---
title: "Definition of MACD"
url: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/macd/
markdown_url: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/macd.md
description: "MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) shows the relationship between two moving averages."
type: glossary-definition
site: Signal Screener
language: en
keywords:
  - "MACD"
translations:
  es: https://signalscreener.fr/es/definition/macd.md
  fr: https://signalscreener.fr/fr/definition/macd.md
  pt: https://signalscreener.fr/pt/definition/macd.md
  zh: https://signalscreener.fr/zh/definition/macd.md
---

# MACD

## What is MACD?

MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) shows the relationship between two moving averages. When the MACD line crosses above zero, it's bullish. Below zero is bearish.

## Think of it like this

Like two runners on a track - one fast (12-day average), one slow (26-day average). When the fast runner pulls ahead, momentum is building. The distance between them is the MACD!

## Formula

```
MACD = 12-day EMA - 26-day EMA
```

- **12-day EMA**: Fast exponential moving average
- **26-day EMA**: Slow exponential moving average
- **Signal Line**: 9-day EMA of MACD

## Why it matters

- Shows trend direction and momentum
- Crossovers provide buy/sell signals
- Divergence warns of potential reversals
- Works in trending markets

## What's a good value?

| Range | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| MACD > Signal | Bullish | Upward momentum |
| MACD < Signal | Bearish | Downward momentum |
| Histogram Growing | Strengthening | Trend getting stronger |
| Histogram Shrinking | Weakening | Trend losing steam |

## Real-world example

Apple MACD crosses above signal line while both are below zero - early bullish signal. Later, MACD crosses above zero - confirmed uptrend.

## Things to watch out for

- Lags behind price action
- False signals in choppy markets
- Less effective in ranging markets
- Use with other indicators for confirmation

---

This is educational content, not financial advice.

Source: [Definition of MACD](https://signalscreener.fr/definition/macd/) on Signal Screener. Free to quote and cite with attribution and a link to that URL, which is the canonical one.

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