Having spent ten years in the crypto world, I’ve gradually come to develop a trading method that suits me. To be honest, I’m not yet financially free, but I can at least make steady profits, surpassing most people’s level.

Looking back, I knew from day one of entering investing that without a systematic strategy, I wouldn’t survive. It’s like sailing without a compass—relying on intuition and impulsive actions, losing money is only a matter of time. But truly refining an effective strategy is far more difficult than it seems.

The hardest part of a good trading strategy is that it challenges human nature. You must overcome greed and fear, stay calm amid market volatility, avoid subjective guesses, and strictly follow your plan. It took me six full years to refine this approach from a rough prototype to a relatively mature system. Even so, I wouldn’t say it’s perfect, because markets change instantly, and strategies must always be iterated.

So, how to succeed in crypto trading? If you’re currently losing money and feeling confused, and want to treat trading as a second profession, you must master the MACD trading method. This is my experience from years of practical trading, and many who have learned it thoroughly have avoided many detours.

MACD is the most commonly used indicator among experts, bar none. It’s derived from moving averages and is especially effective for identifying trending markets. The most powerful aspect is its divergence at the peaks and bottoms, which is widely recognized as the best method for catching bottoms and avoiding tops. Many veterans have experienced this—initially learning MACD, then abandoning it, only to return after long practical experience. That shows how special it is.

MACD consists of the DIF fast line, DEA slow line, MACD histogram, and the zero line. Investors analyze these lines crossing, diverging, or breaking through to judge price movements. The interaction between the fast and slow lines is the core of the indicator; their movements determine buy and sell signals.

The basic signals are the golden cross and death cross. A golden cross occurs when the fast line crosses above the slow line from below, usually indicating a buy signal. If this happens at a low point after a decline, during a pullback, or after consolidation, it’s an even more reliable entry point. Conversely, a death cross occurs when the fast line crosses below the slow line from above, typically signaling a sell, especially if it appears at a high point—be cautious.

Different types of crosses have different meanings: low-level golden cross, near-zero line golden cross, and high-level golden cross. A low-level golden cross might just be a rebound; a golden cross near the zero line often signals the start of a real rally; a high-level golden cross is a good opportunity to add positions. On the flip side, a low-level death cross indicates the end of a rebound; a death cross near the zero line suggests downward momentum is releasing; a high-level death cross calls for immediate exit.

Divergence is another powerful tool. A bullish divergence occurs when the price makes a new low but the MACD lines do not, indicating increasing upward momentum. When combined with histogram color changes or a golden cross, it’s a very reliable buy signal. Conversely, a bearish divergence happens when the price hits a new high but the indicator doesn’t, signaling building downward momentum. When the histogram changes color or a death cross appears, it’s time to exit quickly.

The default MACD parameters are 12/26/9, but this setting can lag in response to price changes. To make the fast and slow lines more responsive, you can try parameters like 5/34/5 or 5/10/30. Different settings suit different trading styles—experiment to find what works best for you.

Ultimately, trading is a long-term practice. Short-term gains or losses are not the point; what matters is sticking to your plan. Many people miss opportunities because of doubt, or hesitate out of fear. The truth is, only by taking the first step can you figure out the next. The most important lesson I’ve learned over the years is that even the wisest make mistakes, and even the foolish can gain insights—what matters is continuous learning and constant optimization. The market won’t stop for anyone; what’s crucial is that you get up and keep moving forward.