How to make profitable trading calls using the MACD indicator?

The MACD indicator helps traders spot bullish and bearish momentum shifts through crossovers, divergence, and histogram changes, especially when confirmed by volume and price action.

Aug 01, 2025 at 05:35 pm

Understanding the MACD Indicator and Its Components

The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) is a trend-following momentum indicator widely used in cryptocurrency trading. It helps traders identify potential entry and exit points by analyzing the relationship between two moving averages of an asset’s price. The indicator consists of three core components: the MACD line, the signal line, and the histogram. The MACD line is calculated 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. The histogram represents the difference between the MACD line and the signal line, visualized as bars above or below a centerline.

When the MACD line crosses above the signal line, it generates a bullish signal, suggesting upward momentum. Conversely, when the MACD line crosses below the signal line, it indicates bearish momentum. Traders monitor these crossovers closely as they often precede price reversals or continuations. The centerline (zero line) also plays a crucial role. When the MACD line is above the centerline, the short-term average is higher than the long-term average, signaling bullish sentiment. When below, it reflects bearish sentiment.

Identifying Bullish and Bearish Crossovers

One of the most effective ways to make profitable trading calls using the MACD is by detecting bullish and bearish crossovers. A bullish crossover occurs when the MACD line moves above the signal line, typically indicating that buying pressure is increasing. This is often interpreted as a buy signal, especially when confirmed by volume and price action. To execute this strategy:

• Wait for the MACD line to cross above the signal line on the daily or 4-hour chart.
• Confirm the crossover occurs above the zero line, which strengthens the bullish case.
• Check for rising trading volume to validate the momentum.
• Enter a long position once the next candle closes above the entry candle’s high.

On the flip side, a bearish crossover happens when the MACD line crosses below the signal line, suggesting increasing selling pressure. This is a potential sell or short signal. To act on this:

• Observe the crossover occurring below the zero line for stronger confirmation.
• Ensure the price is making lower highs or breaking support levels.
• Use the close of the candle following the crossover as the entry point for a short position.
• Set a stop-loss just above the recent swing high to manage risk.

These crossovers are most reliable when used in trending markets rather than sideways or choppy conditions.

Using Divergence to Predict Reversals

Divergence between price action and the MACD indicator can signal potential trend reversals before they appear on the price chart. A bullish divergence occurs when the price makes a lower low, but the MACD forms a higher low. This suggests weakening downward momentum and a possible upward reversal. To trade this setup:

• Identify a downtrend where price creates successive lower lows.
• Notice that the MACD histogram or MACD line fails to make a new low.
• Wait for a bullish crossover to confirm the reversal.
• Enter a long position with a stop-loss below the latest price low.

Conversely, a bearish divergence happens when the price makes a higher high, but the MACD forms a lower high. This indicates fading bullish momentum. To trade bearish divergence:

• Spot an uptrend with price making higher highs.
• Observe that the MACD line or histogram peaks at a lower level than the previous peak.
• Wait for a bearish crossover to confirm.
• Initiate a short or sell position with a stop-loss above the recent swing high.

Divergence is particularly powerful on higher timeframes such as the 4-hour or daily charts, where false signals are less frequent.

Combining MACD with Other Indicators for Confirmation

Using the MACD in isolation can lead to false signals, especially in volatile cryptocurrency markets. Combining it with other technical tools improves accuracy. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a popular companion. When the MACD shows a bullish crossover and the RSI is rising from oversold territory (below 30), the buy signal becomes stronger. Similarly, a bearish MACD crossover with RSI dropping from overbought levels (above 70) increases the likelihood of a successful short trade.

Another effective combination is with support and resistance levels. If a bullish crossover occurs near a key support zone, it reinforces the trade setup. For example:

• Mark horizontal support and resistance levels on the chart.
• Watch for MACD crossovers near these levels.
• Only take trades where both the technical level and MACD signal align.
• Use candlestick patterns like bullish engulfing or hammer for additional confirmation.

Volume indicators like On-Balance Volume (OBV) can also validate MACD signals. Rising OBV during a bullish crossover confirms accumulation, while falling OBV during a bearish crossover confirms distribution.

Setting Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Based on MACD Behavior

Effective risk management is essential when trading based on MACD signals. A well-placed stop-loss prevents large drawdowns. For long positions triggered by a bullish crossover, place the stop-loss below the recent swing low or below the signal line. For short positions, set it above the recent swing high or above the signal line.

Take-profit levels can be derived from MACD behavior. One method is to exit when the MACD line crosses back below the signal line in a long trade, or above it in a short trade. Alternatively, use Fibonacci extensions or previous resistance/support levels. Traders can also trail their stop-loss using the MACD:

• Move the stop-loss up when the MACD line remains above the signal line in an uptrend.
• Exit when the histogram begins shrinking significantly, indicating weakening momentum.

Backtesting MACD Strategies on Crypto Charts

Before deploying any MACD-based strategy in live trading, backtesting is crucial. Use historical price data on platforms like TradingView or MetaTrader to simulate trades. Select a cryptocurrency pair such as BTC/USDT or ETH/USDT and apply the MACD (12, 26, 9). Review past crossovers and divergence events to assess win rate and risk-reward ratio.

• Manually mark every bullish and bearish crossover over the last 6 months.
• Record whether the price moved in the expected direction within 5–10 candles.
• Calculate the percentage of winning trades and average profit per trade.
• Adjust parameters (e.g., using 8, 17, 9) if the standard settings yield too many false signals.

This process helps refine entry rules and filter out low-probability setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MACD indicator be used on all cryptocurrency timeframes?

Yes, the MACD can be applied to any timeframe, from 1-minute to weekly charts. However, signals on lower timeframes (e.g., 5-minute) are more prone to noise and false crossovers. For higher reliability, use the MACD on 1-hour, 4-hour, or daily charts, especially when trading major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

What are the default MACD settings, and should I change them?

The default settings are 12, 26, and 9, representing the EMAs used. These work well for most traders. However, in fast-moving crypto markets, some adjust to 8, 17, 9 for quicker signals. Changing settings should be done cautiously and only after backtesting to avoid over-optimization.

How do I avoid fake MACD signals in sideways markets?

In ranging markets, MACD generates frequent crossovers that often lead to losses. To avoid this, use a trend filter such as the 200-period EMA. Only take MACD signals when the price is clearly above (for longs) or below (for shorts) the 200 EMA. Also, avoid trading crossovers near the zero line when momentum is weak.

Is MACD suitable for scalping cryptocurrencies?

MACD can be used for scalping, but requires tighter settings and strict risk control. Use on 1-minute or 5-minute charts with faster EMAs (e.g., 5, 13, 1). Combine with order flow analysis or volume spikes to increase accuracy. Due to crypto’s volatility, scalping with MACD demands quick decision-making and disciplined exit rules.