Indicators for Binary Options; Using MACD, Momentum, ATR, RSI for Binary Trading

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In binary options trading, by electing the right indicator, you can identify entry zones and choose the appropriate expirationtime. The use of indicators in binary options differs from other trading methods.

For instance, the RSI indicator is used in binary options to detect quick entries for short-term trades, whereas in other methods, it's often applied to identify long-term trands.

Some of the best indicators for binary options include CCI, MACD, RSI, and ATR.

17 Suitable Indicators for Binary Options
Introduction to 17 Suitable Indicators for Binary Options Trading

What Is a Binary Option Indicator?

Most binary option indicators rely [either directly or indirectly] on simple and exponential moving averages to analyze the market and generate signals.

Training on 5 of the Best Binary Options Indicators as Introduced by binaryoptions.com

Introducing 17 Suitable Indicators for Binary Options Trading

In binary options, indicators are used across various analysis segments, including trend confirmation, reversal points, trend strength, breakout detection, identifying overbought and oversold zones.

Alligator

The Alligator indicator performs better in trending markets like Forex and commodities.

As the gap between the indicator’s lines opens or closes, the market trend is identified to determine the optimaltime for entering binary option trades.

Alligator Indicator
Alligator indicator displayed on the USD/JPY chart

Moving Averages

Unlike Forex market, theMoving Average indicator in binary options is mainly used for generating fastentry and exitsignals.

The crossing of moving averages provides a clear signal for executing trades.

Moving Averages Indicator
Identifying a downtrend using the Moving Averages indicator on the USD/CHF chart

Binary Winner indicator

The Binary Winner indicator is recognized as one of the most widely used tools in the binary options market.

With its internal algorithms, this indicator focuses primarily on identifying price reversal points and visually marks entry and exit conditions using green and red arrows.

This tool falls into the category of reversal and signal-generating indicators, and due to the simplicity and clarity of its signals, it is also suitable for beginner traders.

Its functionality is based on multi-timeframe analysis, and besides Forex, it can also be used in the stock market, commodities , indices, and cryptocurrencies.

In an uptrend, by combining price data and candlestick patterns, areas with potential for renewed growth are identified, and the indicator issues a buy signal with a green arrow.

Conversely, under bearish conditions and when the trend weakens, the display of a red arrow serves as a sell warning.

Binary Winner Indicator
Receiving entry and exit signals using the Binary Winner Indicator

In terms of settings, the indicator provides various options such as defining the maximum bars (MAX BARS), enabling alerts (ALERT), notifications (NOTIFICATION), and sending messages via email. This flexibility allows the trader to manage the execution of a strategy according to their needs.

Another important feature of Binary Winner is that it is No Repaint, meaning that signals generated do not change after the candlestick is formed, which gives greater credibility to entries.

Ultimately, by focusing on trend structure analysis and reversal levels, this indicator is considered a practical option for daily strategies in both the binary options market and other financial assets.

Download links for the Binary Winner indicator:

ATR

The ATR indicator performs better in highly volatile markets like cryptocurrency and commodities.

In binary options, the market’s real-time volatility is a critical factor in choosing the right moment to enter a trade. ATR measures volatility strength, making it useful for timing.

This indicator was introduced in the article Training on Binary Options Indicators byTraders Union.

Introduction of the Best Binary Options Indicators on Traders Union Website
A list of the best binary options indicators; Source: Traders Union Website

This indicator reflects market volatility, which is why ATR (Average True Range) is useful for selecting the expiration time in binary options trading.

ATR Indicator
Divergence shown in the ATR indicator on the USD/CHF chart

Awesome Oscillator

The Awesome Oscillator is effective for early trend reversal detection. When the AO line crosses above the zero line, it gives a strong entry signal.

Unlike other trading strategies where this indicator is used for long-term trades, in binary options, it's applied to short-term trades.

Awesome Oscillator Indicator
Volume analysis using the Awesome Oscillator on the AUD/USD chart

ADX

In binary options, trading in a range-bound or trendless market has a very low success rate. When the ADX shows a value above 25, it indicates a strong trend and a suitable time for trading.

Note that ADX is only used to identify trend strength not to provide entry signals. The ADX indicator is used to identify market trends in binary options.

ADX Indicator
Analyzing trend strength with ADX on the USD/CAD chart

Directional Movement Index (DMI)

lines (-DI, +DI, and ADX) and is applied to measure both the strength and the direction of a trend. When +DI is above -DI, it indicates bullish strength, while if -DI is higher than +DI, bearish strength is confirmed.

DMI Indicator
Analyzing trend direction using the DMI Indicator

Combining this information with the ADX line can help determine trend strength and identify binary entry points during price breakouts.

Stochastic Oscillator

The Stochastic Oscillator is fast in detecting overbought and oversold levels on lower timeframes.

In ranging markets, oscillations between levels 80 and 20 generate good entry signals. This indicator is valuable for identifying short-term reversal moves.

Stochastic Oscillator Indicator
Stochastic Oscillator shown on the GBP/USD chart

MACD

Trading with the MACD strategy in binary options becomes possible by observing the crossover between the MACD line and the signal line in the MACD indicator.

The crossover of the MACD line and the signal line provides strong entry signals in binary options.

It can also be used to identify overbought and oversold conditions and issue entry signals accordingly.

MACD Indicator
Divergence formation in the MACD indicator on the GBP/USD chart

Automatic Support & Resistance Indicator

identifying key market levels that automatically draws support and resistance zones. This indicator uses colored boxes, showing support areas in green and resistance areas in brown; newly formed levels appear in darker shades, while tested levels are displayed in lighter tones.

This feature allows traders to quickly evaluate the reliability of a level and select more optimal entry or exit points.

In markets such as Forex , stocks, or indices, this indicator is particularly valuable for price action traders, as it provides a precise evaluation of price reactions to both past and present levels.

For example, in the GBP/USD pair on a 15-minute timeframe, identifying a valid support zone resulted in the formation of an uptrend after touching the key level.

Conversely, on a one-minute EUR / USD chart, resistance areas were highlighted in brown, providing opportunities for sell positions.

Automatic Support & Resistance Indicator
The Automatic Support & Resistance Indicator automatically marks valid reversal zones on the chart

In addition to identifying reversal points, this indicator is also applicable in various strategies such as scalping and day trading. Moreover, with customizable colors for tested and untested levels, it offers the flexibility traders need to personalize their chart display.

Ultimately, the Automatic Support & Resistance indicator in MetaTrader 5 stands out as one of the efficient tools for managing trading positions and gaining a better understanding of market structure.

When combined with other analytical indicators such as supply and demand tools or risk management instruments, it provides a more comprehensive outlook of price behavior for traders.

Download links for the Automatic Support & Resistance Indicator:

RSI

In binary options, the RSI indicator is mostly used on 1 to 5-minute timeframes. If RSI moves above 70, it generates a sell signal. If it drops below 20, it provides a buy signal.

Combining this indicator with other technical analysis methods, such as classical chart patterns, increases the reliability of trade signals.

To obtain binary options signals with RSI, the movement of the indicator’s moving average relative to price action must be analyzed.

RSI Indicator
Overbought and oversold zones displayed by RSI on the EUR/USD chart

Example of using the RSI indicator in binary options trading

For instance, when the price reaches a resistance zone and the RSI indicator shows overbought conditions, a PUT trade has a higher probability of success compared to a CALL trade.

Therefore, as shown in the chart below, when entering a trade simultaneously with RSI reaching the overbought zone, the trade ended in profit.

Using RSI in Binary Options Trading
Example of RSI binary options signals

Parabolic SAR

In binary options, the Parabolic SAR is used as a trend-confirmation indicator.

When the indicator's dots shift from top to bottom, it gives a Call signal. If they move from bottom to top, a Put signal is generated.

Parabolic SAR Indicator
Price trend analysis using Parabolic SAR on the NASDAQ index chart

Momentum

When the Momentum indicator crosses above the 100 level, it signals the start of a strong move.

In binary options, it is favored for fast entries, especially on low timeframes, due to its minimal lag. It performs better in volatile markets like Forex and cryptocurrency.

Momentum Indicator
Momentum indicator shown on the Dow Jones index chart

Momentum Indicator Formula

To better understand how the Momentum indicator functions and how it generates signals for binary options, reviewing its calculation formula is essential:

Momentum=Current PricePrice n Periods Ago×100\text{Momentum} = \frac{\text{Current Price}}{\text{Price n Periods Ago}} \times 100

CCI

When the CCI indicator moves above the +100 level, it indicates overbought conditions and gives a PUT signal.

If it drops below -100, it signals oversold conditions and suggests a CALL trade. This indicator is more effective on 1 to 15-minute timeframes compared to longer ones.

CCI Indicator
Analyzing overbought and oversold zones using CCI on the Gold Spot chart

DPO

TheDetrended Price Oscillator (DPO) eliminates long-term trends and focuses on short-term cycles, making it suitable for short-term binary option trades.

When the DPO reaches high positive levels, it signals overbought conditions and a PUT signal. It indicates oversold conditions and a CALL signal when it goes to low harmful levels.

DPO Indicator
Short-term cycle analysis using DPO on the Gold Spot chart

Pivot Point

This indicator calculates support and resistance levels based on previous candle data, helping to identify potential reversal zones.

When the price approaches the main Pivot level and is accompanied by reversal candles, it signals either a CALL or PUT trade depending on direction.

Touching R1 or R2 levels in an uptrend usually triggers a PUT signal, while touching S1 or S2 levels in a downtrend typically leads to a CALL signal.

Pivot Point Indicator
Price reacting to Pivot Point levels on the USD/CHF chart

Bollinger Bands

This indicator forms two bands around the price using two moving averages and is commonly used to identify overbought and oversold conditions in binary options.

When the price touches or breaks above the upper band, it signals overbought conditions and a PUT trade. If it touches or breaks below the lower band, it indicates oversold conditions and a CALL trade.

Bollinger Bands settings for binary options do not differ from the indicator’s default settings. Only if this indicator is part of a trader’s personal strategy should specific adjustments be applied.

Bollinger Bands Indicator
Price reacting to Bollinger Bands on the Silver chart

Williams %R

This indicator evaluates price fluctuations based on the highest and lowest prices over a specific period.

When the value drops below -80, it indicates oversold conditions and triggers a CALL signal. If it rises above -20, it reflects overbought conditions and signals a PUT trade.

Williams %R Indicator
Williams %R indicator shown on the USD/CHF chart

Table of Binary Options Indicator Settings and Entry/Exit Checklist

To properly use indicators in binary options trading, it is essential to be familiar with their appropriate settings.

For example, the recommended settings of RSI/MACD/Bollinger Bands for 1–5 minutes help traders benefit from more accurate signals on short timeframes.

Alongside this, having an entry/exit checklist ensures that signals are only considered valid when they align with technical conditions and reversal candlesticks.

For quick access, all these details are summarized in the table below, allowing you to review the settings of various indicators in one place:

Indicator Name

Recommended Settings

Suitable Timeframe

Application in PUT/CALL

Alligator

Default

5 minutes and above

The opening and closing of the lines indicate trend changes and suitable entry timing

Moving Averages

MA 50/100 or short-term vs. long-term crossovers

1–5 minutes

Crossovers provide buy/sell entry or exit signals

Binary Winner

MAX BARS, ALERT, NOTIFICATION

1–5 minutes

Green arrow = buy signal, Red arrow = sell signal

ATR (Average True Range)

Period: 14

Any timeframe

Measures market volatility to determine the best expiration time

Awesome Oscillator

Default (34/5)

1–5 minutes

Crossing the zero line indicates a price direction change

ADX

Period: 14

Above 5 minutes

Values above 25 confirm strong trends and favorable trading conditions

DMI (Directional Movement Index)

+DI, -DI, ADX

5 minutes and above

+DI above -DI = bullish confirmation, -DI above +DI = bearish confirmation

Stochastic Oscillator

14,3,3 with 20/80 levels

1–5 minutes

Below 20 = buy signal, Above 80 = sell signal

MACD

EMA 12/26 + Signal 9

5 minutes

MACD line crossing the signal line indicates trade entry/exit

Automatic Support & Resistance

Default; customizable color settings

Any timeframe

Touching valid support = buy opportunity, touching valid resistance = sell opportunity

RSI (Relative Strength Index)

Levels: 20/70

1–5 minutes

Above 70 = sell condition, Below 20 = buy condition

Parabolic SAR

Default

1–5 minutes

Switching from above to below candles = bullish confirmation; reverse = bearish confirmation

Momentum

Period: 10

1–5 minutes

Crossing 100 signals the start of strong market movement

CCI (Commodity Channel Index)

Level ±100

1–15 minutes

Above +100 = sell, Below -100 = buy

DPO (Detrended Price Oscillator)

Period: 20

5 minutes

Strong positive = overbought, Strong negative = oversold

Pivot Point

Daily levels

Any timeframe

Price nearing pivot levels with reversal candlesticks = buy/sell signals

Bollinger Bands

Period: 20, Deviation: 2

1–15 minutes

Touching upper band = overbought, Touching lower band = oversold

Williams %R

Levels −20/−80

1–5 minutes

Below −80 = buy signal, Above −20 = sell signal

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Indicators in Binary Options

Using indicators in binary options helps generate quick entry and exit signals. However, there is always the possibility of signal errors. The table below compares the pros and cons of using indicators in binary trading:

Disadvantages

Advantages

Signal delays

Filters out price noise

False signals in ranging markets

Enables fast and simple decision-making

Requires combination with other tools

Optimizes trade expiration timing

Dependency on default settings

Identifies market trends

Confusion from conflicting signals

Highly compatible with other tools

Comparison of Indicators for Binary Options Trading

Binary options indicators differ not only in name and appearance but also in how they behave under specific market conditions.

For example, DMI is more effective in identifying strong trends, whereas Pivot Point focuses directly on key price levels.

The table below highlights these differences along with the strengths and weaknesses of each tool in binary options:

Indicator

Type of Indicator

Main Application in Binary Options

Alligator

Trend-following

Identifies market trends via line spacing; entry during the “mouth opening/closing”

Moving Average (MA)

Trend-following

Determines market direction; fast entry/exit signals via MA crossovers

ATR (Average True Range)

Volatility

Measures real-time volatility and helps select the best expiration time

Awesome Oscillator

Momentum

AO crossing zero = trend reversal signal; quick entry opportunity

ADX

Trend Strength

Values above 25 confirm strong trends; filters for optimal trade timing

Stochastic

Oscillator

Detects overbought/oversold at 20/80 levels; short-term PUT/CALL signals

MACD

Trend + Momentum

Crossover of MACD and signal line indicates entry; detects overbought/oversold

RSI

Oscillator

Below 30 = buy, Above 70 = sell; most effective on 1–5 minute timeframes

Parabolic SAR

Trend-following

Point switch signals CALL or PUT entries

Momentum

Momentum

Crossing 100 indicates strong moves; useful in volatile markets

CCI

Oscillator

Above +100 = PUT, Below −100 = CALL; effective on 1–15 minute charts

DPO

Detrending

Focuses on short-term cycles; positive = PUT, negative = CALL

Pivot Point

Support/Resistance

Price reaction at main levels or R1/S1 provides CALL/PUT opportunities

Bollinger Bands

Volatility

Touching upper band = PUT, lower band = CALL

Williams %R

Oscillator

Below −80 = CALL (oversold), Above −20 = PUT (overbought)

Combination of Indicators in Binary Options

Using only one indicator in binary options usually results in weaker signals and reduces the win rate of trades. Therefore, combining the best binary options indicators such as momentum tools with key price levels reduces market noise and filters out false signals.

  • Bollinger Bands + Stochastic: Bollinger Bands display market volatility, while Stochastic identifies reversal points. In the EUR/USD market, simultaneous contact with the lower band and Stochastic entering the oversold zone generates a strong CALL signal;
  • RSI + Pivot Point: When RSI reaches the overbought zone while price approaches a Pivot resistance, the likelihood of a bearish reversal increases. In gold (XAU/USD), this combination often signals a PUT entry;
  • MACD + Moving Average: A MACD signal line crossover combined with the MA20 and MA50 crossover confirms a trend reversal. For example, in GBP/USD, this alignment suggests the start of a short-term uptrend;
  • ADX + CCI: ADX measures trend strength, while CCI identifies entry/exit points. In the NASDAQ index, when ADX is above 25 and CCI exits oversold conditions, a CALL trade has higher probability;
  • Parabolic SAR + Momentum: Parabolic SAR shows price reversal points, while Momentum confirms movement strength. In the WTI oil market, when SAR points appear below candles and Momentum rises positively, a reliable bullish binary signal is generated.
Combining Indicators in Binary Options
Combining binary options indicators increases the win rate of trades

The Role of Market Psychology in Using Indicators for Binary Options Trading

Indicators in binary options are only effective when the trader also considers market psychology and emotional reactions.

For example, during moments when the release of an economic news event creates sudden excitement, signals from RSI or Stochastic may lead to either premature or delayed entries.

A trader who acts without risk management and without controlling emotions often falls into the trap of these false signals. Managing factors such as Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) or insistence on Revenge Trading helps traders interpret indicator signals more rationally.

In other words, market psychology plays the role of a “second filter,” ensuring that indicators alone do not misguide the decision-making process.

Conclusion

Filtering out price noise is one of the main benefits of using indicators in binary options. However, their performance varies depending on market conditions.

For example, trend-following indicators like Moving Averages perform faster and more effectively in trending markets, making them suitable for determining optimal entry times in binary trading. In contrast, oscillators like RSI are more effective in range-bound markets.

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Quiz

5 Questions

Q1: What is the primary difference between using the RSI indicator in binary options versus other trading methods?

Q2: At what RSI level does a sell signal typically generate in binary options trading?

Q3: What does the ADX indicator measure in binary options trading?

Q4: When the CCI indicator moves above +100, what type of market condition does it indicate?

Q5: Which timeframes are most effective for the CCI indicator in binary options?

FAQs

What is the difference between using RSI in binary options and other trading styles?

In binary options, RSI is used on lower timeframes for quick entries. Other trading methods typically use higher timeframes to confirm long-term trends.

Why is ADX not suitable for trade entries alone?

ADX only measures trend strength. To confirm direction, it should be combined with indicators like MACD, Moving Averages, or CCI.

Can ATR be used to determine expiration times in binary options?

Yes. ATR shows market volatility. When ATR is high, choosing a shorter expiration time makes more sense.

How can combining indicators reduce false signals in binary options?

You should use complementary indicators. For instance, combining a trend indicator like a Moving Average with an oscillator like RSI reduces signal errors.

Is MACD alone sufficient for entering binary trades?

No. It's best to combine MACD with additional confirmations, such as volume indicators (e.g., OBV) or support/resistance levels.

Which type of moving average is more effective in binary options?

Since EMA gives more weight to recent prices, it provides faster entry/exit signals compared to SMA.

What’s the best setting for Stochastic in lower timeframes?

Use settings of 5, 3, 3 to increase signal speed. It’s more accurate for binary options trading.

Does combining multiple indicators improve or reduce signal accuracy?

If complementary indicators are selected, signal accuracy improves. If similar ones are used, conflicting signals may increase.

Should default indicator settings be used in binary options, or should they be customized?

Default settings may not work for every market. Backtesting and custom optimization on different timeframes improve signal accuracy.

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