Volatitity Bands (STARC) on RSI for reversal warning [beta]
Feb 26, 2020

The Volatitity Bands (STARC) on RSI for reversal warning [beta] indicator applies Stoller Average Range Channels (STARC) to the Relative Strength Index (RSI) to identify potential trend exhaustion and high-probability reversal zones. By measuring the volatility of the RSI itself, this tool provides a dynamic threshold for overbought and oversold conditions that adapts to market momentum.
Usage
The indicator identifies potential reversals when the RSI exceeds the STARC bands and subsequently fails to retest them as the bands begin to shift. This "failure to test" serves as a warning signal for a change in trend direction.
- Higher Timeframe Analysis: It is often effective to use the indicator on a timeframe one or two scales higher than your execution timeframe (e.g., viewing the indicator on a Weekly chart to find levels for Daily trades).
- Tuning the Bands: Users should adjust the Factor Up and Factor Down settings so that the RSI touches or exceeds the bands only during extreme price action. This ensures the signals remain relevant to significant market turns.
- Signal Interpretation:
- Down Triangle (Red): Indicates a potential bearish reversal warning after the RSI has overextended above the upper band.
- Up Triangle (Green): Indicates a potential bullish reversal warning after the RSI has overextended below the lower band.
Details
This implementation is based on concepts popularized by technical analyst Constance Brown, who applied Manning Stoller’s STARC bands to the RSI oscillator. Unlike standard Bollinger Bands which use standard deviation, STARC bands utilize the Average True Range (ATR). This calculation method is preferred by some traders because it can better contain extreme price action and provide more consistent "outer limits" for trend exhaustion.
The script calculates a smoothed RSI and applies an ATR-based offset to create the upper and lower channels. A Weighted Moving Average (WMA) of the RSI is also plotted to provide a central trend reference.
Settings
- Factor Up: Multiplier for the ATR to determine the distance of the upper STARC band.
- Factor Down: Multiplier for the ATR to determine the distance of the lower STARC band.
- WMA Length: The lookback period for the Weighted Moving Average of the RSI, used for trend smoothing.
FAQ
How do I access Volatitity Bands (STARC) on RSI for reversal warning [beta]?
You can get access on the LuxAlgo Library for charting platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), and NinjaTrader for free.
What is the difference between this and Bollinger Bands?
While Bollinger Bands use standard deviation to measure volatility, STARC bands use the Average True Range (ATR), which can offer a different perspective on price extensions and exhaustion levels.
Can I use this on any asset?
Yes, the indicator is designed to work on any asset class, though it is particularly useful on indices and trending equities where identifying major trend reversals is a priority.
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