# RSI and MACD Indicators: How to Read Them

> RSI's default period is 14 and readings above 70 and below 30 are read as overbought and oversold [1]. The standard MACD setup is the 12- and 26-day exponential averages with a 9-day signal line [2].

Last updated: 2026-10-22 · https://www.nx24.ai/en/rehber/rsi-macd-gostergeleri

## What is RSI?

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator between 0 and 100. Readings above 70 are considered overbought and below 30 oversold; in strong trends it can stay there for long.

## What is MACD?

MACD is the difference between the 12- and 26-period exponential moving averages, read with a 9-period signal line and a histogram. A cross above the signal line suggests rising momentum.

## Using them together

When RSI is oversold and MACD turns up, a reversal becomes more likely. Indicators lag, so combine them with price levels and volume.

## Origins and standard settings

Wilder introduced RSI in 1978 in 'New Concepts in Technical Trading Systems'; the default period is 14 and readings above 70 and below 30 are read as overbought and oversold [1]. Gerald Appel developed MACD in the late 1970s; the standard setup is the 12- and 26-day exponential averages with a 9-day signal line [2].

## Disclaimer

This page is educational, not investment advice.

## Frequently asked questions

**What is RSI's default period?**

In RSI, introduced by J. Welles Wilder in 1978, the default period is 14; readings above 70 and below 30 are read as overbought and oversold [1].

**What is the standard MACD setup?**

In MACD, developed by Gerald Appel in the late 1970s, the standard setup is the 12- and 26-day exponential averages with a 9-day signal line [2].

## Sources

1. [Relative Strength Index (RSI)](https://chartschool.stockcharts.com/table-of-contents/technical-indicators-and-overlays/technical-indicators/relative-strength-index-rsi). StockCharts ChartSchool. Accessed: 2026-10-22.
2. [MACD (Moving Average Convergence/Divergence) Oscillator](https://chartschool.stockcharts.com/table-of-contents/technical-indicators-and-overlays/technical-indicators/macd-moving-average-convergence-divergence-oscillator). StockCharts ChartSchool. Accessed: 2026-10-22.

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Not investment advice. NX24 — https://www.nx24.ai/