What are the best moving average settings for long-term crypto investing?

The 200-day and 100-week SMAs are key for long-term crypto investors, helping identify major trends and potential entry or exit points with greater reliability.

Aug 04, 2025 at 04:56 am

Understanding Moving Averages in Cryptocurrency Investing

Moving averages (MAs) are foundational tools used by traders and long-term investors to identify trends in price data. In the context of long-term crypto investing, moving averages help smooth out price volatility and provide a clearer picture of an asset’s directional momentum over time. The two primary types of moving averages used are the Simple Moving Average (SMA) and the Exponential Moving Average (EMA). While the SMA assigns equal weight to all data points in the period, the EMA gives more weight to recent prices, making it more responsive to new information. For long-term strategies, the focus tends to lean toward SMAs due to their stability and reduced sensitivity to short-term fluctuations. The most widely adopted periods in long-term analysis are the 200-day SMA and the 100-week SMA, both of which are considered benchmarks for identifying major trend shifts.

Why the 200-Day Moving Average is a Key Indicator

The 200-day SMA is one of the most respected indicators in long-term crypto investing. It represents the average closing price of a cryptocurrency over the past 200 trading days, offering a smoothed trend line that filters out noise. When the price of an asset like Bitcoin or Ethereum trades above the 200-day SMA, it is generally interpreted as a bullish signal, suggesting a long-term uptrend. Conversely, a price trading below this moving average may indicate a bearish phase. Institutional investors and hedge funds frequently use this threshold to make macro-level allocation decisions. For example, many algorithmic trading systems are programmed to buy when the price crosses above the 200-day SMA and exit when it falls below. This creates a self-fulfilling effect, reinforcing the indicator’s reliability over time.

Using the 100-Week Moving Average for Macro Trend Analysis

For investors with a multi-year horizon, the 100-week SMA offers a broader perspective than daily moving averages. Since one week contains five trading days, 100 weeks equate to approximately two years of data, making it ideal for identifying long-term secular trends in the crypto market. This moving average is particularly effective during market cycles, such as the Bitcoin halving events, which historically occur every four years. Observing whether the price is above or below the 100-week SMA can help investors determine if they are in a bull or bear market phase. For instance, during the 2017 and 2021 Bitcoin bull runs, the price remained significantly above the 100-week SMA for extended periods. A sustained close below this line could signal a shift in market structure and prompt long-term holders to reassess their positions.

Combining Multiple Moving Averages for Confirmation

While single moving averages provide valuable insights, combining them enhances signal reliability. A popular long-term strategy involves using a dual moving average crossover system. One common configuration pairs the 50-week SMA with the 200-day SMA. When the 50-week SMA crosses above the 200-day SMA, it generates a "golden cross," widely regarded as a strong buy signal. Conversely, a "death cross" occurs when the 50-week SMA drops below the 200-day SMA, signaling potential long-term weakness. To apply this strategy:

• Access a charting platform such as TradingView or CoinGecko.
• Load the price chart of your chosen cryptocurrency.
• Apply the 50-week SMA and 200-day SMA indicators.
• Observe the interaction between the two lines over time.
• Wait for a confirmed close above or below, not just an intraday touch.
  This method reduces false signals and aligns better with long-term investment timeframes.
  

  Customizing Moving Averages Based on Asset Behavior

  
  Not all cryptocurrencies behave the same way, and rigid adherence to standard moving average settings may not always be optimal. For instance, Bitcoin tends to respond well to the 200-day SMA due to its market maturity and high liquidity. However, smaller altcoins with higher volatility may benefit from longer or adjusted periods. Some long-term investors use the 365-day SMA to align with calendar years, minimizing seasonal distortions. Others experiment with EMA combinations, such as the 12-month EMA, to capture momentum while maintaining a long-term focus. To customize your approach:
• Backtest different moving average periods on historical data.
• Compare how each setting performs during known bull and bear markets.
• Use logarithmic charts to account for exponential growth phases.
• Adjust based on the asset’s historical cycle length and volatility profile.
  Platforms like TradingView allow scripting with Pine Script, enabling automated testing of various configurations.
  

  Practical Steps to Implement Moving Averages in Your Strategy

  
  To effectively integrate moving averages into a long-term crypto investment plan, follow these detailed steps:
• Choose a reliable charting tool that supports long-term timeframes (e.g., weekly or monthly).
• Select your preferred cryptocurrency and load at least three years of historical data.
• Apply the 200-day SMA and 100-week SMA to the chart.
• Enable price alerts for when the asset crosses above or below these lines.
• Combine with volume analysis to confirm breakout validity.
• Avoid making decisions based on a single candle; wait for multiple closes beyond the MA.
• Document each signal and your response for future review.
  This systematic approach ensures consistency and reduces emotional decision-making.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can moving averages predict exact entry and exit points for long-term crypto investing?
  
  Moving averages do not predict exact entry or exit points. They serve as trend-following tools that help identify the general direction of price movement. While crossovers like the golden cross suggest favorable conditions, they often occur after a trend has already begun. Investors should use them in conjunction with other factors such as on-chain metrics, macroeconomic conditions, and network fundamentals.

  Is the 200-day SMA equally effective for all cryptocurrencies?
  
  The effectiveness of the 200-day SMA varies across assets. It works well for large-cap, established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum due to their liquidity and market depth. However, for low-cap or highly speculative altcoins, the signal may be less reliable due to manipulation, low trading volume, and erratic price swings. Customizing the period or combining it with additional filters improves accuracy.

  Should I use daily or weekly charts when applying long-term moving averages?
  
  For long-term investing, weekly charts are generally preferred because they reduce noise and align better with macro trends. The 100-week SMA, for example, is only meaningful on a weekly timeframe. Daily charts can be used for finer confirmation, but the primary analysis should occur on higher timeframes to avoid overtrading.

  What happens if the price touches the 200-day SMA but doesn’t close beyond it?
  
  A mere touch or intraday breach of the 200-day SMA without a confirmed close beyond it is typically considered a false signal. Long-term investors should wait for the candle (daily or weekly) to fully close above or below the moving average before acting. This prevents premature decisions based on short-term volatility or market manipulation.