Vortex Indicator: A Complete Guide to Trend Identification for Binary Options

The Vortex Indicator (VI) is a powerful technical analysis tool developed by Etienne Bots and Justus Visser to identify the start and direction of a trend. The indicator uses two lines — VI+ (green) and VI- (red) — which help to accurately determine trend reversal points. For binary options traders, Vortex is an effective tool for finding early entries into trend movements.

Vortex indicator - VI+ and VI- lines for trend direction identification on chart
Vortex indicator - VI+ and VI- lines for trend direction identification on chart

What is the Vortex indicator and how does it work?

The Vortex Indicator consists of two lines that measure the directional movement of the price:

  • VI+ (green line): Measures upward trend movement

  • VI- (red line): Measures downward trend movement

  • Calculation principle: Based on comparing current extremes with previous ones

  • Formula: Uses True Range and directional movement

The key advantage of Vortex is its ability to identify the beginning of a trend at an early stage, which is especially valuable for binary options.

Vortex trading signals for binary options

1. Intersection of lines VI+ and VI-:

  • Call signal: The green line VI+ crosses the red line VI- from below

  • Put signal: The red line VI- crosses the green line VI+ from below

  • Expiration: 2-5 minutes

2. Divergence of lines:

  • Strong bullish trend: VI+ is significantly higher than VI-

  • Strong bearish trend: VI- is significantly higher than VI+

  • Trend reversal: Convergence of lines followed by intersection

3. Level 0.5 as a filter:

  • Trend confirmation: Values above 0.5 indicate a strong trend

  • Weak signal: Values below 0.5 require additional confirmation

Practical trading strategy

Early Trend Entry Strategy:

  1. Wait for the VI+ and VI- lines to cross

  2. Confirm the signal with a candlestick reversal pattern

  3. Enter the trade in the direction of the crossover

  4. Expiration: 1-5 minutes

Trend Movement Strategy:

  1. Determine the direction of the trend based on the position of the lines

  2. Wait for a pullback to the moving average

  3. Enter the trade when the movement resumes

  4. Expiration: 2-5 minutes

Combining with other instruments

To increase the effectiveness of the Vortex Indicator, use it in combination with:

  1. Moving averages (EMA 20/50) - to confirm the trend direction

  2. ADX (14) - to determine the strength of the trend

  3. Support/resistance levels - to accurately determine entry points

  4. Stochastic (5,3,3) - to filter overbought/oversold conditions

Risk management:

  • Trade size: no more than 2% of the deposit

  • Profit/risk ratio: 1:2

  • Trade only when there are clear signals

  • Maximum daily risk: 5%

Conclusion

Vortex Indicator is a powerful tool for identifying the start and direction of a trend. Its main advantage is its ability to generate early signals of a trend reversal, which is especially important for binary options traders. Correct use of VI+ and VI- line crossovers in combination with other technical analysis tools can significantly improve the accuracy of entries. It is recommended to use Vortex as the main trend indicator in combination with oscillators to filter out false signals.