How to deal with the shortening of the monthly MACD red column + long upper shadow line of the weekly line + daily line breaking through the platform?

A shortening monthly MACD red column signals weakening bearish momentum, while a weekly long upper shadow shows resistance; a daily breakout above consolidation may indicate bullish follow-through if volume confirms and resistance is overcome.

Jul 24, 2025 at 06:42 pm

Understanding the Monthly MACD Red Column Shortening

When traders observe the shortening of the monthly MACD red column, it signals a potential slowdown in bearish momentum. The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) histogram reflects the difference between the MACD line and the signal line. A red column indicates that the MACD line is below the signal line, implying bearish sentiment. However, when the red bars begin to shrink in height, it suggests that the downward momentum is weakening. This does not automatically mean a bullish reversal is imminent, but it does indicate that selling pressure is decreasing. Traders should pay close attention to whether the red column turns into a green one, which would confirm a crossover and possible trend reversal. It is essential to monitor the MACD values closely on the monthly chart, as monthly signals carry significant weight due to their long-term nature. A shortening red column should not be acted upon in isolation but must be combined with other indicators and price action for confirmation.

Interpreting the Weekly Candle with a Long Upper Shadow

A long upper shadow on a weekly candle often indicates strong rejection at higher price levels. This means that during the week, buyers attempted to push the price upward, but sellers stepped in and drove the price back down, closing near or below the opening level. This type of candlestick pattern, especially when it appears after a prolonged downtrend or during a consolidation phase, can suggest that resistance is firm. In the context of a potential recovery signaled by the monthly MACD, this upper shadow may represent a test of supply zones. If the weekly close remains below key resistance levels, it implies that bullish attempts are being resisted. Traders should identify the exact price level where the upper shadow peaked, as this becomes a critical resistance zone to watch. If future price action fails to surpass this level with strong volume and bullish candles, the bearish implications of the upper shadow remain valid.

Daily Price Breaking Through a Consolidation Platform

A daily line breaking through a platform—a horizontal price range where the asset has consolidated for a period—can be a powerful signal. When price closes above the upper boundary of this platform on the daily chart with increased volume, it often indicates the start of a new uptrend or a resumption of a prior bullish move. The break should be confirmed by at least two consecutive daily closes above the resistance level. Traders should verify whether the breakout is supported by rising trading volume, as volume confirms the strength of the move. A false breakout, where price briefly moves above the platform but quickly retreats, can trap overeager buyers. To avoid this, traders may wait for a retest of the broken resistance (now support) to confirm validity. Once confirmed, the breakout level becomes a new support zone, and any pullback toward it offers a potential entry opportunity.

Combining the Three Signals: Strategic Implications

When the monthly MACD red column shortens, the weekly candle shows a long upper shadow, and the daily price breaks above a consolidation platform, traders face a complex but potentially high-probability scenario. The monthly signal suggests weakening bearish momentum, the weekly shadow shows resistance testing, and the daily breakout indicates short-term bullish strength. The conflict lies in the weekly upper shadow, which warns of resistance, versus the daily breakout, which shows strength. To resolve this, traders should assess the alignment of these timeframes. If the daily breakout occurs below the peak of the weekly upper shadow, the resistance remains intact, and the breakout may fail. However, if the daily price moves beyond the shadow’s high with strong follow-through, it invalidates the rejection signal. In such cases, the convergence of diminishing bearish momentum and confirmed breakout increases the likelihood of a sustained upward move. Position sizing should reflect the uncertainty until the weekly resistance is decisively overcome.

Practical Trading Steps Based on This Setup

• Confirm the monthly MACD histogram is indeed shortening by comparing the last three to four bars. Use a MACD setting of (12, 26, 9) on the monthly chart.
• Identify the highest point of the weekly upper shadow and mark it as a key resistance level on your chart.
• On the daily chart, draw horizontal lines around the consolidation platform, noting the range between the highest and lowest prices during the consolidation period.
• Wait for the daily candle to close above the upper boundary of the platform with volume at least 20% above the 20-day average.
• After the breakout, monitor whether the next weekly candle forms a higher high and closes above the previous upper shadow peak.
• Consider entering a long position on a retest of the broken platform level, placing a stop-loss just below the platform’s upper boundary.
• Alternatively, use a partial entry: allocate 50% of the intended position at the breakout and the remainder if the price closes above the weekly shadow high.

Risk Management and Confirmation Tools

Given the mixed signals across timeframes, risk management is crucial. The presence of a long upper shadow introduces uncertainty, even if the daily breakout appears strong. Traders should limit position size until the weekly resistance is clearly breached. Additional confirmation tools can enhance decision-making. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart should be rising but not yet in overbought territory (above 70) to allow room for continuation. On-chain data, such as exchange outflows or increasing active addresses, can provide fundamental support for a bullish move. Volume profile analysis can show whether the breakout occurred at a high-volume node, adding credibility. For derivatives traders, monitoring funding rates can indicate whether long positions are becoming overcrowded, which might precede a short-term pullback.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if the daily breakout happens but the weekly upper shadow remains unchallenged?

It suggests that while short-term momentum is bullish, higher timeframe resistance is still active. The breakout may lack sustainability unless subsequent price action approaches and overcomes the shadow’s peak.

How long should I wait for confirmation after the daily breakout?

Ideally, wait for two consecutive daily closes above the platform and monitor the next weekly candle. If it closes above the prior upper shadow high, the bullish case strengthens significantly.

Can I use leverage in this scenario?

Leverage should be used cautiously. Given the conflicting weekly signal, high leverage increases risk. Consider using lower leverage or hedging with options if available.

Should I ignore the monthly MACD if the weekly and daily signals contradict each other?

No. The monthly MACD provides context for long-term trend shifts. Even if short-term signals conflict, the shortening red column suggests a potential shift in market structure, which should not be dismissed.