When there is a sustained downtrend, MACD will get below 0. However, the price may be higher than at the lowest reading of MACD. As the price continues to fall, downside momentum increases until the decline begins to weaken.ĭuring a sharp downturn, it is safest to wait until the signal line starts to flatten, followed by MACD turning up. Most times, oversold readings are not immediately bullish. The weaker the move in the security, the lower the MACD reading will be reached (an oversold condition). In most instances, a final peak in price, takes time, as upside momentum slows. Most times, overbought conditions are not immediately bearish. The stronger the rise, the higher the MACD reading will be reached (an overbought condition). Notice MACD sell signals occur from above zero.īuy signals and sell signals can last a few days, a few weeks, or months, depending on the power of the move. A sell signal occurs when MACD turns down and crosses below the signal line (yellow arrows). I suggest using MACD as an indicator to help you identify overbought and oversold conditions giving you a clue of impending reversal areas for both buys and sells.įigure 2: A buy signal occurs when the MACD turns up and crosses above the signal line (green arrows). If you prefer fewer signals, then lengthen the moving averages.įigure 2: QQQ Invesco Trust Daily Top and 12-26-9 MACD (Bottom) If you want to have quicker in and out signals, then speed up MACD using a shorter short-term moving average and a longer long-term moving average. Over my more than 35-year stock market experience, I recommend the MACD setting using the difference between the 12- and 26-period EMAs (12,26,9).
In a fast-falling market, it’s better to be a little late than too early. In this way, you will not buy prematurely during a significant decline. During strong downtrends, the slower you buy, and the faster you sell, the better. For example, during up-trending markets, MACD gives you a timelier buy using a faster entry and selling using a slower exit. You can substitute the different settings depending on the market trend you’re in and your trading style. Also commonly used are 6-19-9 (fast MACD) and 19-39-9 (slow MACD.) I like to use 12-26-9 MACD when I trade for both buy and sell signals. The combination 12, 26, and 9 (medium MACD) is a standard parameter used**. A 9-day (EMA) of the MACD Line is plotted with the indicator to act as a signal line (red line) and identify potential turns. The MACD indicator is in the lower chart: MACD (blue line) is the 12-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) less the 26-day EMA.) Closing prices of the security are used for these moving averages. The Index includes 100 of the largest domestic and international nonfinancial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. Source: Schwab StreetSmart Edge 03/27/19-10/31/19įigure 1: The top chart is an example chart of Invesco QQQ Trust, an exchange-traded fund based on the Nasdaq-100 Index. The illustrations below are how I recommend using MACD.įigure 1: Invesco QQQ Trust Daily Top and 12-26-9 MACD (Bottom) The shorter the time frame, the more trades, and potential whipsaws, buy and sells you will have. However, it’s not necessarily the most profitable when used in this manner. The simplest way to use MACD as a trading system alone is when MACD goes above 0, you buy, and you sell when MACD goes below 0. MACD also identifies positive and negative divergences helping traders identify buying and selling opportunities. MACD oscillates above and below the zero line, using signal line crossovers. MACD provides excellent entry and exit signals into stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bonds, options, and commodities.
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MACD is on technical software programs worldwide.
MACD Gerald Appel developed the Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) oscillator in 1979. MACD is useful in various charting time frames ranging from one minute to monthly. MACD is a technical tool that combines momentum and trend and is valuable in identifying significant market trends that develop when investing.