timothy sykes logo

Trading Lessons

Can Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones Work Together in a Strategy?

Timothy SykesAvatar
Written by Timothy Sykes
Reviewed by Jack Kellogg Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs
Updated 9/12/2024 15 min read

Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones are tools that, when combined, can offer valuable insights into price momentum and potential market entries and exits. By integrating these indicators, you can create a more comprehensive trading strategy that leverages the strengths of both.

Read this article because it offers strategies for combining Connors RSI with RSI Power Zones to enhance your trading and maximize potential profits.

I’ll answer the following questions:

  1. What makes Connors RSI different from traditional RSI?
  2. How do you calculate Connors RSI?
  3. What are RSI Power Zones and why are they important?
  4. How can you identify the different RSI Power Zones?
  5. How can Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones be used together in a trading strategy?
  6. What are the risks of relying too heavily on technical indicators like Connors RSI?
  7. How does market volatility affect Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones?
  8. How often should you review and adjust Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones settings?

Let’s get to the content!

Table of Contents

What Is Connors RSI?

Connors RSI was developed by Larry Connors as a modified version of the traditional RSI (Relative Strength Index) oscillator. While the traditional RSI indicator focuses on price momentum over a specified period, Connors RSI adds a layer of sophistication by incorporating three different components: the RSI, the Up/Down Streak, and the Rate of Change (ROC).

This combination creates a more sensitive and responsive indicator, particularly useful for identifying short-term overbought or oversold conditions. Connors RSI is unique because of the following:

  • Three Components: The primary RSI calculation, Up/Down Streaks (which measures consecutive up or down closes), and the Rate of Change (ROC) values are combined to provide more accurate signals.
  • Enhanced Sensitivity: By using these components together, Connors RSI reacts more quickly to market changes compared to the traditional RSI.
  • Short-Term Focus: Connors RSI is particularly effective for short-term traders looking to capitalize on quick market movements.

How Is Connors RSI Calculated?

Post image

Get my weekly watchlist, free

Sign up to jump start your trading education!

The calculation of Connors RSI involves three steps, each contributing to the final value:

  1. RSI Calculation: Calculate the RSI of the stock over a short period, typically 3 days.
  2. Up/Down Streak Calculation: Determine the number of consecutive days the stock has closed up or down and calculate the RSI of this streak.
  3. Rate of Change (ROC): Compute the Rate of Change over the past 100 days.

To get the Connors RSI, average the RSI, the RSI of the streak, and the ROC. For example, if a stock has an RSI of 50, a streak RSI of 60, and an ROC of 40, the Connors RSI would be (50 + 60 + 40) / 3 = 50.

This combined approach makes Connors RSI a powerful tool for identifying precise entry and exit points in your trades.

The combination of Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones provides a useful advantage in successful trading — but it’s just a part of the process in mastering your trading strategy and maximizing returns.

Whatever trading method you use, watch my video to find out how to become an expert at it.

What Are RSI Power Zones?

RSI Power Zones, introduced by Hima Reddy, offer a different perspective on momentum by identifying key areas where price action tends to stall or reverse. These zones help traders understand the strength or weakness of a trend by categorizing the RSI into specific zones, and they provide a clearer picture of where the price might head next.

Unlike standard RSI levels, Power Zones offer more nuanced information by focusing on the strength of trends within different zones, rather than simply overbought or oversold conditions. This approach can significantly improve your technical analysis when combined with other indicators like Connors RSI.

How to Identify RSI Power Zones

RSI Power Zones are categorized into four main levels that help traders pinpoint potential reversals or continuations in a market trend.

Lower Bullish Zone (10-30)

The Lower Bullish Zone indicates that the market is in a state of weakness but could be nearing a bottom. When the RSI falls within this range, it’s often a sign that the price is oversold and may be due for a reversal. This zone can be a signal to prepare for potential buying opportunities.

Upper Bullish Zone (30-50)

When the RSI moves into the Upper Bullish Zone, the market is recovering from oversold conditions but hasn’t yet reached strong bullish momentum. This zone often signals a potential entry point in anticipation of stronger upward movements.

Lower Bearish Zone (50-70)

The Lower Bearish Zone suggests the market is losing upward momentum and could be setting up for a reversal to the downside. Traders should be cautious about entering new long positions in this zone and instead look for signals that indicate a potential sell-off.

Upper Bearish Zone (70-90)

In the Upper Bearish Zone, the market is overbought and at risk of a downturn. This zone is critical for identifying potential exit points for long trades or considering short positions.

More Breaking News

Examples of RSI Power Zones

RSI Power Zones have proven effective in various trading scenarios:

  • Buying Opportunities: When RSI dips into the Lower Bullish Zone followed by a reversal, signaling a strong buying opportunity.
  • Trend Continuation: RSI moving from the Lower Bullish Zone to the Upper Bullish Zone indicates a strengthening trend, a signal to hold onto your position.
  • Reversal Signals: RSI entering the Upper Bearish Zone followed by a downward move can be a strong indicator of an impending market reversal.

Combining Connors RSI With RSI Power Zones in Trading

Combining Connors RSI with RSI Power Zones can create a powerful strategy that enhances your investing and your ability to time market entries and exits. The theory behind this combination is straightforward: Connors RSI provides precise short-term signals, while RSI Power Zones help you understand the broader momentum.

  1. Identify Market Conditions: Use RSI Power Zones to gauge overall market momentum.
  2. Apply Connors RSI: Overlay Connors RSI to fine-tune entry and exit points based on short-term overbought or oversold conditions.
  3. Confirm Signals: Ensure that signals from Connors RSI align with the RSI Power Zones for higher probability trades.

Integrating Connors RSI with RSI Power Zones enhances the precision of trade signals, but it’s also beneficial to explore other RSI-based strategies that complement this approach. For instance, a triple RSI strategy can be particularly effective in volatile markets, allowing traders to confirm the strength of signals from multiple RSI periods.

To delve deeper into this strategy and see how it can work alongside Connors RSI and Power Zones, read my article here.

Trading Strategy That Leverages Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones

Here’s a simple trading strategy using both indicators:

  • Identify Power Zones: Use RSI Power Zones to determine whether the market is bullish or bearish.
  • Look for Connors RSI Signals: Enter trades when Connors RSI indicates overbought/oversold conditions in the corresponding Power Zone.
  • Set Stops and Targets: Use the Power Zones to set your stop-loss and take-profit levels.

You should always employ risk management in your trading. Set stop losses based on the Power Zones to protect against unexpected price movements, and never risk more than you’re willing to lose on any single trade.

Tools like Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones are useless if you don’t have the right trading platform to apply them to your strategy.

The menu of options for trading platforms is long, but StocksToTrade is first on my list. It’s a powerful day and swing trading platform that integrates with most major brokers. I helped to design it, which means it has all the trading indicators, scanners, news sources, and stock screening capabilities that traders like me look for in a platform.

Grab your 14-day StocksToTrade trial today — it’s only $7!

How Does Market Volatility Affect the Effectiveness of Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones?

Market volatility is something that can significantly impact the readings of both Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones. During volatile periods, these indicators may produce more frequent signals, some of which might be false.

  • Adjust RSI Periods: Consider lengthening the period used in Connors RSI to smooth out signals in volatile markets.
  • Use Wider Power Zones: Adjust the RSI Power Zones to accommodate larger price swings, reducing the likelihood of false signals.

Challenges When Implementing Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones

Traders often face challenges when combining multiple indicators. While this strategy can be powerful, it’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls.

Overreliance on Indicators

Relying too heavily on technical indicators can lead to missed opportunities or poor trade execution. It’s important to combine these indicators with other forms of analysis, such as market trends and news, to create a well-rounded trading strategy.

Complexity in Interpretation

Interpreting signals from both Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones can be challenging, especially in fast-moving markets. Ensuring that you fully understand how each indicator works is essential for making informed decisions.

Adjusting to Market Volatility

When markets are volatile, consider adjusting the parameters of Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones to better reflect current market conditions. This might involve tweaking the RSI periods or shifting Power Zone levels.

  • Increase Connors RSI Periods: To reduce noise in volatile markets.
  • Adjust Zone Levels: To account for larger price movements and reduce the risk of false signals.

Parameter Optimization

Optimizing indicator parameters to match your trading style and the current market environment is critical for success. Testing different settings will help you find what works best.

  • Backtest Different Periods: Try different RSI periods to find the most reliable settings.
  • Experiment with Zone Boundaries: Adjust the Power Zone boundaries based on historical performance.

Timing of Trades

Timing is everything in trading, and when using Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones, it’s essential to wait for confirmation before entering a trade. Patience can prevent costly mistakes.

False Signals

To avoid false signals, consider using additional filters, such as moving averages or volume indicators, to confirm your trades. This can reduce the likelihood of entering trades based on misleading signals.

  • Use Moving Averages: To confirm trends before entering trades.
  • Check Volume: High volume often confirms the strength of a signal.

Backtesting Challenges

Backtesting is crucial to any trading strategy, but it can be complex when using multiple indicators. Ensure your backtesting process is thorough, accounting for different market conditions and volatility.

When integrating Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones into your trading, every trader should understand the nuances of the RSI indicator itself. Different strategies can be applied to RSI, such as combining it with moving averages or using divergence techniques to identify potential reversals.

To explore additional methods of using the RSI indicator effectively in your trading, check out my article on the subject.

Key Takeaways

  • Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones can be effectively combined for more precise trading signals.
  • Adjusting indicators during volatile markets is crucial to maintain effectiveness.
  • Backtest thoroughly to optimize parameters and reduce false signals.
  • Risk management is key when implementing any trading strategy, particularly in volatile conditions.

Trading isn’t rocket science. It’s a skill you build and work on like any other. Trading has changed my life, and I think this way of life should be open to more people…

I’ve built my Trading Challenge to pass on the things I had to learn for myself. It’s the kind of community that I wish I had when I was starting out.

We don’t accept everyone. If you’re up for the challenge — I want to hear from you.

Apply to the Trading Challenge here.

Trading is a battlefield. The more knowledge and research you have under your belt, the better prepared you’ll be.

What kind of technical indicators do you use in your trading approach? Write “I’ll keep it simple Tim!” in the comments if you picked up on my trading philosophy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Traders Distinguish Between a True Signal and a False Positive When Using Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones?

Distinguishing between true signals and false positives often comes down to experience and confirmation from multiple indicators. By combining Connors RSI with RSI Power Zones, you can filter out less reliable signals and focus on those with a higher probability of success.

Can Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones Effectively Apply to All Timeframes?

Yes, both Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones can be applied to various timeframes, though they are often most effective in shorter-term trading. Adjusting the settings based on the timeframe you’re trading can help tailor the indicators to your specific strategy.

How Often Should Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones Parameters Be Re-Evaluated?

Regular re-evaluation of your indicator parameters is essential, especially in changing market conditions. Monthly or quarterly reviews are recommended to ensure the indicators remain aligned with current market trends.

How Important Is Market Data When Analyzing Charts With Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones?

Market data is critical when analyzing charts using Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones, as it ensures the accuracy of the signals generated. Reliable market data helps traders identify the correct entry and exit points, which directly impacts potential profits. Inaccurate or delayed data can lead to misleading results and poor trading decisions.

Can Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones Be Applied to Different Stock Trading Systems?

Yes, Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones can be integrated into various stock trading systems, whether automated or manual. These indicators are versatile and can support different strategies by providing clear signals on price direction and momentum.

What Role Do Rules Play in Using Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones Effectively?

Establishing clear rules is essential for using Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones effectively, as they guide decision-making processes and help maintain discipline. Rules ensure that traders consistently follow their strategy, reducing the risk of emotional or impulsive trades.

How Can Traders Utilize Training and Videos to Better Understand Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones?

Training resources, like books and instructional videos, are valuable for traders looking to deepen their understanding of Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones. These materials often provide step-by-step guidance, examples, and case studies that illustrate the application of these indicators in real-world scenarios.

Can Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones Be Used in Portfolio Management?

Connors RSI and RSI Power Zones can play a significant role in portfolio management by helping traders time their stock entries and exits more effectively. These indicators provide insights into market trends and momentum, which can inform decisions on reallocating assets within portfolios.

How Does the Default Setting of Connors RSI Affect Trading Results?

The default settings of Connors RSI are designed to provide balanced signals under standard market conditions. However, traders may need to adjust these settings based on specific market environments or trading strategies to optimize their results.


How much has this post helped you?



Leave a reply

Author card Timothy Sykes picture

Timothy Sykes

Tim Sykes is a penny stock trader and teacher who became a self-made millionaire by the age of 22 by trading $12,415 of bar mitzvah money. After becoming disenchanted with the hedge fund world, he established the Tim Sykes Trading Challenge to teach aspiring traders how to follow his trading strategies. He’s been featured in a variety of media outlets including CNN, Larry King, Steve Harvey, Forbes, Men’s Journal, and more. He’s also an active philanthropist and environmental activist, a co-founder of Karmagawa, and has donated millions of dollars to charity. Read More

* Results are not typical and will vary from person to person. Making money trading stocks takes time, dedication, and hard work. There are inherent risks involved with investing in the stock market, including the loss of your investment. Past performance in the market is not indicative of future results. Any investment is at your own risk. See Terms of Service here

The available research on day trading suggests that most active traders lose money. Fees and overtrading are major contributors to these losses.

A 2000 study called “Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors” evaluated 66,465 U.S. households that held stocks from 1991 to 1996. The households that traded most averaged an 11.4% annual return during a period where the overall market gained 17.9%. These lower returns were attributed to overconfidence.

A 2014 paper (revised 2019) titled “Learning Fast or Slow?” analyzed the complete transaction history of the Taiwan Stock Exchange between 1992 and 2006. It looked at the ongoing performance of day traders in this sample, and found that 97% of day traders can expect to lose money from trading, and more than 90% of all day trading volume can be traced to investors who predictably lose money. Additionally, it tied the behavior of gamblers and drivers who get more speeding tickets to overtrading, and cited studies showing that legalized gambling has an inverse effect on trading volume.

A 2019 research study (revised 2020) called “Day Trading for a Living?” observed 19,646 Brazilian futures contract traders who started day trading from 2013 to 2015, and recorded two years of their trading activity. The study authors found that 97% of traders with more than 300 days actively trading lost money, and only 1.1% earned more than the Brazilian minimum wage ($16 USD per day). They hypothesized that the greater returns shown in previous studies did not differentiate between frequent day traders and those who traded rarely, and that more frequent trading activity decreases the chance of profitability.

These studies show the wide variance of the available data on day trading profitability. One thing that seems clear from the research is that most day traders lose money .

Millionaire Media 66 W Flagler St. Ste. 900 Miami, FL 33130 United States (888) 878-3621 This is for information purposes only as Millionaire Media LLC nor Timothy Sykes is registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser. No information herein is intended as securities brokerage, investment, tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes cannot and does not assess, verify or guarantee the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information, the suitability or profitability of any particular investment, or the potential value of any investment or informational source. The reader bears responsibility for his/her own investment research and decisions, should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment, and investigate and fully understand any and all risks before investing. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes in no way warrants the solvency, financial condition, or investment advisability of any of the securities mentioned in communications or websites. In addition, Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this information. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns.

Citations for Disclaimer

Barber, Brad M. and Odean, Terrance, Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors. Available at SSRN: “Day Trading for a Living?”

Barber, Brad M. and Lee, Yi-Tsung and Liu, Yu-Jane and Odean, Terrance and Zhang, Ke, Learning Fast or Slow? (May 28, 2019). Forthcoming: Review of Asset Pricing Studies, Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=2535636”

Chague, Fernando and De-Losso, Rodrigo and Giovannetti, Bruno, Day Trading for a Living? (June 11, 2020). Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=3423101”