Is it more reliable for MACD to form a second golden cross below the zero axis?

A second golden cross below the zero axis on the MACD may signal a potential bullish reversal in crypto, but should be confirmed with other indicators for higher accuracy.

Jun 26, 2025 at 12:43 pm

Understanding the MACD Indicator

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 consists of three main components: the MACD line, the signal line, and the histogram. When these lines interact, they generate signals such as golden crosses and death crosses, which are often used by traders to make decisions.

Golden cross occurs when the MACD line crosses above the signal line, suggesting bullish momentum. Conversely, a death cross happens when the MACD line crosses below the signal line, indicating bearish pressure.

What Is a Second Golden Cross Below the Zero Axis?

A second golden cross refers to a situation where the MACD line crosses above the signal line for the second time after a prior crossover. This event becomes more interesting when both crossovers occur below the zero axis, meaning that the overall momentum is still bearish, but there may be signs of a reversal.

This scenario can sometimes suggest that bears are losing control and bulls are starting to gain traction. However, it's crucial to understand that not all such occurrences lead to successful trend reversals. Traders must combine this signal with other indicators and price action analysis to improve accuracy.

How to Identify a Second Golden Cross on MACD Charts

To spot a second golden cross below the zero axis, follow these steps:

• Locate the MACD indicator on your charting platform.
• Identify the first golden cross when the MACD line crosses above the signal line while both are below the zero axis.
• Observe whether the MACD line then turns back down and crosses below the signal line again—this is the intermediate phase.
• Watch for the MACD line to rise again and cross above the signal line a second time, still remaining below the zero axis.

It’s essential to ensure that both crossovers happen while the MACD line remains under the zero axis. If the line moves above zero between the two crossovers, it no longer qualifies as a second golden cross below the zero axis.

Why Some Traders Consider This Signal Reliable

Traders who rely on this pattern believe that a second golden cross below the zero axis could indicate a stronger setup than a single crossover. Here’s why:

• Price has already declined once, and the second bounce suggests that support may be forming at lower levels.
• The initial golden cross might have been a false signal, but the second one shows renewed buying interest despite negative momentum.
• In some cases, especially during strong downtrends, the market consolidates before making a significant move upward. A second golden cross could mark the beginning of that consolidation phase.

However, reliability varies across different cryptocurrencies and timeframes. For example, large-cap coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum may show more consistent behavior compared to smaller altcoins.

Potential Risks and Limitations

Despite its appeal, relying solely on the second golden cross below the zero axis can be misleading. Some limitations include:

• False signals are common in volatile crypto markets, especially during sideways or choppy price action.
• If the MACD line fails to rise above the zero axis after the second cross, the rally may lack strength and fizzle out quickly.
• This pattern works best in conjunction with other tools like volume analysis, support/resistance levels, or candlestick patterns.

Additionally, the effectiveness of this signal depends heavily on the timeframe being analyzed. What looks promising on a daily chart may appear weak on an hourly chart.

Combining the MACD Signal With Other Indicators

To increase the probability of success, traders should consider using complementary tools alongside the second golden cross below the zero axis:

• Volume confirmation: Rising volume during the second crossover supports the idea of increasing buyer interest.
• Support levels: Check if the price is near a key support zone that could act as a springboard for a rebound.
• RSI divergence: Look for bullish divergence on the RSI indicator, where prices make new lows but RSI does not.

By combining multiple signals, traders can filter out weaker setups and focus on higher-probability opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a second golden cross below the zero axis predict exact price targets?

No, the MACD alone cannot determine specific price targets. It only indicates changes in momentum and potential trend reversals. Traders should use Fibonacci retracements, trendlines, or volatility-based projections for target estimation.

Q: Should I always wait for the MACD line to cross above the zero axis before entering a trade?

Not necessarily. Waiting for the MACD line to rise above zero may result in missed opportunities. However, doing so can increase the likelihood of catching a stronger uptrend. It depends on your risk tolerance and strategy.

Q: Does the time frame affect the reliability of the second golden cross?

Yes, the same pattern can yield different results on various time frames. For instance, a second golden cross on a weekly chart may carry more weight than one on a 1-hour chart due to reduced noise and increased significance of historical data.

Q: How often does the second golden cross below the zero axis occur in major cryptocurrencies?

This pattern isn't rare, but its frequency varies depending on market conditions. In trending markets, it appears less frequently, while in ranging or consolidating phases, it may occur multiple times within a short period.