Is it dangerous that the price hits a new high while the MACD red column gradually shortens?

A shortening MACD red column during a price rally signals weakening bearish momentum, potentially indicating trend exhaustion or reversal in crypto markets like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Jun 28, 2025 at 10:49 am

Understanding the MACD Indicator and Its Components

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a popular technical analysis tool used by traders to identify potential trend reversals, momentum shifts, and entry or exit points in financial markets, including cryptocurrency. The indicator consists of three main components: the MACD line, the signal line, and the MACD histogram (often referred to as the red column when it appears below the zero line).

When the price of an asset such as Bitcoin or Ethereum reaches a new high while the MACD red column shortens, this may signal a divergence between price movement and momentum. This situation can be concerning for traders who rely on technical signals to make informed decisions.

The MACD red column represents bearish momentum. When it shortens during a price rally, it suggests that selling pressure might be decreasing but not necessarily disappearing.

What Does a Shortening MACD Red Column Mean?

As the price climbs to new highs, one would typically expect the MACD histogram to expand if the bullish momentum is strong and consistent. However, when the histogram bars (the red columns) begin to shrink, it indicates that the strength behind the upward movement is weakening.

This phenomenon can be interpreted as a bearish divergence — a condition where the price continues to rise, but the underlying momentum starts to fade. In the context of cryptocurrency trading, which is known for its volatility and rapid price swings, this could be a warning sign for traders holding long positions.

• Shortening red columns suggest diminishing downward pressure.
• Price reaching new highs with weaker momentum may indicate exhaustion.
• Traders should watch for a possible crossover or histogram flip above zero.

How to Identify and Confirm a Bearish Divergence

Recognizing a bearish divergence requires careful observation of both price action and the MACD histogram. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

• Identify two consecutive higher highs on the price chart.
• Compare these highs with the corresponding MACD histogram values.
• If the histogram forms lower highs while the price makes higher highs, a divergence exists.
• Use other tools like RSI or volume indicators to confirm the divergence.

In cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Solana, such patterns often precede sharp corrections due to overbought conditions and profit-taking by institutional players.

Risks Associated with Price Rising Amid Weakening Momentum

When the price hits a new high while the MACD red column shrinks, it may reflect a fragile uptrend. Retail traders might continue buying into the rally, unaware that larger market participants are already reducing exposure.

Some risks include:

• Sudden reversal due to profit-taking by whales or bots.
• Increased likelihood of a candlestick reversal pattern forming.
• False breakout scenarios where the price quickly retraces after hitting resistance levels.

These dynamics are especially relevant in altcoin markets, where liquidity is thinner and manipulation is more common.

Practical Steps to Manage Risk in This Scenario

For traders observing this setup, it's crucial to take defensive measures rather than chasing gains. Here’s what you can do:

• Reduce position size or close partial profits.
• Place a trailing stop-loss just below recent swing lows.
• Monitor volume trends — declining volume amid rising prices supports the bearish case.
• Wait for confirmation of a trend reversal before entering short positions.

By following these steps, traders can protect their capital from abrupt downturns triggered by weak momentum despite rising prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MACD red column shorten even when the trend remains bullish?

Yes, the red column can temporarily shorten during a healthy bull trend, especially after a consolidation phase. It doesn’t always mean a reversal is imminent unless confirmed by other indicators or price action.

Is this scenario more dangerous in crypto compared to traditional markets?

Cryptocurrency markets are more volatile and prone to manipulation, making momentum-based signals like MACD divergence potentially more impactful. Sudden pump-and-dump schemes or whale movements can exaggerate these setups.

Should I sell immediately when I see this pattern?

Not necessarily. While it’s a cautionary signal, selling should be based on your risk tolerance, strategy, and confirmation from other sources. Consider tightening stops rather than exiting entirely.

Are there any specific coins where this pattern is more reliable?

This pattern tends to be more reliable in major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum due to higher liquidity and clearer price action. In low-cap altcoins, false signals are more common due to erratic price behavior.