What does bullish divergence on the MACD indicate?

Bullish divergence in MACD occurs when price makes lower lows but MACD forms higher lows, signaling weakening bearish momentum and a potential reversal.

Aug 05, 2025 at 07:08 am

Understanding Bullish Divergence in MACD

Bullish divergence on the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator occurs when the price of an asset makes a lower low, while the MACD histogram or MACD line forms a higher low. This discrepancy between price action and momentum suggests that the downward momentum is weakening, even though the price continues to decline. The MACD is composed of three elements: the MACD line (difference between 12-period and 26-period exponential moving averages), the signal line (9-period EMA of the MACD line), and the histogram (difference between MACD line and signal line). When analyzing divergence, traders primarily focus on the MACD line or histogram to detect shifts in momentum.

This phenomenon is considered a potential early reversal signal, indicating that selling pressure is diminishing. It does not guarantee an immediate upward move but suggests that bears are losing control. The strength of the signal increases when the divergence occurs near key support levels or after a prolonged downtrend. Traders often wait for confirmation, such as a bullish crossover (MACD line crossing above the signal line), before acting on the signal.

How to Identify Bullish Divergence on MACD Charts

To spot bullish divergence, follow these steps:

• Locate two consecutive troughs in the price chart where the second low is lower than the first.
• Simultaneously, examine the corresponding lows on the MACD indicator (line or histogram).
• Confirm that the MACD forms a higher low during the second price trough.
• Ensure the timeframes align — use the same chart interval for both price and MACD.
  

  For example, on a daily chart, if Bitcoin drops to $30,000 and then later to $28,000, but the MACD line at $28,000 is higher than at $30,000, this constitutes bullish divergence. The visual mismatch between price and momentum is critical. Many trading platforms, such as TradingView, allow side-by-side comparison of price and MACD, making detection easier. Some traders also use the histogram to identify divergence, as shrinking red bars during lower price lows can indicate weakening bearish momentum.

  Confirming Bullish Divergence with Additional Indicators

  
  While bullish divergence on MACD is a strong signal, it should not be used in isolation. Combining it with other technical tools increases reliability. Consider these confirmatory methods:
• Look for a bullish MACD crossover, where the MACD line crosses above the signal line.
• Check Relative Strength Index (RSI) for oversold conditions (below 30), which may support a reversal.
• Use support levels or trendlines — divergence near a historical support zone strengthens the signal.
• Monitor volume patterns; rising volume on upward moves following divergence can confirm buyer interest.
  

  For instance, if Ethereum shows bullish divergence near a long-term support level at $1,500 and the RSI exits oversold territory with increasing volume, the likelihood of a reversal increases. Some traders also incorporate candlestick patterns like bullish engulfing or hammer formations at the divergence point to reinforce the signal.

  Practical Trading Strategy Using MACD Bullish Divergence

  
  Implementing a strategy around bullish divergence involves clear entry, stop-loss, and take-profit rules:
• Enter a long position when the MACD line crosses above the signal line after divergence is confirmed.
• Place a stop-loss just below the most recent price low where divergence occurred.
• Set a take-profit level at the nearest resistance or use a risk-reward ratio (e.g., 1:2 or 1:3).
• Use position sizing to manage risk — never risk more than 1-2% of capital on a single trade.
  

  For example, if Solana shows bullish divergence at $80 and the MACD crossover happens at $82, enter long at $82.10 with a stop-loss at $79.50. If the next resistance is at $90, the potential reward is $7.90 per coin versus a $2.60 risk, yielding a favorable risk-reward ratio. Traders may also use trailing stops to lock in profits if the price continues upward.

  Common Misinterpretations and Pitfalls

  
  Traders often misread bullish divergence due to impatience or incorrect setup. Common mistakes include:
• Acting on divergence without waiting for confirmation, such as a crossover or price breakout.
• Identifying divergence on lower timeframes (e.g., 5-minute charts) where noise can create false signals.
• Ignoring the overall trend — divergence in a strong downtrend may fail if broader momentum remains bearish.
• Overlooking divergence strength — shallow divergence (small difference in MACD lows) is less reliable than deep, clear divergence.
  

  For example, a trader might see bullish divergence on Dogecoin’s 1-hour chart and go long, only to face continued decline because the daily trend is still bearish. To avoid this, analyze divergence across multiple timeframes — a signal on the 4-hour chart confirmed by daily MACD behavior is more trustworthy.

  Backtesting Bullish Divergence Strategies

  
  To validate the effectiveness of bullish divergence, backtesting on historical data is essential:
• Select a cryptocurrency pair, such as BTC/USDT, and gather at least 6 months of price data.
• Use charting software with replay or backtesting features (e.g., TradingView’s bar replay).
• Manually mark instances of bullish divergence and record outcomes.
• Measure win rate, average gain/loss, and risk-reward ratios.
  

  For instance, backtesting on Cardano’s 4-hour chart from January to June 2023 may reveal 12 divergence signals, with 8 leading to profitable trades within 5 days. This results in a 66% win rate. Adjust parameters like MACD settings (default 12,26,9) or add filters (e.g., only trade divergence above 200 EMA) to refine the strategy.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  
  Can bullish divergence occur on the MACD histogram?
  Yes, bullish divergence can appear on the histogram when the price makes a lower low, but the histogram’s red bars are less negative (higher low), indicating shrinking bearish momentum.
  

  Is bullish divergence more reliable on higher timeframes?
  
  Generally, yes. Signals on daily or 4-hour charts are more reliable than those on 5-minute or 15-minute charts due to reduced market noise and stronger institutional participation.

  What if the MACD line doesn’t cross above the signal line after divergence?
  
  The absence of a bullish crossover means the signal lacks confirmation. Traders should avoid entering until momentum shifts are validated by price action or other indicators.

  Can multiple bullish divergences occur in one downtrend?
  
  Yes, a downtrend may show several bullish divergences, each indicating weakening momentum. However, only the final one may lead to a sustained reversal — earlier ones could be false signals.