Stock_Analyzer

Lesson #8 MACD
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is one of the simplest and most reliable indicators available. MACD uses moving averages, which are lagging indicators, to include some trend-following characteristics. Usually, a 9-day EMA of MACD is plotted along side to act as a trigger line. A bullish crossover occurs when MACD moves above its 9-day EMA and a bearish crossover occurs when MACD moves below its 9-day EMA

MACD measures the difference between two moving averages. A positive MACD indicates that the 9 or 12-day EMA is trading above the 26-day EMA. A negative MACD indicates that the 9 or 12-day EMA is trading below the 26-day EMA. If MACD is positive and rising, then the gap between the 9 or 12-day EMA and the 26-day EMA is widening. This indicates that the rate-of-change of the faster moving average is higher than the rate-of-change for the slower moving average. Positive momentum is increasing and this would be considered bullish. If MACD is negative and declining further, then the negative gap between the faster moving average (green) and the slower moving average (blue) is expanding. Downward momentum is accelerating and this would be considered bearish. MACD centerline crossovers occur when the faster moving average crosses the slower moving average

MACD generates bullish signals from three main sources:

Positive divergence
Bullish moving average crossover
Bullish centerline crossover

A positive divergence occurs when MACD begins to advance and the security is still in a downtrend and makes a lower reaction low. MACD can either form as a series of higher lows or a second low that is higher than the previous low. Positive divergences are probably the least common of the three signals, but are usually the most reliable and lead to the biggest moves.

Example: Everytime the MACD started to advance the price went up


A bullish moving average crossover occurs when MACD moves above its 9-day EMA or trigger line. Bullish moving average crossovers are probably the most common signals and as such are the least reliable. If not used in conjunction with other technical analysis tools, these crossovers can lead to whipsaws and many false signals. Moving average crossovers are sometimes used to confirm a positive divergence. The second low or higher low of a positive divergence can be considered valid when it is followed by a bullish moving average crossover.

Sometimes it is prudent to apply a price filter to the moving average crossover in order to ensure that it will hold. An example of a price filter would be to buy if MACD breaks above the 9-day EMA and remains above for three days. The buy signal would then commence at the end of the third day.

Example of MACD crossing the EMA lines here Each time the stock rose in a uptrend


A bullish centerline crossover occurs when MACD moves above the zero line and into positive territory. This is a clear indication that momentum has changed from negative to positive, or from bearish to bullish. After a positive divergence and bullish moving average crossover, the centerline crossover can act as a confirmation signal. Of the three signals, moving average crossover are probably the second most common signals.

Example of MACD crossing 0 line and a MACD crossover + cross 0 line


The opposite is in affect for Bearish signals or sell signals.

Bearish moving average crossover
The most common signal for MACD is the moving average crossover. A bearish moving average crossover occurs when MACD declines below its 9-day EMA. Not only are these signals the most common, but they also produce the most false signals. As such, moving average crossovers should be confirmed with other signals to avoid whipsaws and false readings


Also if the MACD has not crossed the EMA and is going down you can also assume that the MACD crossing the 0 line and going below is also bearish.


Thanks to stockcharts

SA