What does the double top of the MACD bar indicate? How to estimate the decline after the pattern is completed?

The double top on the MACD signals a bearish reversal, indicating waning bullish momentum and a potential downtrend in cryptocurrency prices.

May 25, 2025 at 02:42 am

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a popular technical indicator used by traders to identify potential trend changes, momentum, and overbought/oversold conditions in the cryptocurrency market. Among the various patterns that can be observed on the MACD, the double top is a significant bearish signal. This article will explore what the double top of the MACD bar indicates and how to estimate the potential decline after the pattern is completed.

What is the Double Top of the MACD?

The double top of the MACD is a bearish reversal pattern that signals a potential change in the current uptrend to a downtrend. This pattern forms when the MACD line reaches a peak, retraces, and then reaches a similar peak before declining again. It's important to understand that the double top on the MACD is different from the double top pattern on price charts, although both are bearish indicators.

Identifying the Double Top on the MACD

To identify a double top on the MACD, traders need to observe the following steps:

• Look for the MACD line to form two consecutive peaks at roughly the same level. These peaks should be separated by a trough that represents a temporary decline in the MACD line.
• Ensure that the second peak is not significantly higher than the first peak. If the second peak exceeds the first, it might indicate continued bullish momentum rather than a reversal.
• Watch for the MACD line to break below the signal line after the second peak. This break confirms the bearish reversal signal.

What Does the Double Top Indicate?

The double top on the MACD indicates that the bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency's price is waning and that bearish forces are beginning to take over. This pattern suggests that the recent uptrend may be exhausted, and a potential downtrend could be imminent. Traders often use this signal to prepare for selling or shorting the cryptocurrency.

Estimating the Decline After the Double Top Pattern

Once the double top pattern on the MACD is confirmed, traders can use various methods to estimate the potential decline in the cryptocurrency's price. Here are some common approaches:

Using Price Levels and Support Zones

• Identify key support levels below the current price. These can be previous swing lows, trendline supports, or horizontal support zones.
• Measure the distance from the highest peak of the double top to the lowest point of the trough between the two peaks. This distance can be used as a guide to estimate the potential decline.
• Project this distance downward from the breakout point (where the price breaks below the neckline of the double top pattern on the price chart). The resulting level can serve as a potential target for the decline.

Using Fibonacci Retracement

• Draw a Fibonacci retracement tool from the lowest point of the recent uptrend to the highest peak of the double top pattern.
• Identify key Fibonacci levels such as 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8%. These levels often act as potential support zones where the price might find temporary stability before continuing its decline.
• Consider the 61.8% level as a conservative target for the decline. If the bearish momentum is strong, the price might even reach the 78.6% or 100% Fibonacci levels.

Using the MACD Histogram

• Observe the MACD histogram, which represents the difference between the MACD line and the signal line.
• Note the height of the histogram bars during the formation of the double top. The taller the bars, the stronger the momentum.
• Monitor the histogram for bearish divergence or a significant decrease in bar height. This can indicate weakening bullish momentum and a potential decline.
• Use the histogram to confirm the bearish signal and estimate the strength of the upcoming decline.

Practical Example of Estimating Decline

Let's consider a practical example to illustrate how to estimate the decline after a double top pattern on the MACD:

• Suppose the cryptocurrency's price forms a double top pattern with peaks at $500 and a trough at $450.
• The price breaks below the neckline at $480, confirming the bearish signal.
• Using the distance between the peak and the trough ($500 - $450 = $50), project this distance downward from the breakout point ($480 - $50 = $430). This suggests a potential target of $430.
• Alternatively, using Fibonacci retracement from the low of the uptrend at $400 to the high of the double top at $500, the 61.8% level would be around $438. This also indicates a potential target for the decline.

Trading Strategies Based on the Double Top

Traders can use the double top pattern on the MACD to develop various trading strategies:

• Short Selling: Upon confirmation of the double top, traders can initiate short positions to profit from the anticipated decline.
• Stop Loss Placement: Place a stop loss above the second peak to limit potential losses if the price reverses back up.
• Profit Targets: Use the estimated decline targets (such as the projected distance or Fibonacci levels) to set profit targets for the trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the double top pattern on the MACD be used in conjunction with other indicators?

A1: Yes, the double top pattern on the MACD can be effectively used with other technical indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Bollinger Bands, and volume indicators to increase the reliability of the bearish signal. For instance, if the RSI also shows overbought conditions or bearish divergence, it can strengthen the case for a potential decline.

Q2: How can traders differentiate between a double top on the MACD and a false signal?

A2: To differentiate between a genuine double top and a false signal, traders should look for additional confirmation from other technical indicators and price action. A break below the signal line after the second peak, coupled with a bearish candlestick pattern on the price chart (like a bearish engulfing or shooting star), can increase the confidence in the bearish signal. Additionally, high trading volume during the breakout can further validate the pattern.

Q3: Is the double top pattern on the MACD more reliable in certain market conditions?

A3: The double top pattern on the MACD tends to be more reliable in trending markets, especially during prolonged uptrends where the momentum is likely to wane. In choppy or sideways markets, the pattern might generate more false signals, so traders should exercise caution and use additional confirmation tools.

Q4: Can the double top pattern on the MACD be used for intraday trading?

A4: Yes, the double top pattern on the MACD can be used for intraday trading, especially on shorter timeframes like the 1-hour or 4-hour charts. However, traders should be aware that intraday signals can be more volatile and prone to false breakouts. Therefore, using tighter stop losses and smaller position sizes can help manage the risks associated with intraday trading based on the double top pattern.