Top 10 TradingView Indicators Every Trader Should Master
TradingView has revolutionized how traders analyze markets. With over 100 built-in indicators and a powerful Pine Script language, it's become the go-to platform for technical analysis. But with so many options, which indicators truly matter?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 10 TradingView indicators that professional traders rely on daily—complete with live interactive charts so you can see them in action.
Why These Indicators Made the Cut
We selected these indicators based on:
- Reliability: Proven track record across market conditions
- Versatility: Works on forex, stocks, crypto, and commodities
- Synergy: Combines well with other indicators
- Community adoption: Widely used and understood
1. RSI (Relative Strength Index)
The RSI is the king of momentum oscillators. Developed by J. Welles Wilder Jr., it measures the speed and magnitude of price changes on a scale of 0-100.
Key Trading Signals
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Above 70 | Overbought - potential reversal down |
| Below 30 | Oversold - potential reversal up |
| 50 Line | Trend direction indicator |
💡 Pro Tip: In strong uptrends, RSI can stay above 70 for extended periods. Don't short just because RSI is overbought—wait for confirmation from price action or divergence.
→ Complete RSI Guide with Implementation Code
2. MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)
MACD is the Swiss Army knife of technical indicators—it shows trend direction, momentum, and potential reversals all in one view.
How to Read MACD
- MACD Line: Shows the difference between 12 and 26 EMAs
- Signal Line: 9-period EMA of MACD (orange line)
- Histogram: Visual momentum—when it shrinks, the move is losing steam
Trading Signals
- Buy: MACD crosses above signal line
- Sell: MACD crosses below signal line
- Strong Buy: Bullish divergence (price lower low, MACD higher low)
💡 Pro Tip: The histogram shows momentum strength—when it's shrinking, the current move is losing steam, even if MACD is still bullish.
→ Complete MACD Guide with Implementation Code
3. Bollinger Bands
Bollinger Bands visualize volatility by creating dynamic channels around price. When bands contract, a breakout is brewing. When they expand, volatility is high.
The Bollinger Squeeze
The most powerful Bollinger setup is the squeeze—when bands contract to unusually narrow levels. This signals low volatility, which typically precedes a significant move.
- Middle Band: 20-period SMA
- Upper Band: Middle + 2 Standard Deviations
- Lower Band: Middle - 2 Standard Deviations
💡 Pro Tip: When price "walks the band" (consistently touches upper band in uptrend), it's a sign of strength, not a reversal signal.
→ Complete Bollinger Bands Guide
4. Moving Averages (SMA & EMA)
Moving averages are the foundation of trend-following. The 50 and 200-period MAs are watched by traders worldwide.
Golden Cross & Death Cross
- Golden Cross: 50 MA crosses above 200 MA = Bullish signal
- Death Cross: 50 MA crosses below 200 MA = Bearish signal
| Type | Best For | Lag |
|---|---|---|
| SMA | Long-term trends | More |
| EMA | Short-term trading | Less |
→ Complete SMA Guide | → Complete EMA Guide
5. Stochastic Oscillator
The Stochastic compares closing price to the price range over a period, identifying when price is at the top or bottom of its recent range.
Key Signals
- %K crosses above %D below 20: Strong buy
- %K crosses below %D above 80: Strong sell
💡 Pro Tip: Stochastic works best in ranging markets. In strong trends, it can give false reversal signals.
6. ATR (Average True Range)
ATR doesn't show direction—it shows how much an instrument typically moves. It's essential for:
- Setting appropriate stop losses
- Position sizing
- Identifying volatility breakouts
Using ATR for Stop Losses
A common approach is to set stops at 2-3x ATR from entry. This adapts your stop to current market volatility.
7. Ichimoku Cloud
Ichimoku is a complete trading system in one indicator. It shows support/resistance, trend direction, and momentum simultaneously.
Quick Interpretation
- Price above cloud: Bullish
- Price below cloud: Bearish
- Cloud green (Span A > Span B): Bullish momentum
- Cloud red (Span A < Span B): Bearish momentum
💡 Pro Tip: Ichimoku works best on daily charts and higher. On lower timeframes, signals can be noisy.
8. On-Balance Volume (OBV)
Volume tells you where the smart money is. OBV (On-Balance Volume) reveals buying and selling pressure that price alone can't show.
OBV Interpretation
- Rising OBV + Rising Price: Healthy uptrend
- Falling OBV + Rising Price: Weak rally (bearish divergence)
- Rising OBV + Falling Price: Accumulation (bullish divergence)
9. ADX (Average Directional Index)
ADX measures trend strength—not direction. Values above 25 indicate a strong trend worth trading.
Interpreting ADX
| ADX Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 20 | Weak/No trend |
| 20-25 | Trend emerging |
| 25-50 | Strong trend |
| Above 50 | Very strong trend |
💡 Pro Tip: Use ADX as a filter—only take trend-following signals when ADX > 25.
10. Parabolic SAR
Parabolic SAR provides clear entry/exit signals and trailing stop levels. Dots above price = bearish, dots below = bullish.
💡 Pro Tip: PSAR works best in trending markets. In ranges, it will flip constantly and generate losses.
→ Complete Parabolic SAR Guide
Indicator Comparison Table
| Indicator | Category | Difficulty | Reliability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSI | Momentum | Beginner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Overbought/Oversold |
| MACD | Trend | Beginner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Trend + Divergence |
| Bollinger Bands | Volatility | Beginner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Breakouts |
| SMA/EMA | Trend | Beginner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Trend Direction |
| Stochastic | Momentum | Beginner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Range Trading |
| ATR | Volatility | Beginner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stop Loss/Sizing |
| Ichimoku | Advanced | Advanced | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Complete System |
| OBV | Volume | Beginner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Volume Confirmation |
| ADX | Trend | Intermediate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Trend Strength |
| Parabolic SAR | Trend | Beginner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Trailing Stops |
Combining Indicators: The Power of Confluence
The most reliable signals come from multiple indicators agreeing. Here are proven combinations:
Trend-Following Setup
- 200 EMA for trend direction
- ADX > 25 to confirm trend strength
- RSI pullback to 40-50 in uptrend for entry
Mean Reversion Setup
- Bollinger Bands for overbought/oversold
- RSI divergence for reversal confirmation
- Stochastic crossover for entry timing
Breakout Setup
- Bollinger squeeze for low volatility
- Volume spike on breakout
- ATR expansion confirms momentum
Conclusion
These 10 indicators form the foundation of technical analysis on TradingView. Master them, and you'll have the tools to analyze any market condition.
Remember:
- No indicator is perfect—always confirm signals
- Less is more—2-3 indicators are enough
- Context matters—adapt to trending vs. ranging markets
- Practice first—test on demo before live trading
Ready to dive deeper? Click any indicator above to access our complete guide with Python code, MT5 implementation, and advanced strategies.
What's your favorite TradingView indicator? Share your thoughts!