Standard MACD Purposes The standard MACD is MACD (12, 26, 9). During a trending market, there is a clear divergence (separation) between MACD and the zero line. Note that MACD is the moving twelve and the zero line is the moving average twenty-six. That divergence translates into a wider angle between MACD and the equilibrium line. In this instance, there is a divergence between the two moving averages. Now, it becomes clear that to screen (scan) for bullish financial instruments, it is not sufficient for MACD to stay above the zero line but to form a wider angle with the equilibrium line. Similarly, to scan for bearish stocks, MACD should be subzero, and form a wide angle with the zero line. After a clear divergence from the zero line, MACD converges to the zero line during the quiet market when the volatility, momentum and trading activities recede. In reality, during the consolidation market, MACD oscillates around the zero line. Moreover, it stays in the vicinity of the zero line. In this case, there is a convergence between the Moving average twelve (MACD) and twenty-six (equilibrium line). The convergence of MACD to the zero depicts a low volatility, momentum, trading activities, and non trending phase (consolidation, contra-trend or correction). MACDdivergence to the equilibrium line marks a trending market, plus a rising momentum, volatility and trading activities. Learn more.