Among the vast array of tools available to traders seeking to navigate the world of binary options, the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator stands as a true icon. Its enduring popularity in the financial markets is a testament to its efficacy. Over the years, this oscillator has undergone extensive testing and has become an integral component of numerous trading strategies. Despite often being used in isolation for market analysis, it offers traders a powerful and versatile tool.
To delve into its origins, the MACD indicator was conceived by J. Appel, a prominent financier, during the late 1970s. Appel was actively involved in stock exchange operations and developed this indicator to facilitate more effective market analysis. While it was initially crafted for traditional stock markets, it has since transcended these boundaries and found application in various other forms of trading, including electronic contracts.
The MACD indicator is widely popular. Now, it is an integral part of the standard toolset offered by most binary options brokers. You can also find the MACD at the trading platform Olymp Trade, making it accessible to all subscribed users.
MACD Indicator: Settings and Essentials
The settings and core principles of the MACD indicator can sometimes puzzle new traders, mainly due to its visual characteristics.
The MACD indicator typically appears at the lower part of the trading interface, presenting itself as a bar chart that extends on both sides of the zero level, complemented by a moving average component.
Some traders tend to mistake the MACD indicator for a volume indicator due to its column-like appearance. However, this is a common misunderstanding.
The MACD histogram does not depict market capitalization at specific points in time. Instead, it represents the difference between two moving averages with distinct periods. This crucial feature allows traders to accurately identify shifts in price direction.
The indicator’s algorithm becomes apparent when you consider its full name – “MA Convergence/Divergence”. The moving average, positioned either within or outside the histogram, often serves as a signal line, providing timely entry points for trades.
While the mathematical formula behind the MACD is intricate, traders don’t need to calculate it manually. By simply specifying the periods recommended by the indicator’s creator – 12, 26, and 9 – the tool becomes ready for use. It’s worth noting that most trading platforms, including Olymp Trade, come pre-configured with these default parameters for the MACD indicator.
Trading using MA Convergence/Divergence
The MACD indicator offers traders a range of versatile applications.
The basic method is observing the histogram’s movement in relation to the zero level.
When the histogram crosses into the upper region, it signals the dominance of an upward trend, while a move into the lower area signifies a prevailing downward trend.
Opt for a CALL option when the histogram crosses above the key level from bottom to top.
Opt for a PUT option when the histogram crosses below the key level from top to bottom.
There is a catch. It’s essential to recognize that this approach may not be the most dependable due to the MACD’s sensitivity to market fluctuations and noise. Therefore, when utilizing the MACD indicator, it’s advisable to complement it with another tool.
Advanced method: to incorporate signals from a moving average. The signal is generated when the moving average crosses over or under the MACD histogram.
Buy a CALL option when the moving average transitions from inside the columns in the lower region.
Buy a PUT option when moving average exits the histogram within the upper area.
Additionally, the concept of divergence remains a valuable technique that should not be overlooked. The MACD indicator, like any other oscillator, is adept at identifying divergence patterns in the market.
In essence, the enduring popularity of “MA Convergence/Divergence” among traders is well-founded, even in the presence of a multitude of alternative indicators. Its capability to consistently yield profits has withstood the test of time, cementing its position as a reliable tool for traders.