MACD Mastery:
Trading Market Momentum
The MACD isn't just a squiggly line—it's a relationship between short-term and long-term price action. Learn to read the pulses of the market.
Anatomy of the MACD
To trade momentum, you must understand the three moving parts that define the relationship between price averages.
Measures distance between 12 and 26 period EMAs. Reacts quickly to price action.
A 9-period average of the MACD line. It acts as the trigger for entries.
Vertical bars showing the gap between lines. Taller bars = Accelerating momentum.
The Three Pillars of Strategy
From simple crossovers to advanced institutional divergence.
Signal Crossovers
The "Trigger." Buy when the MACD Line crosses above Signal. Sell when it dives below.
Zero-Line Filter
The "Equator." Above zero is a bull phase. Catch reversals early by buying crosses below zero moving up.
Divergence
The "Warning." When price hits a new low but MACD hits a higher low, the trend is breaking.
MACD vs. RSI
They look similar, but they tell binary stories. RSI measures "Elasticity" (Mean Reversion), while MACD measures "Momentum Shift" (Trend Following).
"Wait for an RSI Oversold signal (<30), then enter only when the MACD prints a Bullish Signal Line Crossover."
Beating the Lag
MACD is a lagging indicator. Here is how to fix it.
The Histogram Front-Run
Don't wait for the lines to cross. If the red bars are getting shorter (contracting), momentum is already dying. You can often enter several candles early.
The 200-EMA Rule
Never fight the major trend. Only take MACD "Buy" signals if price is above the 200-period EMA.