How to use the MACD indicator to enhance your trading skills

Antreas Themistokleous

Trading Specialist at Exness

This is not investment advice. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Your capital is at risk, please trade responsibly.

What is the MACD Indicator?
Calculating the moving average convergence divergence
How to interpret MACD indicator signals
How to use MACD for trend identification
Positive and negative divergence
Enhancing MACD analysis with other indicators in crypto
5 tips for using the MACD indicator in crypto trading
Ready to maximize your crypto MACD trading strategy?

Looking to enhance your trading skills and make the most of the MACD Indicator when trading crypto? You've found the perfect resource – dive into this guide for expert insights.

The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is a widely used technical analysis indicator in the field of financial analysis. Developed by Gerald Appel in the late 1970s, MACD has become one of the most popular technical indicators used by traders and investors. Its ability to identify potential trend reversals and generate a buy or sell signal makes it a favorite among crypto traders. But many traders still struggle to fully understand the full potential of MACD and use it effectively.

In this guide, we show you the components of the MACD indicator, interpret its signals, provide practical tips, and explore its potential application in different market conditions.

What is the MACD Indicator?

The MACD indicator consists of three main components: the MACD line, the signal line, and the histogram. It is crucial that you first understand the role of each component so you can interpret MACD signals accurately.

MACD line

The MACD line is calculated by subtracting the longer-term exponential moving average (EMA) from the shorter-term EMA. It represents the difference between the two exponential moving averages and is used to identify potential trend changes.

Signal line

The signal line is a moving average of the MACD line and is typically a 9-day EMA. It smooths out the MACD line's fluctuations and generates buy or sell signals when it crosses above or below the MACD line.

MACD Histogram

The MACD histogram represents the difference between the line of the MACD and the signal line. It provides a visual representation of the convergence and divergence between the two lines, indicating the strength of the trend.

Calculating the moving average convergence divergence

In order to gain insights into the MACD’s underlying mechanics and interpret its signals effectively when trading crypto, it’s important that you understand how the MACD is calculated. The calculation involves the following steps:

Short-term exponential moving average (EMA)

You can calculate the short-term EMA by giving more weight to recent price data, which results in a more responsive line.

Long-term EMA

The long-term EMA provides a smoothed representation of price movements over a longer period, reducing short-term noise.

MACD line calculation

You can calculate the MACD line by subtracting the long-term EMA from the short-term EMA.

Signal line calculation

The signal line is usually a 9-day EMA of the MACD line.

Histogram calculation

To determine the histogram you must subtract the signal line from the MACD line.

How to interpret MACD indicator signals

You can interpret buy and sell signals with the MACD through crossovers and divergence.

MACD crossovers

Crossovers occur when the MACD line and the signal line intersect. A bullish crossover happens when the MACD line crosses above the signal line, suggesting a potential uptrend. On the other hand, a bearish crossover occurs when the MACD line crosses below the signal line, indicating a potential downtrend.

Divergence

Divergence refers to a difference between the direction of the price and the MACD indicator. Positive divergence occurs when the price action forms lower lows while the MACD line forms higher lows, suggesting a possible trend reversal. Negative divergence occurs when the price action forms higher highs while the MACD line forms lower highs, indicating a potential trend reversal.

How to use MACD for trend identification

One of the primary applications of the MACD indicator is trend identification. Understanding how to interpret buy and sell signals with the MACD accurately can help you identify potential entry and exit points in the market.

Bullish and bearish line crossovers

Crossovers between the MACD line and the signal line can provide valuable insights into trend reversals and a potential buy or sell signal for trading opportunities.

Bullish MACD crossover

A bullish MACD signal line crossover occurs when the line of the MACD crosses above the signal line. This signal suggests that the short-term trend is turning bullish, indicating a potential buying opportunity.

Bearish MACD crossover

A bearish MACD signal line crossover happens when the MACD line crosses below the signal line. This signal indicates that the short-term trend is turning bearish, signaling a potential selling opportunity.

False signals and confirmation

It is essential that you consider the occurrence of false signals and seek confirmation from other technical analysis indicators or price patterns, before taking trading actions solely based on MACD signal line crossovers.

Positive and negative divergence

Divergence between the MACD indicator and the price can provide you with valuable insights into potential trend reversals.

Positive divergence

Positive divergence occurs when the price forms lower lows, while the MACD line forms higher lows. This signal suggests that the selling pressure is weakening, and a potential trend reversal to the upside may occur.

Negative divergence

Negative divergence happens when the price forms higher highs, while the MACD line forms lower highs. This signal indicates that the buying upward momentum is waning, and a potential trend reversal to the downside may be imminent.

Here we see a price chart with higher highs while the blue line of the MACD makes lower highs. This is a type of bearish divergence which can indicate upcoming bearish momentum.

Identifying trend reversals

Positive and negative divergences can serve as early warnings for potential trend reversals. However, it is crucial to confirm these signals with other technical analysis indicators or price patterns before making trading decisions.

Determining trend strength

You can use the MACD histogram to assess the strength of a trend.

MACD histogram

The MACD histogram represents the difference between the MACD line and the signal line, providing a visual representation of the convergence and divergence between the two lines. A rising MACD histogram indicates increasing momentum, while a falling MACD histogram suggests decreasing momentum.

Zero line

The position of the histogram relative to the zero line can also provide insights into trend strength. Positive values above the zero line indicate a bullish trend, while negative values below the zero line indicate a bearish trend.

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Enhancing MACD analysis with other indicators in crypto

While MACD is a powerful indicator on its own, when you combine it with other technical indicators it can provide you with a more comprehensive analysis of the crypto market.

Combining the MACD indicator with moving averages

Combining the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) with other moving averages can offer additional confirmation signals and help filter out false signals.

Golden cross and death cross

The golden cross occurs when the shorter-term moving average (e.g., 50-day MA) crosses above the longer-term moving average (e.g., 200-day MA), signaling a potential bullish trend. The death cross occurs when the shorter-term moving average crosses below the longer-term moving average, indicating a potential bearish trend.

This longer-term price chart uses a 50-day SMA rather than a 9-day EMA as the faster MA. The golden cross here is particularly clear. However, there is bearish divergence from the MACD, not bullish divergence.

Moving averages as support and resistance

Using moving averages as support or resistance levels can provide additional insights into potential price reversals when combined with MACD signals.

MACD and RSI

Combining MACD with the relative strength index (RSI) can enhance the accuracy of trend analysis and identify potential overbought or oversold conditions.

Overbought and oversold conditions

When the RSI reaches overbought levels (e.g., above 70), and the MACD generates a bearish crossover or negative divergence, it suggests a potential reversal to the downside. On the other hand, if the RSI falls to oversold levels (e.g., below 30) and the MACD shows a bullish crossover or positive divergence, this suggests a potential upward reversal in the market.

Convergence and divergence

When you observe convergence between the MACD indicator and the RSI, it can offer you additional confirmation of the current trend. On the other hand, if you notice divergence, it may signal potential reversals in the trend.

MACD and volume

By analyzing volume alongside MACD, you can gain valuable insights into the strength of price movements and potential trend reversals.

Volume confirmation

When the MACD generates a bullish crossover or positive divergence accompanied by a significant increase in trading volume, it provides you with a stronger confirmation of a potential uptrend. Similarly, a bearish MACD crossover, or negative divergence with a surge in volume, offers you a stronger indication of a potential downtrend.

Volume divergence

Divergence between volume and the MACD indicator can signal a potential trend reversal. For example, if the price forms higher highs while volume decreases, it may indicate weakening buying pressure and an impending trend reversal.

5 tips for using the MACD indicator in crypto trading

To make the most of the MACD indicator when trading cryptocurrencies, it is essential that you apply it in a practical and disciplined manner. Consider the following tips to improve your crypto trading decisions:

Tip 1: Timeframe selection

MACD indicator signals may vary depending on the timeframe used. Choose the timeframe that aligns with your crypto trading strategy and objectives. Shorter timeframes can provide more frequent but potentially less reliable signals, while longer timeframes offer fewer signals but higher reliability.

Tip 2: Confirming signals with additional indicators

To enhance the accuracy of MACD indicator signals, consider using other technical indicators, such as trendlines, support and resistance levels, or candlestick patterns, to confirm the signals before initiating your crypto trades. You can learn more about how to find the indicators list and how to apply them on a chart through your Personal Area once you’ve registered for an Exness trading account.

Tip 3: Avoiding choppy markets

During periods of low volatility or sideways markets, MACD signals may be less reliable. It is advisable to exercise caution and seek confirmation from other indicators or wait for clearer trends to emerge.

Tip 4: Setting stop loss and take profit levels

Implementing appropriate risk management measures is crucial when using the MACD indicator or any other indicator. Set stop loss and take profit levels based on your risk tolerance and the prevailing market conditions to protect your capital and lock in profits.

Tip 5: Backtesting and optimization

Before implementing MACD indicator properties in live crypto trading, conduct thorough backtesting on historical price action and data to evaluate its effectiveness in different market conditions. Optimize the parameters of this momentum indicator based on your trading style and the characteristics of the specific market you are trading. At Exness we provide a variety of assets to trade. So do your research and compare how this indicator performs for each one.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best MACD strategy?

The MACD indicator on its own is a valuable tool in the arsenal of any trader, but as with all indicators it is not perfect. To get the best strategy first you have to decide what style of trader you want to be and how often you want to open a trade. Once you figure that out then you can start experimenting on combining the MACD indicator with various other technical tools to help you make informed trading decisions. The most popular combinations are with the moving averages (trading the signal line crossovers), the RSI and volume indicators.

Which trend-following indicator is better, MACD or RSI?

First of all, both indicators are trend-following momentum indicators, meaning they lag in time, so no single one can be exclusively relied upon.. Both of these fall into the ‘lagging indicator’ category, and they are used by novices as well as experienced traders, so the indicators’ reliability is not to be underestimated. The point is not to distinguish which ‘lagging indicator’ is the better or leading indicator, but rather to ask if it is a good strategy to combine them. To this, the answer is easy: yes! Combining these two rather reliable indicators and adjusting them to your trading style is the best approach.

How to use the MACD indicator?

The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator is a momentum oscillator used to trade trends. It consists of two lines that cross each other to provide trading signals. When the MACD crosses above zero, it is considered bullish, and when it crosses below zero, it is bearish. During trading ranges, the MACD may fluctuate, and it is generally advisable to avoid trading in this situation, since this indicator works best in trending financial markets. Divergence between the MACD and price movement can be a strong signal.

Where is the zero line of the MACD?

The MACD histogram shows the gap between the MACD and its 9-day EMA, not the highest and lowest points. The histogram is in the positive zone when the MACD is higher than its 9-day EMA, and in the negative zone when it's lower. The zero line on the histogram indicates when there is no momentum.

Ready to maximize your crypto MACD trading strategy?

The MACD indicator is a powerful tool that can provide valuable insights into market trends and potential trade opportunities. By understanding its components, interpreting its signals, integrating it with other technical indicators, and following practical tips, you can enhance your decision-making process and improve your trading outcomes.

However, it is important to remember that no indicator is foolproof. It is wise to implement risk management at all times. With practice, experience, and continuous refinement, you can harness the potential of MACD to gain a competitive edge in the financial markets.

So, embrace the MACD indicator, master its nuances, and unlock its potential to elevate your crypto trading skills. Remember, continuous learning and adaptation are key to success in the dynamic world of trading and investing.

Discover all the capabilities of the MACD indicator as well as other technical tools, by using them in your Exness trading account.

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