IQ Option offers many kinds of technical indicators. We do our best to help you to understand how they work so you can use them successfully in your trading. Today, you are going to learn about the Random Walk Index known as the RWI in short. Let's get started.

## Introduction to the Random Walk Index

Indicators are commonly used to obtain trading signals to open or close transactions. The Random Walk Index was designed by Michael Poulus and first published in the 1990s. It determines whether the price of the underlying asset is on the random walk or forms a significant trend. And it does that by comparing the price movements to random movements.

Log in to your trading account. Think about what asset you would trade this time and how much money you are ready to invest. Set the type and the period of the chart. Then, click on the indicators icon. The Random Walk Index can be found under trend indicators.

It will appear in a separate window under the price chart. Two lines create the indicator, an RWI High and an RWI Low. They measure downtrend and uptrend strength.

### Indicator's calculations

Both lines of the Random Walk Index are calculated separately.

The formula for the RWI High is as follows:

$RWI&space;High&space;=&space;\frac{High&space;-&space;Low_{n}}{ATR&space;\times&space;\sqrt{n}&space;}$

n is the number of days taken into calculations and the ATR is an average true range.

For example, if you want to get the RWI High from the last 5 days, you should subtract the low of the former period from the high of today. Next, subtract the low from two days ago from today's high. Continue until you reach 5 past periods. The RWI High will be the highest value you have received.

The formula for the RWI Low looks like this:

$RWI&space;Low&space;=&space;\frac{High_{n}&space;-&space;Low}{ATR&space;\times&space;\sqrt{n}&space;}$

The scheme is similar to when the RWI High was calculated. The difference is that now you are taking low from today and subtracting it from the high from the previous period and from that of two days ago and so on. The lowest value you have obtained is your RWI Low.

The RWI is somewhat similar to the ADX with its +DI and -DI lines. The ADX itself has yet a third line indicating trend strength. You can see a comparison of both indicators in the chart below.

## Using the RWI in trading on the IQ Option

The indicator's settings should be adjusted according to your style and preferences. Short-term traders and scalpers usually use 2 to 7 periods. Long-term investors typically apply 8 to 64 periods.

When the indicator is below 1.0, you may assume that the price of the asset is fluctuating randomly. When it rises above 1.0, it signifies there is a trend formed by price action.

An uptrend can be identified when the RWI High is over 1.0 and a downtrend when the RWI Low is above 1.0.

Sometimes, the crossovers are used as trading signals. This method gives good results when the trend is strong. However, the crossovers of two lines of the Random Walk Index also happen without a strong trend and then they may bring poor results. Use this approach with additional technical analysis tools.

## Summary

The Random Walk Index is a technical indicator that compares price movements of the asset to random sampling. It helps to determine whether there is a statistically significant trend in the market.

The RWI is a lagging indicator which means it can display signals with some delay. It may result in missing trading opportunities. That is why it is always a good idea to support your analysis with some additional techniques.

Hurry to the IQ Option demo account. Attach the Random Walk Index and learn to use trading signals it produces. A demo account works the same way the real account does with such a difference that you do not invest your money. You receive virtual cash that can be replenished any time needed. So do not hesitate, open one if you have not yet and check the RWI indicator for yourself.

General Risk Warning: The financial products offered by the company carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never invest money that you cannot afford to lose

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