bearish crossovers in TSI, especially during periods when market sentiment seems to shift. The crossover is your ticket to knowing when momentum could be shifting direction.
- Step 4: Track divergences between TSI and price action. These are crucial markers of when to hold, add to, or exit your position.
The Hidden Patterns That Drive the Market
You’ve heard the saying: “The trend is your friend.” But what happens when that friend stops texting back? The True Strength Index is your go-to for figuring out whether your friend (the trend) is just busy or has ghosted you entirely. Recognizing hidden patterns, such as divergence or signal crossovers, can tell you whether the trend still has gas in the tank—or if it’s time to reconsider your options.
Some patterns that are particularly telling in Position Trading include when TSI makes a double-top or double-bottom—a classic indication that momentum may be hitting a brick wall. When everyone else is busy partying at the top, you’re the one quietly slipping out before the music stops.
The One Simple Trick That Can Change Your Trading Mindset
Here’s the takeaway: If you want to win in Position Trading, focus less on catching every wave and more on riding the big ones. The True Strength Index is not just another indicator; it’s your way of peeking behind the curtain to see if the market’s strength is real, or just hype with fancy packaging. Remember—trading isn’t about being the loudest or the fastest, it’s about being the smartest.
So, rather than letting the emotional rollercoaster of market chatter drag you around, use TSI to guide your trades with calculated precision. Because when it comes down to it, nothing feels better than the satisfaction of having both a winning trade and the patience to have held it.
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Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated
PLEASE NOTE: This is not trading advice. It is educational content. Markets are influenced by numerous factors, and their reactions can vary each time.

Anne Durrell & Mo
About the Author
Anne Durrell (aka Anne Abouzeid), a former teacher, has a unique talent for transforming complex Forex concepts into something easy, accessible, and even fun. With a blend of humor and in-depth market insight, Anne makes learning about Forex both enlightening and entertaining. She began her trading journey alongside her husband, Mohamed Abouzeid, and they have now been trading full-time for over 12 years.
Anne loves writing and sharing her expertise. For those new to trading, she provides a variety of free forex courses on StarseedFX. If you enjoy the content and want to support her work, consider joining The StarseedFX Community, where you will get daily market insights and trading alerts.
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