Moving average convergence divergence (MACD)

The idea behind the MACD is simple:

The mathematics behind MACD is relatively simple and powerful when used effectively. The MACD is calculated by subtracting the slow EMA from the fast EMA. In the example below, the fast EMA (12) has a value of 6,151.99 and the slow EMA (26) has a value of 5554.52. The resultant MACD value is 597.16.

A moving average is an average of time series data calculated over a certain number of time periods. As we progress through time, the latest period factors into the calculation, and the earliest period from the previous calculation drops off.

A faster MA is defined as one that is calculated over a smaller number of periods. A slower MA is one calculated over a larger number of periods. Calculated MAs are subsequently plotted on the charts and are usually overlaid on top of the price action.

MAs come in multiple variations, but some may be more relevant than others in understanding the MACD. There are three moving averages:

The prices of all these financial instruments aren’t moving in a straight line, but rather in a jagged ‘up and down’ fashion with a series of sharp peaks and troughs. These fluctuations and oscillations are filtered out by low pass filters. A low-pass filter will pass signal with a frequency that is lower than a selected cutoff frequency and attenuate signals with frequencies higher than this cutoff frequency. MAs present a smoother profile, which allows for ease of analysis and identifying trends.

The MACD formula seeks to harness the benefits of two low-pass filters: a fast EMA and a slow EMA. The standard or "box" setting for the fast EMA is 12 periods, for example, an EMA calculated over 12 periods. The standard or "box" setting for the slow EMA is 26 periods, for example, an EMA calculated over 26 periods.

The MACD indicator consists of signal lines and a histogram. The histogram displays the difference between the MACD line (more commonly referred to simply as MACD) and the signal line plotted as a bar chart over time. The MACD histograms oscillate above and below a "zero line", where the MACD and the signal line intersect. The shape of the histogram is important, for example, a rising histogram profile indicates an uptrend. The shape of the histogram with respect to the zero line also has a bearing on the trend, as a strong downtrend is indicated by a falling profile below the zero line.

The MACD can be used in several ways by traders. At a very basic level, it is used to generate buy and/or sell signals using crossovers. When the MACD crosses the signal line from under it and goes over, a buy signal is generated. Such a crossover is often known as the "golden cross". Conversely, when the MACD crosses the signal line from above and goes under it, this generates a sell signal, and is often known as the "death cross". These are also referred to as an MACD bearish crossover​​ or a MACD bullish crossover, depending on which way the price heads.

Read about golden crosses and death crosses​.

The MACD indicator, despite being one of the first indicators to be developed, is still widely used in today’s modern markets due to its effectiveness. One of the core reasons it has remained at the forefront of technical analysis​ portfolios is its ability to predict potential market direction in conjunction with price action.

The way to do this is by using the concepts of divergence and convergence. The MACD is said to be convergent with price action if both prices and the MACD are moving in the same direction. In other words, if prices are making higher highs (in an uptrend) and the MACD makes corresponding higher highs, then we have convergence. Convergence of the MACD with price action confirms the strength, direction, and momentum of a trend. If the MACD moves in the opposite direction, making lower highs as price is making higher highs, then we have negative divergence. Divergence with price action indicates the potential weakening or possible reversal of a trend.

The MACD signal line is the second component of the MACD indicator. It is an EMA of the MACD over a certain number of periods. The standard or "box" setting for this is nine, in other words, an EMA of the MACD calculated over nine periods. It is used to generate buy and sell signals as the MACD line crosses.

As the MACD and MACD signal line are derived from two EMAs, their value will be dependent on the underlying security. As such, it is not possible to compare these values for a group of currencies or across markets such as between the US SPX 500 and an exchange-traded fund​​.

The MACD indicator is available on our online trading platform, Next Generation. Our award-winning platform allows traders to customise technical indicators and tools, add drawing tools to price charts and graphs, and identify chart patterns in order to improve your trading strategy. Read more about our charting features here. In addition, the platform is also available via mobile trading apps, for both Android and iOS systems, so you can practise your MACD trading strategy on-the-go.

The MACD is a relatively simple indicator, easy to comprehend, appeals to intuitive logic and therefore resonates well with most traders. It can be a powerful tool if used effectively, especially for assessing the strength and momentum​​ of trends, and consequently to predict their continuance and potential reversal.

One of the most significant limitations of the MACD is the occurrence of false positives. A reversal is signalled, but never takes place. The opposite can also take place, where a reversal occurs without being signalled. A way to attempt to overcome any of these false signals would be to implement a MACD signal line filter.

Another drawback is that moving averages slightly lag behind real-time prices. This is because it’s an average of the historical prices, so any drastic changes in price would not be seen straight away. Therefore, although the MACD is widely used by traders, it might not be the best technical tool to use in isolation when dealing with volatile price movements. Instead, be sure to use in combination with other technical indicators, such as the average directional index (ADX)​.