MACD underwater second golden cross: can it really rise this time?

The MACD underwater second golden cross may signal a potential bullish reversal in crypto, but traders should confirm with volume and other indicators due to market volatility.

Jun 13, 2025 at 08:50 am

What is the MACD Underwater Second Golden Cross?

The MACD underwater second golden cross refers to a technical analysis pattern observed in cryptocurrency charts. It occurs when the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) line crosses above the signal line while both lines are below the zero line on the MACD histogram, and this crossover happens for the second time after a prior similar event.

This pattern is considered significant because it may indicate a potential shift from a bearish trend to a bullish one, especially if it follows a prolonged downtrend. However, due to the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, traders must approach this signal with caution.

Traders often look at volume and price action alongside the MACD to confirm whether the second golden cross has enough momentum to push prices upward.

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How Does the MACD Work in Cryptocurrency Trading?

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a popular momentum oscillator used by crypto traders to identify changes in trend direction and strength. It consists of three main components:

• MACD Line: Calculated as the difference between the 12-period and 26-period Exponential Moving Averages (EMA).
• Signal Line: A 9-period EMA of the MACD line.
• Histogram: Represents the difference between the MACD line and the signal line.

When the MACD line crosses above the signal line, it generates a bullish signal, especially if this happens below the zero line — hence the term "underwater." If this happens a second time after a failed initial attempt, it becomes the second golden cross.

In crypto markets, where volatility can distort traditional signals, combining MACD with other indicators like RSI or volume analysis increases reliability.

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Steps to Identify the MACD Underwater Second Golden Cross

To spot the MACD underwater second golden cross, follow these steps carefully:

• Open your preferred trading platform and load the MACD indicator on the chart of any cryptocurrency you're analyzing.
• Ensure the default settings are set to 12, 26, and 9 for fast EMA, slow EMA, and signal line respectively.
• Look for the first golden cross occurring under the zero line, followed by a pullback or continuation of the downtrend.
• Observe if the MACD line drops again below the signal line but remains below zero.
• Wait for the second crossover where the MACD line rises above the signal line once more, forming the second golden cross.

Each step should be validated with candlestick patterns or support/resistance levels to avoid false signals that are common in highly speculative assets like cryptocurrencies.

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Historical Examples of MACD Underwater Second Golden Cross in Crypto

There have been several instances in major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) where the MACD underwater second golden cross preceded meaningful rallies.

For example, during late 2022, Bitcoin experienced a deep bear market. In early 2023, a first golden cross occurred underwater, followed by a short-lived rally that was rejected. Then, in mid-2023, a second golden cross formed under the zero line. This time, buying pressure increased steadily, leading to a multi-week uptrend.

Similarly, Ethereum showed a similar pattern around the same period, suggesting that the MACD underwater second golden cross might not be entirely coincidental.

However, each cycle is unique, and past performance does not guarantee future results, especially in the unpredictable crypto space.

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Common Pitfalls When Interpreting the MACD Signal

Many traders fall into traps when interpreting the MACD underwater second golden cross, particularly in crypto markets where noise and fakeouts are frequent.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Acting on the signal without waiting for confirmation from other tools like volume spikes or moving average crossovers.
• Assuming that every second golden cross leads to a strong rally.
• Ignoring broader market conditions such as macroeconomic events or regulatory news affecting crypto sentiment.
• Using default MACD settings without adjusting them for different timeframes or assets.

A prudent trader always combines multiple forms of analysis before entering a position based solely on a single MACD signal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the MACD underwater second golden cross reliable for altcoins?

A: While it can appear in altcoin charts, its reliability depends heavily on the coin's liquidity and correlation with larger market movements. High-volume coins like ETH or SOL tend to produce more trustworthy signals than smaller-cap tokens.

Q: Can I use the MACD underwater second golden cross for day trading?

A: Yes, but only if combined with intraday volume data and short-term support/resistance zones. Day traders must also adjust MACD settings to suit faster timeframes.

Q: What if the second golden cross fails?

A: False signals are common in crypto. If the second golden cross doesn't result in a rally, it's likely that bears still control the market. Traders should consider exiting or reevaluating their positions.

Q: Should I trade based solely on the MACD underwater second golden cross?

A: No. Always use additional indicators like RSI, Bollinger Bands, or Fibonacci retracement levels to filter out false positives and increase the probability of successful trades.