What Is MACD indicator? How to Trade the MACD
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is one of the most popular technical indicators used in contemporary trading. Invented by Gerald Appel in the late 1970s, the MACD indicator is a trend-following momentum oscillator that assists traders in detecting possible reversals and trend continuation patterns in asset prices. Although classified as an oscillator, the MACD is not generally employed to detect overbought or oversold conditions. Instead, it considers the divergence between two exponential moving averages (EMAs) to generate buy and sell signals.
In this article, we will explain what MACD is, how it operates, and most importantly—how traders can use it to determine good entry and exit points under various market conditions.
Understanding the MACD Indicator
Essentially, the MACD is built from the difference between two EMAs, typically the 12-period EMA and the 26-period EMA. This difference is plotted as the MACD Line. A 9-period EMA of this MACD Line is then plotted as the Signal Line, which is utilized to generate buy and sell signals. A histogram is also plotted to show the difference between the MACD Line and the Signal Line, allowing visualization of momentum.
Standard MACD Settings
- MACD: The difference between the 12-period and 26-period EMAs
- Signal Line: 9-period EMA of the MACD Line
- Histogram: A bar chart that represents the difference between the MACD Line and Signal Line
These three components allow traders to quantify market action in trending and ranging markets.
How the MACD Works
- Zero Line Crossovers: When the MACD Line crosses above zero, it indicates bullish momentum.
When it drops below zero, it suggests bearish momentum.
These crossovers often align with broader trend confirmations. - Signal Line Crossovers:
- Bullish Crossover: MACD Line crosses above the Signal Line — potential buy signal
- Bearish Crossover: MACD Line crosses below the Signal Line — potential sell signal
The farther these crossovers occur from the zero line, the stronger the signal may be.
Trading With MACD: Entry and Exit Strategies
One common strategy is to use MACD-Signal Line crossovers as a trade trigger:
- Enter long when the MACD Line crosses over the Signal Line.
- Enter short when it crosses below.
But this simplistic crossover strategy can produce false signals in sideways, volatile markets. At these moments, the MACD Line and Signal Line whipsaw each other, crossing over with little follow-through in the direction of the signal.
Using MACD With Support and Resistance
Combine MACD signals with key price zones for greater accuracy:
- Buy on a bullish crossover near a strong support level
- Sell or exit on a bearish crossover near resistance
This method enhances the reliability of your MACD signals by anchoring them to the price structure.
Utilizing the Histogram to Early Signs
The histogram can be applied to detect reversals in momentum before line crossovers occur:
- Rising histogram bars that are above zero signify growing bullish momentum.
- Downward histogram bars that are above zero may mean weakening buying pressure and a possible reversal.
Advanced traders observe the slope change of the histogram to anticipate crossovers of the signal line.
MACD and Divergence: Early Reversal Identification
One of the strongest uses of MACD is to spot divergence: a mismatch between price action and indicator reaction.
Types of Divergence
- Bullish Divergence: Price makes lower lows, but MACD makes higher lows. This suggests bearish momentum is weakening and a bullish reversal can occur.
- Bearish Divergence: Price makes higher highs and MACD makes lower highs. It shows diminishing purchasing power and likelihood of a downside move.
Effective Use of MACD
- Refrain from Trading MACD in Ranging Markets: The MACD performs optimally in trending conditions. In periods of consolidation, crossovers tend to be unreliable. Utilize filters such as trendlines, moving averages, or ADX to identify trend strength before trading on MACD signals.
- Adjust Settings to Suit Your Strategy: Default settings (12, 26, 9) can be used for most assets, but aggressive traders may reduce the EMAs (e.g., 8, 17, 5) to receive earlier alerts. Anxious traders can widen the time frames to reduce false signals.
- Confirmation With Other Tools: MACD is strongest in combination with other tools:
- Volume tools (e.g., OBV or volume spikes)
- Price action (e.g., candlestick pattern, support/resistance)
- Other oscillators (e.g., RSI to validate overbought/oversold signals)
MACD Patterns: Double Tops and Bottoms
MACD can also be employed to validate chart patterns:
- Double Top: If the second price high is not validated by MACD (forms a lower high), this is an extremely bearish indication.
- Double Bottom: If the second price low is not seen in MACD (forms a higher low), a bullish reversal may be in the making.
These patterns, with divergence support, impart very strong conviction to trading setups.
Final Thoughts
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator is a valuable and efficient tool under the right usage. Besides offering graphical signals about direction of trend and momentum, it offers entry and exit signals that are invaluable in both short- and long-term trading systems.
But, as with all technical tools, MACD is not perfect. It must never be used alone. Traders are encouraged to merge MACD signals with wider technical analysis, price action techniques, and risk management rules.
With knowledge of its mechanics and a proper market context, the MACD can really improve your trading accuracy, allowing you to enter trades with confidence and exit before momentum drops. Want to improve your trading? Join BullRush today! Practice using MACD in a simulated or live trading environment and track how it performs across different markets and timeframes. Happy trading!
