Is it necessary to reduce positions when the red column of the monthly MACD shortens?

A shortening red MACD column on the monthly chart signals weakening bearish momentum, but it’s not a buy signal—confirmation from price action and other indicators is crucial.

Jul 28, 2025 at 06:42 am

Understanding the Monthly MACD and Its Red Column

The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) is a widely used technical indicator in cryptocurrency trading. It consists of three components: the MACD line, the signal line, and the histogram. The histogram, often referred to as the "column," represents the difference between the MACD line and the signal line. When the histogram is above the zero line and colored green, it indicates bullish momentum. Conversely, when the histogram is below the zero line and appears as a red column, it reflects bearish momentum.

On the monthly chart, the MACD operates on a much longer timeframe, making its signals more significant but less frequent. A shortening red column means the bearish momentum is weakening, but the market is still in a downtrend. Traders often interpret this as a potential early sign of a trend reversal or consolidation. However, a shortening red column does not automatically imply a bullish reversal. It only suggests that downward pressure is decreasing.

Interpreting a Shortening Red Column on Monthly MACD

When the red column of the monthly MACD shortens, it means the gap between the MACD line and the signal line is narrowing while both remain below zero. This can occur in several market conditions:

• The downtrend is losing momentum.
• Sellers are becoming less aggressive.
• A period of consolidation may be forming.
• A potential reversal could be on the horizon, but not guaranteed.

It's crucial to understand that a shortening red column is not a buy signal. It is a cautionary observation. In the cryptocurrency market, where volatility is high and sentiment shifts rapidly, relying solely on this signal can lead to premature entries or incorrect assumptions. Confirmation from price action, volume, and other indicators is essential before making any trading decision.

Should You Reduce Positions During This Signal?

Whether to reduce positions when the monthly MACD’s red column shortens depends on your current position, risk tolerance, and overall strategy. If you are holding a long position in a cryptocurrency that has been in a prolonged downtrend, the shortening red column may prompt you to reassess your exposure.

Consider the following factors:

• Current market structure: Is the price still making lower highs and lower lows? If yes, the downtrend may still be intact.
• Volume trends: Is trading volume decreasing along with the red column? Low volume during a shortening histogram may suggest lack of conviction.
• Support and resistance levels: Is the price approaching a major support zone where a bounce could occur?
• Higher timeframe alignment: Are weekly or daily indicators also showing signs of weakening bearish momentum?

If you are in a short position, a shortening red column might signal that downward momentum is fading, increasing the risk of a squeeze. In such cases, reducing short exposure could be a prudent risk management move.

Step-by-Step Evaluation Before Adjusting Positions

Before making any changes to your position based on the monthly MACD red column shortening, follow these steps:

• Zoom into lower timeframes such as the weekly and daily charts to see if they confirm weakening bearish momentum.
• Check for divergence between price and the MACD. A bullish divergence (price making lower lows while MACD makes higher lows) strengthens the case for a potential reversal.
• Analyze key support levels on the chart. If the price is nearing a historically significant support zone, the shortening red column gains more relevance.
• Review on-chain data for cryptocurrencies, such as exchange outflows or active addresses, to gauge underlying market sentiment.
• Wait for a histogram crossover above zero. A true shift in momentum occurs only when the histogram turns green, indicating the MACD line has crossed above the signal line.

Each of these steps helps contextualize the MACD signal within broader market dynamics, reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

Risks of Acting Solely on MACD Histogram Changes

Relying exclusively on the shortening of the red column in the monthly MACD can be misleading. Cryptocurrency markets are influenced by macroeconomic factors, regulatory news, and whale movements, which technical indicators like MACD do not account for. For example:

• A shortening red column may occur during a bear market rally, not a true reversal.
• Large exchanges or institutional activity can create false signals.
• Low liquidity in certain altcoins can distort MACD readings.

Moreover, the monthly timeframe means that each bar represents 30 days of price action. By the time the red column shortens, a significant portion of the price move may have already occurred. Reacting too late can result in exiting a position at a suboptimal point or entering a trade just before a renewed downtrend.

Integrating MACD with Other Confirmation Tools

To increase the reliability of the signal, combine the monthly MACD analysis with other tools:

• RSI (Relative Strength Index): Check if the RSI is exiting oversold territory, which could support a reversal.
• Volume profile: Look for increasing volume on up days, indicating accumulation.
• Candlestick patterns: Identify bullish reversal patterns like hammer or engulfing candles near support.
• On-chain metrics: Use tools like Glassnode or CryptoQuant to analyze supply distribution and exchange flows.

For instance, if the red column is shortening and the RSI is rising from below 30, while exchange reserves are decreasing, this confluence strengthens the argument for reducing short positions or preparing for a long entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a shortening red MACD column always lead to a price increase?

No. A shortening red column only indicates that bearish momentum is slowing. Price may consolidate, continue sideways, or even resume its downtrend. A price increase is not guaranteed without additional confirmation.

Can the monthly MACD be used for day trading?

The monthly MACD is not suitable for day trading due to its long timeframe. It is designed for long-term trend analysis and strategic position management, not intraday decisions.

How do I visually identify a shortening red column on trading platforms?

On platforms like TradingView, locate the MACD indicator below the price chart. The red bars below the zero line represent bearish momentum. If these bars are getting shorter in height over successive months, the red column is shortening.

Is the MACD more reliable in bull markets or bear markets?

The MACD performs differently in various market conditions. It tends to generate more reliable signals in trending markets, whether bullish or bearish. In choppy or sideways markets, it produces frequent false signals, reducing its effectiveness.