Explanation of indicators
MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)
• Components: MACD Line (EMA 12 – EMA 26), Signal Line (EMA 9 of MACD), and the Histogram (difference between MACD and its Signal).
• Common signals:
• Bullish crossover: MACD Line crosses above the Signal → possible buy.
• Bearish crossover: MACD crosses below the Signal → possible sell.
• Divergences: Prices rise but MACD falls → possible bearish reversal.
EMA (Exponential Moving Average)
• EMA is a moving average that gives more weight to recent prices.
• Generally, two are used:
• Fast EMA (e.g. 9 or 12): responds faster.
• Slow EMA (e.g. 26 or 50): shows overall trend.
• Key signal: When fast EMA crosses above slow EMA, it indicates bullish strength. Inverse for bearish trend.
RSI (Relative Strength Index)
• Oscillator that measures relative strength between buys and sells.
• Range: 0–100.
• 70 = overbought → correction may come.
• <30 = oversold → possible bullish bounce.
• Also useful for detecting divergences (e.g., price makes a new low, but RSI does not).
2. Combined strategy (Swing trading)
Conditions to enter LONG (buy):
1. MACD: MACD Line crosses above the Signal.
2. EMA: Fast EMA (9) > Slow EMA (21).
3. RSI: Is between 40–60 and rising, or bounces from 30.
4. Extra confirmation: Increasing volume or breaking of minor resistance.
Conditions for SHORT (sell):
1. MACD: MACD Line crosses below the Signal.
2. EMA: Fast EMA < Slow EMA.
3. RSI: Is between 60–70 and declining, or rejects 70.
3. Exit signals
• If you are in LONG:
• RSI touches or exceeds 70 and starts to turn.
• MACD flattens or crosses bearish.
• Fast EMA loses to the slow EMA.
• In SHORT:
• RSI falls below 30 and starts to bounce.
• MACD flattens or crosses above.
• Fast EMA crosses over the slow one.
For scalping (quick trades, minutes).
Recommended EMAs: Use a fast EMA of 9 periods and a slow EMA of 21 periods to capture micro trends.
RSI: Set up an RSI of 5 or 7 periods. This will give you more reactive signals to brief movements.
MACD: Adjust MACD to 6 / 12 / 5 (fast EMA, slow EMA, and signal). It's a more sensitive version, ideal for timeframes like 1min to 5min.
Suggested time frame: Work with charts from 1 to 5 minutes.
For swing trading (trades from days to weeks).
Recommended EMAs: Maintain the classic setup of EMA 9 (fast) and EMA 21 (slow). This helps detect sustained trend changes.
RSI: Use the standard of 14 periods. Detects more balanced overbought/oversold areas for medium-term movements.
MACD: Apply the common setup of 12 / 26 / 9, which offers a balance between sensitivity and reliability.
Suggested time frame: Use 1 hour, 4 hours, or daily charts.
For long term (weekly or monthly positions).
Recommended EMAs: Raise periods to 21 (fast) and 50 (slow) to filter noise and follow only major trends.
RSI: Keep 14 periods. You can extend to 21 if you seek even more stability in signals.
MACD: Keep the setup 12 / 26 / 9. Alternatively, you can experiment with 19 / 39 / 9 if you want even more smoothing.
Suggested time frame: Use daily or weekly charts.