What does the second golden cross of the MACD fast and slow lines below the zero axis indicate?

A second MACD golden cross below zero may signal weakening bearish momentum, but confirm with price action and volume before trading.

Aug 02, 2025 at 02:28 am

Understanding the MACD Indicator Structure

The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator is a widely used technical analysis tool in the cryptocurrency trading community. It consists of three core components: the MACD line, the signal line (or slow line), and the histogram. The MACD line is derived by subtracting the 26-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA) from the 12-period EMA. The signal line is a 9-period EMA of the MACD line itself. The histogram visualizes the difference between these two lines. When traders refer to the "golden cross" of the MACD, they are describing the moment when the MACD line crosses above the signal line, which is generally interpreted as a bullish signal.

What Is a Golden Cross Below the Zero Axis?

A golden cross below the zero axis occurs when the MACD line crosses upward over the signal line while both lines are positioned below the zero baseline. This indicates that although momentum may be shifting upward, the overall trend is still bearish because the MACD line has not yet moved into positive territory. The first golden cross below zero may signal a potential reversal attempt, but it often lacks strength. The second golden cross in this region is more significant. It suggests that bearish momentum is weakening and that buyers are making repeated attempts to gain control, even within a broader downtrend.

Interpreting the Second Golden Cross: Strength and Caution

The appearance of a second golden cross below the zero axis can indicate growing bullish momentum within a downtrend. This repeated crossover suggests that selling pressure is diminishing and that accumulation may be occurring. However, traders must remain cautious. Because the MACD lines remain below zero, the overall trend is still bearish, and the second golden cross should not be interpreted as a definitive reversal signal. Instead, it serves as a warning that momentum is shifting and that a potential trend change could be on the horizon if price action confirms the signal.

• Monitor whether the MACD line sustains higher lows leading up to the second crossover.
• Observe if trading volume increases during the second golden cross, which can validate buyer interest.
• Check whether the price is forming higher lows or breaking key resistance levels on the chart.

How to Use the Second Golden Cross in Crypto Trading Strategies

To effectively incorporate the second golden cross below the zero axis into a trading strategy, follow these detailed steps:

• Step 1: Apply the MACD indicator to your cryptocurrency price chart (e.g., Bitcoin/USDT on Binance). Ensure the default settings (12, 26, 9) are used unless you are backtesting alternative configurations.
• Step 2: Identify the first golden cross below the zero line. Mark this point and observe how price reacts. If the price continues to decline, the signal was likely premature.
• Step 3: Wait for the MACD lines to diverge again, with the MACD line falling back below the signal line, then rising to form a second upward crossover.
• Step 4: Confirm the signal by checking for bullish divergence on the price chart — this occurs when the price makes a lower low, but the MACD makes a higher low.
• Step 5: Look for confluence with support zones, trendlines, or key moving averages (e.g., 50-day or 200-day EMA).
• Step 6: Enter a long position only when price breaks above a recent swing high or a defined resistance level, using the MACD crossover as a secondary confirmation.

Place a stop-loss just below the most recent swing low to manage risk. Consider scaling in if the MACD line continues to rise toward the zero axis.

False Signals and Risk Management

Not every second golden cross below zero leads to a successful reversal. In highly volatile cryptocurrency markets, false signals are common. For example, during a strong downtrend in Ethereum, multiple golden crosses may appear below zero, yet the price continues to drop. To mitigate risk:

• Avoid entering trades based solely on MACD crossovers. Combine with RSI (Relative Strength Index) to check for oversold conditions (RSI below 30).
• Use support and resistance levels to assess whether the price is near a historically significant area.
• Apply candlestick patterns such as bullish engulfing or hammer formations near the crossover point for added confirmation.
• Reduce position size when trading below the zero axis, as the odds of continuation of the downtrend are still elevated.

Historical Examples in Cryptocurrency Markets

In early 2023, the Solana/USDT pair displayed a textbook example. After a prolonged decline, the MACD generated a golden cross below zero in January. Price briefly rallied but resumed its downtrend. Weeks later, a second golden cross formed at a lower level. This time, the crossover coincided with a double bottom pattern and a break above a descending trendline. The MACD line then moved above zero shortly after, confirming a shift in momentum. Traders who waited for the second signal and combined it with price action avoided early losses and captured the subsequent upward move.

Another instance occurred with Cardano (ADA/USDT) in late 2022. Two golden crosses appeared below zero within a month. The second one aligned with a spike in volume and a close above the 20-day moving average. This confluence increased the reliability of the signal, leading to a 40% rally over the next three weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the second golden cross below zero always lead to a bullish reversal?

No, the second golden cross below zero does not guarantee a reversal. It indicates increasing bullish momentum within a bearish trend, but confirmation from price action and other indicators is essential. Many such crossovers occur during bear market rallies that eventually fail.

Q: How long should I wait after the second golden cross to enter a trade?

Wait for price confirmation, such as a close above a recent resistance level or a bullish candlestick pattern. Entering immediately after the crossover increases the risk of false signals. Patience for a breakout improves accuracy.

Q: Can the second golden cross occur in both daily and hourly charts?

Yes, the second golden cross below zero can appear on any timeframe. On shorter timeframes like 1-hour or 4-hour charts, it may signal intraday reversals. On daily charts, it carries more weight for medium-term trend changes.

Q: What should I do if the MACD line crosses back below the signal line after the second golden cross?

This would invalidate the bullish signal. It suggests that upward momentum failed. Exit any long positions if stop-loss levels are breached and reassess the trend. This failure often precedes a resumption of the downtrend.