How to analyze MACD bar chart divergence? How to use the cross signal above the zero axis?

MACD bar chart divergence helps traders spot potential reversals; bullish when price lows fall but MACD lows rise, bearish when price highs rise but MACD highs fall.

Jun 07, 2025 at 12:08 pm

Introduction to MACD Bar Chart Divergence

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a popular technical indicator used by cryptocurrency traders to gauge momentum, identify trend changes, and generate buy or sell signals. One of the key features of the MACD is its ability to reveal divergences between the price action and the momentum, which can signal potential reversals or continuations in the market. Understanding MACD bar chart divergence is crucial for traders looking to refine their trading strategies. This article will delve into how to analyze MACD bar chart divergence and how to effectively use the cross signal above the zero axis.

Understanding MACD Bar Chart Divergence

MACD bar chart divergence occurs when the price of a cryptocurrency and the MACD indicator move in opposite directions. This divergence can be classified into two main types: bullish divergence and bearish divergence.

• Bullish Divergence happens when the price of the cryptocurrency forms lower lows, but the MACD forms higher lows. This indicates that the downward momentum is weakening, and a potential upward reversal may be imminent.
• Bearish Divergence occurs when the price of the cryptocurrency forms higher highs, but the MACD forms lower highs. This suggests that the upward momentum is weakening, and a potential downward reversal could be on the horizon.

To effectively analyze MACD bar chart divergence, traders need to follow these steps:

• Identify the price trend: Look at the price chart to determine whether the cryptocurrency is in an uptrend or a downtrend.
• Compare price action with MACD: Overlay the MACD indicator on the price chart and compare the recent price movements with the corresponding MACD bars.
• Spot the divergence: Look for instances where the price and the MACD are moving in opposite directions. For example, if the price is making lower lows but the MACD is making higher lows, a bullish divergence is present.
• Confirm the signal: Divergence alone is not a trading signal. It should be confirmed with other technical indicators or price action patterns, such as a bullish candlestick pattern for bullish divergence or a bearish candlestick pattern for bearish divergence.

Analyzing Bullish Divergence on MACD Bar Chart

To analyze bullish divergence on the MACD bar chart, follow these steps:

• Identify the downtrend: Look for a series of lower lows on the price chart, indicating a downtrend.
• Check the MACD: Observe the MACD bars. If the MACD is forming higher lows while the price is making lower lows, a bullish divergence is present.
• Confirm with other indicators: Use additional indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or moving averages to confirm the potential reversal. For instance, if the RSI is also showing oversold conditions, it strengthens the case for a bullish reversal.
• Look for entry points: Once the bullish divergence is confirmed, look for a bullish candlestick pattern or a break above a key resistance level as an entry signal.

Analyzing Bearish Divergence on MACD Bar Chart

To analyze bearish divergence on the MACD bar chart, follow these steps:

• Identify the uptrend: Look for a series of higher highs on the price chart, indicating an uptrend.
• Check the MACD: Observe the MACD bars. If the MACD is forming lower highs while the price is making higher highs, a bearish divergence is present.
• Confirm with other indicators: Use additional indicators like the RSI or moving averages to confirm the potential reversal. For instance, if the RSI is showing overbought conditions, it strengthens the case for a bearish reversal.
• Look for entry points: Once the bearish divergence is confirmed, look for a bearish candlestick pattern or a break below a key support level as an entry signal.

Using the MACD Cross Signal Above the Zero Axis

The MACD cross signal above the zero axis is another valuable tool for cryptocurrency traders. This signal occurs when the MACD line crosses above the signal line while both are above the zero axis. This indicates that the bullish momentum is strengthening, and it can be used as a buy signal.

To effectively use the MACD cross signal above the zero axis, follow these steps:

• Monitor the MACD and signal lines: Keep an eye on the MACD line and the signal line. The MACD line is the difference between the 12-period and 26-period exponential moving averages, while the signal line is a 9-period exponential moving average of the MACD line.
• Identify the cross above the zero axis: Look for the MACD line to cross above the signal line while both are above the zero axis. This indicates increasing bullish momentum.
• Confirm the signal: As with any trading signal, it's important to confirm the MACD cross signal with other technical indicators or price action. For instance, if the price is also breaking above a key resistance level, it strengthens the buy signal.
• Enter the trade: Once the signal is confirmed, consider entering a long position. Set a stop-loss order below a recent swing low to manage risk.

Practical Example of Using MACD Cross Signal Above the Zero Axis

Let's consider a practical example to illustrate how to use the MACD cross signal above the zero axis:

• Select a cryptocurrency: Choose a cryptocurrency that you are interested in trading, such as Bitcoin (BTC).
• Set up the chart: Open a price chart for BTC and add the MACD indicator with default settings (12, 26, 9).
• Monitor the MACD and signal lines: Watch for the MACD line to cross above the signal line while both are above the zero axis.
• Identify the cross: Suppose the MACD line crosses above the signal line at a price of $50,000 while both are above the zero axis.
• Confirm the signal: Check other indicators like the RSI or moving averages. If the RSI is not overbought and the price is above the 50-day moving average, the signal is confirmed.
• Enter the trade: Enter a long position at $50,000 with a stop-loss order set at $49,000, just below a recent swing low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can MACD bar chart divergence be used for all cryptocurrencies?

A: Yes, MACD bar chart divergence can be applied to any cryptocurrency. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on the liquidity and volatility of the specific cryptocurrency. More liquid assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum tend to produce more reliable signals.

Q: How often should I check for MACD bar chart divergence?

A: It is advisable to check for MACD bar chart divergence on a daily basis, especially if you are trading on shorter timeframes. For longer-term trading, weekly checks may be sufficient.

Q: Can the MACD cross signal above the zero axis be used as a standalone signal?

A: While the MACD cross signal above the zero axis can be a strong indicator of bullish momentum, it is generally more effective when used in conjunction with other technical indicators and price action analysis to confirm the signal.

Q: What are the common pitfalls when using MACD bar chart divergence and cross signals?

A: Common pitfalls include relying solely on divergence or cross signals without confirmation, entering trades too late after the signal has already played out, and not setting proper stop-loss orders to manage risk. Always use these signals as part of a comprehensive trading strategy.