KST Pass Node
Know Sure Thing — Series Input
Overview
The KST Pass Node computes the Know Sure Thing (KST) oscillator and its signal line on a series input. KST is a smoothed, weighted sum of four rate-of-change values over different time horizons, designed to capture multi-cycle momentum.
Developed by Martin Pring, KST smooths together short, intermediate, and long-term momentum cycles. This node outputs the KST signal line (SMA of KST), which is used for signal-line crossover strategies. A KST crossing above its signal line indicates bullish momentum; crossing below is bearish.
Formula
Parameters
| Parameter | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| signalPeriod | 9 | SMA period for the KST signal line |
Inputs & Outputs
| Slot | Direction | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | Input | { values, timestamps } | Price or any numeric series |
| values | Output | (number | null)[] | KST signal line values; nulls during warm-up |
| timestamps | Output | number[] | Unix timestamps aligned to input |
Use Cases
Signal-Line Crossover Strategy
Generate buy signals when KST crosses above its signal line and sell signals when it crosses below. This smooth, long-cycle approach generates fewer but higher-quality signals.
Trend Regime Identification
When KST and signal are both above zero and rising, it confirms a multi-cycle bullish regime. When both decline below zero, it signals sustained bearish momentum across multiple time horizons.
Divergence Analysis
Compare KST to price for long-term divergences. KST making lower highs while price makes higher highs warns of momentum deterioration that often precedes major reversals.
Tips & Best Practices
Fixed Internal Periods
The four ROC and SMA periods inside KST are fixed (10/13/14/15 and 10/13/14/9). Only the signal period is configurable. Accept the defaults for proper Pring KST behavior.
Significant Warm-Up
KST requires about 33+ bars of warm-up (RCMA4 uses ROC(15) + SMA(9)) before producing valid output. On weekly data this is almost 8 months.
Best on Weekly/Monthly
KST was designed for weekly and monthly timeframes where multi-cycle smoothing provides the most value. On 1-min charts its long-term nature provides little actionable edge.