Does the monthly MACD green column shortening + weekly golden cross indicate the arrival of the bottom?

A monthly MACD green column shortening alongside a weekly golden cross suggests weakening bullish momentum but potential for a new uptrend, requiring confirmation from volume and price action.

Jul 03, 2025 at 07:29 pm

Understanding the MACD Indicator in Cryptocurrency Trading

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a widely used technical analysis tool in cryptocurrency trading. It helps traders identify potential trend reversals, momentum shifts, and entry or exit points. The MACD histogram, represented by green and red columns, visually indicates the strength of buying or selling pressure. A green column signifies bullish momentum, while a red column represents bearish momentum.

In many cases, traders look for specific patterns within the MACD to make informed decisions. One such pattern involves observing whether the monthly MACD green column is shortening, which could suggest weakening bullish energy. This change may indicate that the market is losing upward momentum, potentially signaling an upcoming reversal or consolidation phase.

The Significance of Weekly Golden Cross in Crypto Charts

A golden cross occurs when a short-term moving average crosses above a long-term moving average, typically the 50-day moving average crossing above the 200-day moving average. In the context of weekly charts, this event often carries more weight than daily signals due to the longer time frame involved.

When a weekly golden cross appears after a downtrend, it can be interpreted as a bullish signal, suggesting that buyers are gaining control. However, it's crucial to understand that this indicator works best when combined with other forms of analysis, such as volume confirmation and price action behavior.

Combining Monthly MACD Green Column Shortening with Weekly Golden Cross

The combination of monthly MACD green column shortening and a weekly golden cross creates a complex scenario that requires careful interpretation. On one hand, the shrinking monthly green bars imply that the bullish phase might be ending on a higher time frame. On the other hand, the appearance of a weekly golden cross suggests that buyers are stepping in at lower levels, possibly indicating a bottoming process.

This juxtaposition often leads to mixed signals. For instance, if the monthly chart shows weakening momentum but the weekly chart starts showing strength, it may reflect a market transition rather than a definitive bottom. Traders should pay attention to how prices react around key support zones and whether there’s any confluence with other indicators like RSI or Fibonacci retracements.

Practical Steps to Analyze These Signals in Cryptocurrency Charts

To effectively interpret these two signals together, follow these detailed steps:

• Step 1: Identify the monthly MACD green column shortening
  
  Open your preferred charting platform (e.g., TradingView) and switch to the monthly timeframe. Locate the MACD histogram and observe if the green columns are gradually getting shorter. This indicates diminishing bullish momentum over a long period.

• Step 2: Confirm the presence of a weekly golden cross
  
  Switch to the weekly chart and check if the 50-week moving average has crossed above the 200-week moving average. Ensure that this crossover occurred recently and hasn’t been invalidated by subsequent price action.

• Step 3: Assess price structure and support levels
  
  Look for signs that price is finding support near previous lows or key psychological levels. If the weekly golden cross aligns with a bounce from a significant support zone, it strengthens the case for a potential bottom.

• Step 4: Check volume and candlestick patterns
  
  High volume during the golden cross or strong bullish candles on the weekly chart can confirm the strength of the signal. Conversely, low volume may indicate weak participation and a possible false signal.

• Step 5: Monitor further developments across timeframes
  
  After identifying both signals, continue monitoring the daily and 4-hour charts for early signs of a rally. Watch for bullish engulfing patterns, breakouts above resistance, or sustained closes above key moving averages.

Common Pitfalls When Interpreting These Combined Signals

Traders often fall into several traps when interpreting the monthly MACD green column shortening and weekly golden cross combination:

• Overreliance on indicators without context: Both signals are lagging indicators and should not be used in isolation. They work best when supported by price action and volume analysis.
• Misinterpreting the timing of the bottom: Even if these signals appear, it doesn’t necessarily mean the exact bottom has arrived. Markets can consolidate for extended periods before resuming an uptrend.
• Ignoring broader market conditions: If the overall crypto market remains bearish or macroeconomic factors are negative, bullish signals may fail to materialize into actual rallies.

It’s essential to approach these signals with caution and avoid making aggressive trades based solely on their appearance.

Real-World Examples from Past Crypto Cycles

Looking back at historical data from previous bull and bear cycles provides useful insights into how these signals have behaved:

• During the 2018–2019 bear market, Bitcoin’s monthly MACD green column began shortening in mid-2018, aligning with the top formation. By early 2019, a weekly golden cross appeared, coinciding with the eventual start of a new uptrend.
• In contrast, during the 2022 bear market, the monthly MACD green column started shrinking in late 2021, signaling a loss of momentum. However, the weekly golden cross didn’t occur until much later, and even then, the rally was relatively weak compared to previous cycles.

These examples highlight that while the combination can sometimes mark turning points, its reliability varies depending on broader market dynamics and sentiment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I rely solely on the monthly MACD green column shortening and weekly golden cross to make a trade decision?

While these are valuable signals, they should not be used in isolation. Always combine them with other tools like support/resistance levels, volume analysis, and candlestick patterns for better accuracy.

Q: What does it mean if the monthly MACD green column shortens but the weekly golden cross doesn’t form yet?

This suggests that although the bullish momentum is fading on the monthly chart, there isn’t enough strength yet to confirm a shift in the weekly trend. Wait for clearer signs before considering a position.

Q: How long after the weekly golden cross should I expect a rally to begin?

There is no fixed timeline. Some rallies start immediately, while others take weeks or months to develop. Use additional tools like price action and volume to gauge the strength of the signal.

Q: Is the weekly golden cross more reliable than the daily golden cross in crypto markets?

Yes, because the weekly timeframe filters out short-term noise and reflects stronger institutional participation, making it generally more reliable than the daily version.