Is it a long-term buying point if the 120-day moving average is not broken with reduced volume?

The 120-day moving average is a key long-term indicator in crypto trading, helping identify potential buy zones when paired with volume analysis and trend confirmation tools.

Jun 19, 2025 at 07:01 am

Understanding the 120-Day Moving Average in Cryptocurrency Trading

In cryptocurrency trading, technical analysis plays a vital role in identifying potential entry and exit points. One of the widely used indicators is the 120-day moving average, which represents the average price of an asset over the past 120 days. This long-term indicator helps traders assess the overall trend and filter out short-term volatility.

When analyzing whether a long-term buying point is forming, traders often look at how the price interacts with this key level. If the price remains above the 120-day moving average during a pullback or consolidation phase, it could indicate underlying strength in the trend. However, this alone isn't sufficient to confirm a strong buy signal; other factors such as volume and broader market conditions must also be considered.

The Role of Volume in Confirming Support Levels

Volume is a crucial component in confirming the validity of support levels like the 120-day moving average. In technical analysis, reduced volume during a price decline suggests that selling pressure is weakening. When the price approaches the 120-day moving average and holds without significant selling activity, it may imply that long-term holders are stepping in to absorb the sell orders.

This scenario can be interpreted as a sign of accumulation, where smart money starts buying the dip while retail panic subsides. However, reduced volume doesn’t always mean bullish intent—it can also indicate a lack of interest or indecision in the market. Therefore, it's important to combine volume analysis with other tools such as candlestick patterns or relative strength index (RSI) readings to increase the accuracy of the signal.

Historical Context: How Price Reacts Near the 120-Day Moving Average

Looking at historical data from major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum reveals interesting patterns around the 120-day moving average. During strong bull markets, prices tend to find consistent support near this level, especially after minor corrections. For instance, in previous cycles, Bitcoin has bounced off the 120-day moving average multiple times before resuming its upward trajectory.

These historical precedents suggest that if the price does not break below the 120-day moving average and is accompanied by diminishing volume, it might reflect a healthy correction rather than a reversal. Traders who recognize these patterns early can position themselves for potential upside moves once the consolidation phase ends.

Combining Moving Averages for Better Signal Confirmation

To enhance the reliability of the 120-day moving average as a potential long-term buying point, many traders use additional moving averages for confirmation. A common approach involves observing the relationship between the 50-day, 100-day, and 120-day moving averages.

If the 50-day moving average remains above the 120-day line and begins to turn upward again after a pullback, it could indicate renewed momentum. Similarly, watching for a bullish crossover—where shorter-term averages cross above longer-term ones—can help confirm that the downtrend has ended and a new leg up is beginning.

Moreover, using exponential moving averages (EMA) instead of simple moving averages (SMA) can provide quicker signals due to their sensitivity to recent price changes. This combination allows traders to better time entries while still maintaining a focus on long-term trends.

How to Set Up Alerts and Monitor Key Metrics

For traders interested in capitalizing on potential long-term buying opportunities near the 120-day moving average, setting up real-time alerts is essential. Most modern trading platforms allow users to create custom alerts based on specific price levels or moving average interactions.

Here’s how you can set up effective monitoring:

• Enable price alerts when the cryptocurrency approaches within 2%–3% of the 120-day moving average.
• Track volume metrics daily using tools like TradingView or CoinMarketCap to identify unusual spikes or declines.
• Overlay multiple moving averages on your chart to visualize crossovers and divergences.
• Monitor on-chain data such as exchange inflows/outflows and holder behavior to complement technical signals.

By combining these techniques, traders can stay informed about potential shifts in market sentiment and act promptly when favorable conditions arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the 120-day moving average compared to shorter-term moving averages?

The 120-day moving average provides a clearer view of the long-term trend by smoothing out short-term price fluctuations. It acts as a stronger support or resistance level compared to shorter averages like the 20-day or 50-day lines, making it more relevant for long-term investors.

Can the 120-day moving average be applied to all cryptocurrencies?

While the 120-day moving average is useful across most assets, its effectiveness may vary depending on the liquidity and volatility of the cryptocurrency. Larger-cap coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum typically respect this level more consistently than smaller altcoins.

How often should I check if the price is holding above the 120-day moving average?

Checking once per week is generally sufficient for long-term strategies. However, during periods of high volatility or significant market events, daily checks can help ensure you don’t miss critical price action near this key level.

Is it enough to rely solely on the 120-day moving average for making investment decisions?

No single indicator should be used in isolation. The 120-day moving average works best when combined with volume analysis, other moving averages, and fundamental assessments to form a comprehensive trading strategy.