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How to Enter Trades using a MACD Crossover

How to Enter Trades using a MACD Crossover

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Many traders look for opportunities to trade during volatile market conditions and while these periods offer great opportunities, the importance of timing cannot be ignored.

The aim of this article is to give traders a better understanding of the MACD crossover and to demonstrate how it can be used in Forex trading.

The MACD Crossover: What is it?

The Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) is a technical indicator which uses the difference between two exponential moving averages to determine the momentum and the direction of the market. The MACD crossover occurs when the MACD line and the signal line intercept, often indicating a change in the momentum/trend of the market. The MACD is seen as an effective indicator, especially in trending markets.

GBP/NZD MACD on a 4 hour chart

Components of the MACD:

  • The MACD line: The MACD line (blue line) is the difference between the two exponential moving averages (usually the last 12 and 26 days or weeks) and is usually referred to as the faster line.
  • Signal line: The signal line is usually a 9 period exponentially smoothed average of the MACD line and will be referred to as the slower line.
  • Zero line: The MACD lines fluctuate above and below a zero line, giving the MACD the qualities of an oscillator.
  • Histogram: The histogram consists of vertical lines that show the spread between the two MACD lines.
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Using the MACD Crossover in a Forex Trade

3 helpful ways to use the MACD crossover in a forex trade

  1. MACD crossover as an entry trigger
  2. Using divergence to determine momentum with crossover as confirmation
  3. MACD crossover to filter signals

1. MACD crossover as an entry trigger

Having a strong entry strategy can increase the probability of success by confirming the direction of the trend before entering a trade.

In the case of the MACD crossover, the most widely used entry signal is when the MACD line crosses over the signal line in the direction of the trend.

A bullish signal is present when the MACD line crosses ABOVE the signal line and is below the zero line. When the crossover takes place, traders may look for confirmation of an upward trend by waiting for the MACD line to cross over the zero line before opening a long position.

Likewise, a bearish signal is present when the MACD line crosses BELOW the signal line and is above the zero line. Once again, confirmation can be seen when the MACD line crosses below the zero line.

2. Using divergence to determine trend with crossover as confirmation

In periods of high volatility, or strong trending markets, divergence can be extremely helpful when looking at the momentum of the trend.

Divergence can be defined as the separation of price action from an indicator. An example of divergence can be seen on the GBP/NZD 2 hour chart below where the market shows a series of new highs on the price chart but the MACD indicator shows lower highs. Divergence is often a symptom of reversal as it suggests that the trend is beginning to lose momentum.

When this occurs, traders may use the next crossover as confirmation of a market correction/reversal before entering a position in the opposite direction.

GBP/NZD 2-hour price chart with MACD

3. Using the MACD crossover to filter signals in direction of trend

Traders who believe that ‘the trend is your friend’ may find the MACD crossover to be a useful tool when looking to filter signals in the direction of trend.

To identify an upward trend, a trader can look at crossovers that occur when the price chart is showing higher highs and higher lows. Another way to identify an upward trend would be to look at the MACD line (the blue line) relative to the zero line. When the MACD line is above the zero line, this means that the trend is up. Traders who follow the trend will only look for buy opportunities when the trend is up. The opposite criteria would apply to traders looking for opportunities to sell.

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MACD FAQs

Can you anticipate a MACD crossover?

The anticipation of a MACD crossover (or the anticipation of any other move for that matter) is notrecommended. The MACD is a lagging indicator which means that it makes use of previous price action data. The MACD crossover is a great tool to use in trending markets but it is risky to trade with the expectation that a crossover will occur as trending markets are prone to periods of high volatility.

What is the best time frame to use for the MACD crossover?

The MACD crossover can be used on any time frame, however the time frame used will often depend on what type of trader you are. It is often beneficial to make use multiple time frames as this will give you a holistic view of the market. A longer time frame can be used to assess the overall trend while a shorter time frame often speeds up the frequency of signals.

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