Forex - Forex Trading - Currency Trading
  • Forex Brokers
    • Compare Forex Brokers
    • ECN/STP Forex Brokers
    • STP Forex Brokers
    • DMA/STP Forex Brokers
    • PAMM Forex Brokers
    • Metatrader 4 Forex Brokers
    • Metatrader 4 ECN Forex Brokers
    • Metatrader 5 Forex Brokers
    • Brokers With Free Forex Signals
    • Social Trading Forex Brokers
    • Bitcoin Brokers
    • Binary Options Brokers
    • NFA / CFTC US Forex Brokers
    • FSA UK Forex Brokers
    • Micro & Mini Forex Brokers
    • Forex Brokers For Scalping
    • Forex Brokers For Hedging
    • High Leverage Forex Brokers
    • Brokers With FX Managed Accounts
    • Forex Brokers With Free VPS
    • Gold,Silver & Oil Forex Brokers
    • Forex Brokers With Segregated Accounts
    • Brokers With Forex Demo Accounts
    • Best Forex Broker Bonuses
    • Forex Broker News
  •  
  • University
    • Online Forex Trading Course
    • Complete Forex Video Course
    • Forex Trading Tutorials
    • Learn How To Trade Currency Pairs
    • Candlestick Video Course
    • Forex Technical Indicators
    • Forex Chart Patterns
    • Forex Trading Tips
    • Metatrader 4 Tutorials
    • Metatrader 5 Tutorials
    • Free Trading Courses
    • Forex eBooks Collection
    • Forex Freebies
    • Forex Dictionary 
    • Forex Downloads
  •  
  • Trading Strategies & Systems
    • Simple Trading Strategies
    • Forex Breakout Trading Strategies
    • Price Action Forex Strategies
    • Elliott Wave Forex Strategies
    • Fibonacci Strategies
    • Fundamental Strategies
    • Trend Following Metatrader 4 Systems
    • Forex Scalping Metatrader 4 Systems
  •  
  • Articles
    • Technical Analysis
    • Forex Systems & Strategies
    • General Forex Knowledge
    • Forex Money Management
    • Trading Psychology
    • General Trading
    • Forex Trader Interviews
  • Tutorials
    • Trading Tutorials
    • Metatrader 4 Tutorials
  •  
  • MT4/5 Downloads
    • Metatrader 4 Indicators
    • Metatrader 5 Indicators
    • Metatrader 4 Expert Advisors
    • Metatrader 4 Systems
  •  
  • Products
    • FREE Forex Analyzer PRO
    • eToro Social Trading
    • Automated Forex Trading (ZuluTrade)
  •  
  • Charts
    • Real-Time Forex Charts
    • Real-Time Forex Rates
    • EUR/USD Forex Charts
    • GBP/USD Forex Charts
    • USD/CHF Forex Charts
    • USD/JPY Forex Charts
    • USD/CAD Forex Charts
    • AUD/USD Forex Charts
    • NZD/USD Forex Charts
    • EUR/JPY Forex Charts
    • GBP/JPY Forex Charts
    • EUR/GBP Forex Charts
    • EUR/AUD Forex Charts
    • EUR/CAD Forex Charts
    • AUD/JPY Forex Charts
    • CHF/JPY Forex Charts
    • EUR/CHF Forex Charts
    • GBP/CHF Forex Charts
    • USD/SEK Forex Charts
    • Gold (XAU/USD) Charts
    • WTI Crude Oil Charts
    • Silver (XAG/USD) Charts
  •  
  • Tools
    • Correlation Charts
    • Relative Strength Index
    • FX Performance Charts
    • Economic Calendar
    • Pivot Point Calculator
    • Forex Historical Data
    • Currency Converter
    • PIP Income Calculator
    • PIP Value Calculator
    • Risk Calculator
    • Fibonacci Calculator
    • Forex Income Calculator
    • Forex Risk Calculator
    • Banks Interest Rates
    • Movers and Shakers
    • Find A Forex Job
    • Forex Daily High/Low
    • World Clocks
  •  
  • $30 FREE
  •  
Bookmark and Share Print This Page   | Home > Complete Forex Trading Video Course

Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)

Written by Informedtrades.com


Module Module 12: Technical Indicators Explained
Lesson 4: Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)
Back to complete forex trading video course.


Previous Lesson Next Lesson

Forex Video Text Version

In our last lesson we learned about the different ways people trade with moving averages. In this lesson we are going to learn about the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) an indicator that is built using moving averages, but is set up to give a good indication of the momentum of a particular financial instrument as well as its trend.

The indicator, which was developed by Gerald Appel, is constructed by taking a 12 period exponential moving average of a financial instrument and subtracting its 26 period exponential moving average. The resulting line is then plotted below the price chart and fluctuates above and below a center line which is placed at value zero. A 9 period EMA of the MACD line is normally plotted along with the MACD line and used as a signal of potential trading opportunities

Example of what a MACD looks like on a chart:


When the MACD line is above zero this tells the trader that the 12 period exponential moving average is trading above the 26 period exponential moving averages. When the MACD line is below zero this tells the trader that the 12 period exponential moving average is below the 26 period exponential moving average. Traders will watch the MACD line as when it is above zero and rising this is a sign that the positive gap between the 12 and 26 EMA’s is widening, a sign of increasing bullish momentum in the financial instrument they are analyzing. Conversely when the MACD line is below zero and falling this represents a widening in the negative gap between the 12 and 26 day EMA’s, a sign of increasing bearish momentum in the financial instrument they are analyzing.

Example of Rising and Falling MACD lines:


The purpose of the 9 period exponential moving average line is to further confirm bullish changes in momentum when the MACD crosses above this line and bearish changes in momentum when the MACD crosses below this line.

Example of the Signal Line


Lastly many traders and charting packages will plot a histogram along with the MACD which is representative of the distance between the MACD and its signal line. When the MACD histogram is above zero (the MACD line is above the signal line) this is an indication that positive momentum is increasing. Conversely when the MACD histogram is below zero this is an indication that negative momentum is increasing.

Example of the MACD histogram



When the MACD histogram is above zero (the MACD line is above the signal line) this is an indication that positive momentum is increasing. Conversely when the MACD histogram is below zero this is an indication that negative momentum is increasing. The higher or lower the histogram goes above or below zero the greater the momentum of the trend is thought to be.

That completes this lesson. You should now have a good understanding of the different components that make up the MACD indicator. In our next lesson we are going to go over some of the different ways traders use the MACD in their trading so we hope to see you in that lesson.


SPONSORED LINKS  
Free Forex Strategies & Systems
A collection of forex systems, indicators and strategies, includes the Forex Analyzer PRO. 100% Free Download.
Hotforex Benefits
Free Binary Options Strategies & Systems Revealed
Learn and download free binary options strategies and trading systems!
Download Forex Analyzer PRO For Free
Download one of the best free fx systems for profitable forex trading!

Back to complete forex video course

Find Us On Facebook

Best Forex Trading Software

Pips Scalper PRO Trading System

Forex ANDREA Trend Reversal System

Profit Insider PRO Trading System

Forex Day Trading Signals Indicator


Home | Forex Newsletter | Site Map | Resourses | Forex Advertising | Forex Brokers | Forex Solo Ads | Contact Us
Any articles, systems, strategies, reviews, ratings, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained on this website, by Aboutcurrency.com, its partners or contributors, is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. Aboutcurrency.com will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to, any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.



Copyright © 2017 Aboutcurrency.com. All rights reserved.
By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .
Risk Disclosure: Trading forex on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.