Moving Average Convergence Divergence – MACD

A trend-following momentum indicator that shows the relationship between two moving averages of prices. The MACD is calculated by subtracting the 26-day exponential moving average (EMA) from the 12-day EMA. A nine-day EMA of the MACD, called the "signal line", is then plotted on top of the MACD, functioning as a trigger for buy and sell signals.

There are three common methods used to interpret the MACD:

1.Crossovers - As shown in the chart above, when the MACD falls below the signal line, it is a bearish signal, which indicates that it may be time to sell. Conversely, when the MACD rises above the signal line, the indicator gives a bullish signal, which suggests that the price of the asset is likely to experience upward momentum. Many traders wait for a confirmed cross above the signal line before entering into a position to avoid getting getting "faked out" or entering into a position too early, as shown by the first arrow.

MACD Bullish Signal Line Cross: This scan reveals stocks that are trading above their 200-day moving average and have a bullish signal line crossover in MACD. Also notice that MACD is required to be negative to insure this upturn occurs after a pullback. This scan is just meant as a starter for further refinement.

MACD Bearish Signal Line Cross: This scan reveals stocks that are trading below their 200-day moving average and have a bearish signal line crossover in MACD. Also notice that MACD is required to be positive to insure this downturn occurs after a bounce. This scan is just meant as a starter for further refinement.

2.Divergence: When the security price diverges from the MACD. It signals the end of the current trend

3.Dramatic rise: When the MACD rises dramatically - that is, the shorter moving average pulls away from the longer-term moving average - it is a signal that the security is overbought and will soon return to normal levels.

Traders also watch for a move above or below the zero line because this signals the position of the short-term average relative to the long-term average. When the MACD is above zero, the short-term average is above the long-term average, which signals upward momentum. The opposite is true when the MACD is below zero.

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