Is the second underwater golden cross of MACD more reliable than the first one? Do the parameters need to be adjusted?

A second underwater golden cross in MACD may signal stronger bullish momentum, especially when confirmed by price action and other indicators like RSI or volume.

Jul 04, 2025 at 07:08 am

Understanding the MACD Indicator and Its Golden Cross

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a popular technical analysis tool used in cryptocurrency trading. It consists of three components: the MACD line, the signal line, and the histogram. A golden cross occurs when the MACD line crosses above the signal line, indicating a potential bullish reversal.

In crypto markets, which are known for high volatility, traders often look for underwater golden crosses—those that occur below the zero line. These are considered more significant because they suggest a possible shift from a bearish to a bullish trend after a prolonged downtrend.

Underwater golden cross refers to a scenario where the MACD line crosses above the signal line while both remain below the zero baseline.

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What Is the Second Underwater Golden Cross?

When a second underwater golden cross appears shortly after the first one, it raises questions about its reliability. The second golden cross may indicate stronger momentum compared to the initial one, especially if price action supports the move.

Traders often interpret this as a confirmation signal. After the first cross, the market might retest support or consolidate before pushing higher again. If another golden cross forms during this phase and still remains under the zero line, it could be seen as reinforcing the bullish case.

However, not all second underwater golden crosses are equally reliable. Their validity depends on several factors including volume, candlestick patterns, and alignment with other indicators like RSI or moving averages.

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Comparing First and Second Underwater Golden Crosses

• First underwater golden cross: This typically signals the end of a downtrend and the beginning of a potential uptrend. However, due to market noise, especially in crypto, it can sometimes result in false signals.

• Second underwater golden cross: Appears after a brief pullback following the initial cross. It may offer a better entry point as the market retraces but continues to show bullish momentum.

The key difference lies in confirmation. The second cross may serve as a secondary confirmation of the trend change, increasing confidence among traders who missed the first opportunity.

It's important to note that neither signal guarantees success. Both need to be validated by additional tools such as Fibonacci levels, support/resistance zones, or volume surges.

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Do MACD Parameters Need Adjustment in Crypto Trading?

The standard MACD settings are 12, 26, and 9:

• 12-period EMA (Exponential Moving Average)
• 26-period EMA
• Signal line: 9-period EMA of the MACD line

These settings work well in traditional markets, but cryptocurrency markets behave differently due to their high volatility and 24/7 trading nature.

Adjusting parameters can help tailor the indicator to specific crypto assets or timeframes:

• For faster responses in short-term trading, some traders use 5, 13, and 1.
• Others prefer smoother readings on longer timeframes using 19, 39, and 9.

Here’s how you can adjust MACD settings on most platforms:

• Open your trading chart
• Click on the indicators tab
• Find MACD in the list
• Modify the fast length, slow length, and signal length fields
• Apply changes

Always backtest any parameter change using historical data before applying it to live trades.

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How to Interpret the Histogram Behavior Around Multiple Golden Crosses

The MACD histogram represents the distance between the MACD line and the signal line. When multiple underwater golden crosses appear, observing histogram behavior becomes crucial.

• If the histogram bars start shrinking before the first golden cross, it indicates weakening bearish momentum.
• A new bar forming above the zero line after the first cross suggests growing bullish strength.
• In the case of a second golden cross, the histogram should ideally begin to rise again, showing renewed momentum.

Traders should pay attention to divergence between the histogram and price. For example, if the price makes a lower low but the histogram makes a higher low, it could indicate a strong reversal setup.

This type of confluence adds weight to both the first and second underwater golden crosses, helping filter out weaker signals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the MACD alone for making trade decisions in crypto?

A: While MACD is a powerful tool, relying solely on it can lead to false signals. Combining it with volume indicators, support/resistance levels, or candlestick patterns increases accuracy.

Q: How long should I wait after an underwater golden cross before entering a trade?

A: There's no fixed timeframe. Some traders enter immediately upon the cross, while others wait for confirmation through price action or a close above a key resistance level.

Q: Are underwater golden crosses more effective on certain timeframes?

A: Lower timeframes like 15-minute or 1-hour charts tend to generate more frequent but less reliable signals. Daily or 4-hour charts often provide clearer, more actionable setups.

Q: Should I always adjust MACD parameters based on the asset being traded?

A: Not necessarily. Adjustments depend on the trader's strategy, risk tolerance, and the volatility of the specific cryptocurrency. It’s recommended to test different settings in a demo environment before going live.