Is the shortening of the red column of the monthly MACD a long-term risk?

A shortening red column on the monthly MACD may signal weakening bearish momentum, but confirmation from volume, support/resistance, and macro trends is essential before anticipating a trend reversal.

Jun 19, 2025 at 10:15 pm

Understanding the Monthly 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 monthly MACD refers to the MACD chart analyzed on a monthly time frame, which provides long-term insights into price behavior. When traders refer to the "red column" of the MACD histogram, they are talking about the negative values that indicate bearish momentum.

A shortening red column suggests that the downward momentum is weakening. This can be interpreted as a sign that the downtrend may be losing steam. However, whether this signals a reversal or just a temporary pause depends on several other factors within the broader market context.

Important Note: The monthly MACD should not be viewed in isolation but rather as part of a comprehensive analytical framework that includes volume, support/resistance levels, and macroeconomic indicators.

What Does a Shrinking Red Column Indicate?

When the red columns of the monthly MACD histogram shorten, it means that the distance between the MACD line and the signal line is narrowing. This indicates a reduction in selling pressure. In traditional technical analysis, this could imply that buyers are starting to gain control.

In the crypto market, where volatility is high and sentiment-driven, such changes can be misleading. A shrinking red column might simply reflect consolidation after a sharp drop, rather than a genuine shift in trend. Therefore, it's crucial to cross-reference this with other tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), On-Balance Volume (OBV), or Fibonacci retracement levels.

• Check for divergence: If prices continue to fall while the MACD starts forming higher lows, it’s a bullish divergence.
• Look at candlestick patterns: Bullish candlesticks on the monthly chart can confirm the start of a reversal.
• Observe volume trends: Rising volume during a shortening red column may validate a potential bullish move.

Historical Context: Monthly MACD Behavior in Crypto Cycles

Cryptocurrency markets have historically moved in multi-year cycles, often referred to as "bull" and "bear" markets. During these phases, the monthly MACD has shown consistent patterns:

• In bear markets, the red columns tend to persist for multiple months before showing any signs of contraction.
• During bottoms, the red columns shrink gradually, sometimes over several months, before turning green.
• In bull markets, the green columns dominate, with occasional pullbacks reflected by brief red columns.

For example, during the 2018–2019 crypto bear market, the monthly MACD remained in negative territory for over a year, with the red columns only beginning to contract around early 2019. Similarly, during the 2022 downturn, the red columns began to shorten in late 2022 and early 2023, signaling a possible bottoming phase.

However, in both cases, the actual reversal didn't happen immediately. Traders who acted solely based on the shrinking red column would have entered too early without confirmation from other indicators.

Is a Shortened Red Column a Long-Term Risk Signal?

The answer isn't straightforward. A shortened red column on the monthly MACD does not inherently indicate a long-term risk. Rather, it reflects a momentary decrease in bearish momentum. Whether this translates into a sustained uptrend or merely a relief rally depends on the following:

• Market structure: Is the price approaching key support zones or breaking out of a long-term downtrend channel?
• Volume confirmation: Is there increasing buying pressure accompanying the change in momentum?
• Macro environment: Are external conditions favorable for crypto? For instance, interest rate cuts or regulatory clarity can influence long-term sentiment.

If the shortening red column coincides with positive developments in these areas, it could mark the beginning of a new cycle. Conversely, if the broader market remains uncertain, the short-term bounce may quickly fade, leading to further declines.

How to Use the Monthly MACD in Your Trading Strategy

To effectively incorporate the monthly MACD into your strategy, follow these steps:

• Overlay it with major moving averages: Combine it with the 200-month EMA to assess long-term trends.
• Use it for timing entries: A crossover of the MACD line above the signal line on the monthly chart can be a strong buy signal when confirmed by other metrics.
• Analyze historical patterns: Compare current behavior with previous cycles to understand how similar setups played out.

Additionally, consider using weekly or daily MACD charts for more precise entry points once the monthly setup aligns with your strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I rely solely on the monthly MACD for investment decisions?

No. While the monthly MACD offers valuable insight into long-term momentum, it should always be used alongside other indicators and fundamental assessments.

Q: How often does the monthly MACD give false signals in crypto?

False signals occur frequently in volatile markets like crypto. It's essential to look for confluence with other tools before acting on a signal.

Q: What happens when the monthly MACD turns green after a long red period?

This typically signals a potential trend reversal. However, the first green bar doesn’t guarantee an immediate rally — patience and confirmation across time frames are necessary.

Q: Should I adjust my portfolio based on monthly MACD readings alone?

It’s not advisable. Portfolio adjustments should factor in personal risk tolerance, investment goals, and broader market conditions beyond a single indicator.