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Captures the spread between fast and slow exponential moving averages, exposing the rate at which short-term momentum is diverging from the intermediate trend.
MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) is the difference between a fast and a slow EMA. It highlights momentum and trend changes.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a trend-following momentum indicator that shows the relationship between two exponential moving averages. Created by Gerald Appel, MACD uses the difference between fast and slow EMAs to identify trend direction, momentum shifts, and potential trading signals. It's one of the most popular and versatile technical indicators.
MACD calculation:
MACD Line = EMA-12 - EMA-26 Signal Line = 9-period EMA of MACD Line Histogram = MACD Line - Signal Line
Components explained:
- MACD Line: Shows momentum direction based on EMA difference
- Signal Line: Smoothed MACD used for crossover signals
- Histogram: Visual representation of MACD/Signal difference
MACD signals:
- MACD crosses above Signal: Bullish signal; momentum turning positive
- MACD crosses below Signal: Bearish signal; momentum turning negative
- MACD crosses above zero: Bullish; EMA-12 crossed above EMA-26
- MACD crosses below zero: Bearish; EMA-12 crossed below EMA-26
Divergence analysis:
- Bullish divergence: Price makes lower low; MACD makes higher low
- Bearish divergence: Price makes higher high; MACD makes lower high
- Significance: Divergences often precede trend reversals
Histogram interpretation:
- Positive and growing: Strong bullish momentum
- Positive and shrinking: Bullish momentum weakening
- Negative and growing: Strong bearish momentum
- Negative and shrinking: Bearish momentum weakening
Trading applications:
- Trend identification: MACD above/below zero defines trend
- Entry signals: MACD/Signal crossovers for timing
- Exit signals: Exit when momentum fades (histogram shrinking)
- Confirmation: Use with price patterns for validation
Limitations:
- Lagging indicator: Based on moving averages; signals come after moves begin
- False signals: Can whipsaw in choppy, range-bound markets
- Not standalone: Best used with other analysis methods
MACD combines trend and momentum analysis in one indicator, making it extremely useful for identifying trend direction and potential reversals. Its versatility explains its enduring popularity among traders.
Where it fits
MACD→Momentum