TRIX Indicator Trading: Triple-Smoothed Momentum
TRIX applies triple exponential smoothing to filter noise from momentum. Learn zero line crosses, signal line crossovers, and divergence signals.
- TRIX = rate of change of triple EMA. Zero cross = major trend signal. Signal line cross = earlier entry.
- Triple smoothing filters noise for cleaner signals. Slower but more reliable than faster indicators.
- Thrive displays TRIX with zero cross and signal line alerts.
Explore TRIX Signals
Click through TRIX signal types:
TRIX crossing above zero = triple-smoothed momentum turning positive. Strong bullish signal. Filters noise because of triple smoothing.
TRIX Value
TRIX crosses above zero
TRIX cross above zero = go long. Triple smoothing means less false signals. Wait for confirmation. Slower but more reliable than single EMA.
What Is TRIX?
TRIX measures rate of change of a triple-smoothed EMA. Apply EMA three times, then calculate percentage change. The triple smoothing filters out short-term fluctuations, leaving only significant trend moves.
Result is a momentum oscillator that oscillates around zero. Positive = bullish momentum. Negative = bearish. Cleaner than single-EMA based indicators.
TRIX Signals
Zero Line Cross
TRIX crossing zero is a major trend signal. Above zero = triple-smoothed momentum positive. Below = negative. Slower but highly reliable signal.
Signal Line Cross
TRIX crossing its signal line (9 EMA of TRIX). Earlier signal than zero cross but more false signals. Use for earlier entries when already in trend direction.
Divergence
TRIX divergence is powerful because triple smoothing filters noise. Divergence here is cleaner—genuine momentum disagreement with price.
| Signal | Speed | Reliability | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Cross Up | Slow | High | Major long signal |
| Zero Cross Down | Slow | High | Major short signal |
| Signal Cross Up | Medium | Medium | Earlier long entry |
| Divergence | Variable | High | Reversal warning |
TRIX vs MACD
Both are momentum oscillators with signal lines:
- MACD: Faster, more signals, more noise. Good for active traders.
- TRIX: Slower, fewer signals, cleaner. Good for swing/position traders.
Choose based on your timeframe and tolerance for noise vs lag.
Common Mistakes
- Expecting speed: TRIX is intentionally slow. Don't expect fast signals.
- Overtrading: TRIX gives few signals. Wait for them—don't force trades.
- Ignoring lag: Zero cross happens after move starts. Position for continuation, not catching bottom.
- TRIX alone: Combine with price action. Even smooth signals need confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TRIX indicator?
Rate of change of a triple exponential moving average. TRIX applies EMA three times, then calculates percentage change. Triple smoothing filters noise.
How does triple smoothing help?
Each EMA smooths price data. Three EMAs filter out most short-term noise. Result is cleaner trend signal with fewer false signals.
What does TRIX zero cross mean?
TRIX crossing above zero = triple-smoothed momentum turning positive (bullish). Crossing below = momentum turning negative (bearish). Major trend signals.
What is the TRIX signal line?
9-period EMA of TRIX. TRIX crossing above signal = bullish. Crossing below = bearish. Like MACD crossover but triple-smoothed.
TRIX vs MACD?
Similar purpose—momentum oscillator with signal line. TRIX is smoother (triple EMA). MACD is faster. TRIX better for filtering noise; MACD faster response.
Is TRIX lagging?
Yes, triple smoothing causes lag. Trades off speed for reliability. Zero cross signals are slower but more reliable. Signal line cross is faster.
What TRIX period should I use?
15 periods is common. Shorter (9-12) more responsive. Longer (18-21) smoother. Signal line typically 9 periods.
Does TRIX work for crypto?
Yes, especially for filtering crypto's noise. Triple smoothing reduces whipsaws. Good for swing trading and position trading timeframes.