Quantitative Qualitative Estimation QQE

Mar 16, 2021

Static chart image
Signals
Oscillators
Volatility

The Quantitative Qualitative Estimation (QQE) indicator provides a smoothed momentum-based analysis tool that identifies trend direction and potential reversals by combining a smoothed Relative Strength Index (RSI) with volatility-based trailing stop lines.

Usage

The Usage section describes how the script can be used to identify market trends and trade entries. Traders typically use the indicator in the following ways:

  • Trend Identification: The 50-level acts as a primary trend filter. Values above 50 indicate an ascending trend, while values below 50 indicate a descending trend. Additionally, a range between 40 and 60 can be used to identify sideways or non-trending markets.
  • Crossover Signals: The primary trade signals are generated when the QQE Fast line (smoothed RSI) crosses the QQE Slow line (the trailing stop).
    • Bullish Signal: Occurs when the QQE Fast line crosses above the QQE Slow line, particularly when this happens below the 50 level.
    • Bearish Signal: Occurs when the QQE Fast line crosses below the QQE Slow line, particularly when this happens above the 50 level.
  • Momentum Shifts: Crossing the 50-level midline can also serve as a standalone signal for momentum shifts in the underlying asset.

Details

The Quantitative Qualitative Estimation (QQE) serves as a more refined version of the standard RSI. While the RSI can be susceptible to market noise and short-term volatility, the QQE applies exponential smoothing to the RSI values to create the "Fast" line.

To determine the "Slow" line (trailing stop), the script calculates a smoothed Average True Range (ATR) of the smoothed RSI. This volatility-based offset is then used to create trailing levels that adjust based on market conditions. Specifically, the script utilizes a multiplier (4.236) applied to the smoothed RSI's ATR to determine the distance of the trailing stop. This construction allows the QQE to maintain trend directionality while filtering out minor price fluctuations that might otherwise trigger premature exits in a standard RSI setup.

Settings

  • Source: Determines the price data used for the RSI calculation (default is Close).
  • RSI Length: Sets the period for the initial Relative Strength Index calculation.
  • SF RSI Smoothing Factor: Defines the smoothing period applied to the RSI to create the QQE Fast line.
  • Show Crossing Signals?: Toggles the visibility of "Buy" and "Sell" labels on the chart whenever the Fast and Slow lines cross.
  • Highlighter On/Off?: Toggles the background shading between the Fast and Slow lines to visually represent the current trend state.

FAQ

How do I interpret the QQE Fast and Slow lines? The Fast line represents the smoothed RSI momentum, while the Slow line represents a volatility-based trailing stop. When the Fast line is above the Slow line, the trend is considered bullish; when below, it is considered bearish.

Can the QQE trigger false signals? Yes, because the QQE is fundamentally an RSI-based oscillator, it is susceptible to false signals during periods of strong market divergence or extreme volatility where price action moves contrary to momentum.

How can I access this indicator? You can get access on the LuxAlgo Library for charting platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), and NinjaTrader for free.

Free access on the following platforms
tradingviewSymbolTradingView
ninjatraderNinjaTrader
metatrader4MetaTrader 4/5
thinkorswimThinkorswim

Unlock Unlimited Access to the LuxAlgo Library

Upgrade your plan to get all indicators, strategies, charts, and full access to Quant, our AI agent.

Trading & investing are risky and many will lose money in connection with trading and investing activities. All content on this site is not intended to, and should not be, construed as financial advice. Decisions to buy, sell, hold or trade in securities, commodities and other investments involve risk and are best made based on the advice of qualified financial professionals. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Hypothetical or Simulated performance results have certain limitations. Unlike an actual performance record, simulated results do not represent actual trading. Also, since the trades have not been executed, the results may have under-or-over compensated for the impact, if any, of certain market factors, including, but not limited to, lack of liquidity. Simulated trading programs in general are designed with the benefit of hindsight, and are based on historical information. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profit or losses similar to those shown.

Testimonials appearing on this website may not be representative of other clients or customers and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.

As a provider of technical analysis tools and strategies, we do not have access to the personal trading accounts or brokerage statements of our customers. As a result, we have no reason to believe our customers perform better or worse than traders as a whole based on any content, tool, or platform feature we provide.

Charts used on this site are by TradingView in which the majority of our technical indicators are built on. TradingView® is a registered trademark of TradingView, Inc. www.TradingView.com TradingView® has no affiliation with the owner, developer, or provider of the Services described herein.

Market data is provided by CBOE, CME Group, BarChart, Massive, CoinAPI. Select U.S. equities data is provided through Massive. CBOE BZX real-time U.S. equities data is licensed from CBOE and provided through BarChart. Real-time futures data is licensed from CME Group and provided through BarChart. Select cryptocurrency data, including major coins, is provided through CoinAPI. All data is provided “as is” and should be verified independently for trading purposes.

This does not represent our full Disclaimer. Please read our full disclaimer.

© 2026 LuxAlgo Global, LLC.