What does it mean to break through the 60-day moving average? Should I clear my position?

A break above or below the 60-day moving average can signal shifting momentum, but confirming with volume and other indicators improves decision-making in crypto trading.

Jun 17, 2025 at 08:56 am

Understanding the 60-Day Moving Average

The 60-day moving average is a widely used technical indicator in cryptocurrency trading. It represents the average price of an asset over the past 60 days, recalculated each day as new data becomes available. Traders use this metric to smooth out short-term volatility and identify underlying trends. When the price of a cryptocurrency breaks through this line—either above or below—it can signal a shift in market sentiment.

A break above the 60-day moving average may indicate that buyers are gaining control, potentially signaling the start of an uptrend. Conversely, a break below this level could suggest increasing selling pressure and a possible downtrend.

This dynamic is particularly relevant in crypto markets due to their high volatility. A breach of the 60-day moving average doesn't guarantee a trend reversal, but it often serves as a trigger for further analysis using other indicators or chart patterns.

How to Identify a Breakthrough on Your Chart

To determine whether a cryptocurrency has broken through its 60-day moving average, you need to access a candlestick chart with the moving average overlay enabled. Most trading platforms like Binance, TradingView, or CoinMarketCap allow users to add this indicator easily.

• Open your preferred trading platform and select the cryptocurrency pair you’re monitoring (e.g., BTC/USDT).
• Locate the "Indicators" section and search for "Moving Average."
• Set the period to 60 and choose the type—usually Simple Moving Average (SMA) unless otherwise specified.
• Observe how the current price interacts with the plotted line.

If the closing price of the last completed candlestick crosses above or below the 60-day SMA line, it’s considered a valid breakthrough. Some traders wait for two consecutive closes beyond the line to confirm the move and avoid false signals.

What Does This Mean for Your Position?

When a cryptocurrency breaks through the 60-day moving average, it raises a critical question: should you hold, buy, or sell? The answer depends heavily on your trading strategy, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

For momentum traders, a breakout above the 60-day moving average might be seen as a buying opportunity, especially if accompanied by increased volume. On the flip side, a breakdown below this key level could prompt stop-loss triggers or profit-taking actions.

Long-term investors may view such moves as noise and continue holding regardless of short-term fluctuations. However, swing traders or active portfolio managers may adjust positions based on these signals to protect capital or capitalize on emerging trends.

It's also essential to cross-reference this information with other technical tools like RSI, MACD, or support/resistance levels before making any decision.

Should You Clear Your Position Immediately?

Clearing your position entirely after a single technical signal is generally not advisable unless it aligns with a pre-defined exit strategy. The 60-day moving average is just one piece of the puzzle and shouldn’t be treated as a standalone sell signal.

Some traders set up trailing stops just below the 60-day moving average to lock in gains while allowing room for normal price fluctuations. Others may partially reduce exposure if the trend weakens but keep a core position intact.

Consider asking yourself the following:

• Is this a long-term investment or a short-term trade?
• Has the broader market also turned bearish?
• Are there any fundamental developments affecting the project behind the token?

Answering these questions can help you decide whether to fully exit, scale out gradually, or hold steady despite the technical development.

Using Volume to Confirm the Breakthrough

Volume plays a crucial role in validating any technical signal, including a break of the 60-day moving average. If the price drops below this level on high volume, it suggests strong selling interest and increases the likelihood of a sustained downtrend.

Conversely, if the breakout occurs on low volume, it may lack conviction and could result in a false move. To incorporate volume into your analysis:

• Check the volume bars at the bottom of your chart during the breakout candle.
• Compare current volume to the average volume over the previous 20–30 days.
• If volume spikes significantly during the breakthrough, treat the signal with more weight.

Remember, even strong volume doesn't guarantee future movement, but it adds context to the price action and helps filter out weaker signals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the 60-day moving average more reliable than shorter-term averages like the 20-day or 50-day?

Each moving average serves a different purpose. The 60-day MA tends to be more reliable for medium-term trend identification compared to shorter-term MAs, which are more sensitive to price swings and prone to whipsaws.

2. Can I use the 60-day moving average for altcoins as well as major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin?

Yes, the 60-day moving average applies to all tradable assets, including altcoins. However, less liquid coins may experience more erratic behavior around this level due to lower trading volumes and higher volatility.

3. Should I combine the 60-day moving average with other technical indicators?

Absolutely. Combining it with tools like RSI, MACD, or Fibonacci retracement levels can improve accuracy and reduce false signals. No single indicator works perfectly in isolation.

4. How often does a cryptocurrency typically retest the 60-day moving average after breaking through it?

It varies depending on market conditions. In many cases, the price will retest the moving average as a new resistance or support zone before continuing the trend. Monitoring these retests can offer strategic entry or exit points.