How to read the golden cross and dead cross of the AVL indicator? What to do when a divergence signal appears?

The AVL indicator helps traders spot golden crosses for buying, dead crosses for selling, and divergence signals for potential trend reversals in cryptocurrency prices.

May 22, 2025 at 02:28 am

The AVL indicator, or Average Volume Line, is a technical analysis tool used by traders to gauge the momentum and potential direction of a cryptocurrency's price. Two critical signals that traders often look for when using the AVL indicator are the golden cross and the dead cross. Additionally, divergence signals can provide valuable insights into potential reversals or continuations of trends. This article will explore how to read these signals and what actions to take when they appear.

Understanding the AVL Indicator

The AVL indicator is calculated by taking the average of the volume over a specified period. This average volume line helps traders understand the strength behind price movements. When the price moves in conjunction with increasing volume, it suggests a strong trend. Conversely, if the price moves with decreasing volume, it may indicate a weakening trend.

Identifying the Golden Cross

A golden cross occurs when a short-term moving average (typically the 50-day moving average) crosses above a long-term moving average (usually the 200-day moving average). This signal is considered bullish and suggests that the cryptocurrency is entering a period of upward momentum.

• To identify a golden cross, follow these steps:
  • Plot the 50-day and 200-day moving averages on your chart.
  • Monitor the point where the 50-day moving average crosses above the 200-day moving average.
  • Confirm the signal by observing an increase in volume around the time of the cross.

When a golden cross is identified, it is generally interpreted as a buy signal. Traders might consider entering a long position, expecting the price to continue rising.

Recognizing the Dead Cross

Conversely, a dead cross happens when the short-term moving average (50-day) crosses below the long-term moving average (200-day). This is seen as a bearish signal, indicating that the cryptocurrency may be entering a period of downward momentum.

• To recognize a dead cross, follow these steps:
  • Plot the 50-day and 200-day moving averages on your chart.
  • Monitor the point where the 50-day moving average crosses below the 200-day moving average.
  • Confirm the signal by observing an increase in volume around the time of the cross.

When a dead cross is identified, it is generally interpreted as a sell signal. Traders might consider exiting their long positions or entering short positions, expecting the price to continue falling.

Detecting Divergence Signals

Divergence occurs when the price of a cryptocurrency and the AVL indicator move in opposite directions. There are two types of divergence: bullish divergence and bearish divergence.

• Bullish divergence happens when the price makes a lower low, but the AVL indicator makes a higher low. This suggests that the downward momentum is weakening, and a potential reversal to the upside may be imminent.
• Bearish divergence occurs when the price makes a higher high, but the AVL indicator makes a lower high. This indicates that the upward momentum is weakening, and a potential reversal to the downside may be on the horizon.

What to Do When a Divergence Signal Appears

When a divergence signal appears, traders need to take specific actions to capitalize on the potential market moves.

• For bullish divergence:

  • Monitor the price closely for a confirmation of a reversal.
  • Look for other bullish signals, such as a golden cross or a breakout above a resistance level.
  • Consider entering a long position if the price confirms the reversal and breaks above a key level.

• For bearish divergence:

  • Monitor the price closely for a confirmation of a reversal.
  • Look for other bearish signals, such as a dead cross or a breakdown below a support level.
  • Consider entering a short position if the price confirms the reversal and breaks below a key level.

Using the AVL Indicator in Conjunction with Other Tools

While the AVL indicator can provide valuable insights, it is most effective when used in conjunction with other technical analysis tools. Combining the AVL indicator with moving averages, trend lines, and other indicators can help traders make more informed decisions.

• For example, a trader might use the AVL indicator to identify a golden cross and then use a trend line to confirm the upward trend. If the price breaks above the trend line with increasing volume, it could provide a strong confirmation of the bullish signal.

• Similarly, a trader might use the AVL indicator to identify a dead cross and then use a support level to confirm the downward trend. If the price breaks below the support level with increasing volume, it could provide a strong confirmation of the bearish signal.

Practical Example of Using the AVL Indicator

To illustrate how to use the AVL indicator in a real-world scenario, let's consider a hypothetical situation involving a popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC).

• Scenario: The price of Bitcoin has been in a downtrend, but the AVL indicator shows a bullish divergence. The price makes a lower low at $25,000, while the AVL indicator makes a higher low.

• Action:

  • Monitor the price for a potential reversal.
  • Look for a golden cross to confirm the bullish signal.
  • If the price breaks above the recent high of $27,000 with increasing volume, consider entering a long position.

In this scenario, the bullish divergence on the AVL indicator provides an early warning of a potential reversal. By waiting for additional confirmation from a golden cross and a breakout above a key level, the trader can increase the likelihood of a successful trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the AVL indicator be used for all cryptocurrencies?

A1: Yes, the AVL indicator can be used for all cryptocurrencies. However, its effectiveness may vary depending on the liquidity and trading volume of the specific cryptocurrency. For cryptocurrencies with low trading volume, the AVL indicator may produce less reliable signals.

Q2: How often should I check the AVL indicator for signals?

A2: The frequency of checking the AVL indicator depends on your trading style. For day traders, checking the indicator multiple times throughout the day can be beneficial. For swing traders or long-term investors, checking the indicator on a daily or weekly basis may be sufficient.

Q3: Can the AVL indicator be used in isolation, or should it always be combined with other indicators?

A3: While the AVL indicator can provide valuable insights on its own, it is generally more effective when used in conjunction with other technical analysis tools. Combining the AVL indicator with moving averages, trend lines, and other indicators can help traders make more informed decisions and increase the accuracy of their signals.

Q4: Are there any specific time frames that work best with the AVL indicator?

A4: The effectiveness of the AVL indicator can vary depending on the time frame used. For short-term traders, using the AVL indicator on shorter time frames (such as 1-hour or 4-hour charts) can provide more timely signals. For long-term investors, using the AVL indicator on longer time frames (such as daily or weekly charts) can help identify more significant trends.