MACD DEMA
May 26, 2016

The MACD DEMA indicator utilizes Double Exponential Moving Averages to provide a lower-lag version of the traditional Moving Average Convergence Divergence for faster trend identification and momentum tracking.
Usage
The Usage of the MACD DEMA is similar to the traditional MACD but with increased responsiveness to price action. Traders typically monitor the following:
- Crossovers: A bullish signal is generated when the MACD Line crosses above the Signal Line, while a bearish signal occurs when the MACD Line crosses below the Signal Line.
- Histogram Analysis: The histogram represents the difference between the MACD Line and the Signal Line. Growing bars indicate increasing momentum, while shrinking bars suggest a potential slowdown in the current trend.
- Zero Line Crosses: When the MACD line crosses above zero, it indicates that the short-term DEMA has crossed above the long-term DEMA, often signaling an uptrend. Conversely, a cross below zero suggests a downtrend.
The indicator includes a visual fill between the MACD and Signal lines to help traders quickly identify the current momentum bias.
Details
The MACD DEMA is constructed by replacing the standard Exponential Moving Averages (EMA) used in the classic MACD formula with Double Exponential Moving Averages (DEMA). The DEMA calculation, formulated as (2 * EMA) - EMA of EMA, is designed to reduce the inherent lag found in traditional moving averages.
By applying this calculation to the fast line, the slow line, and the signal line smoothing, the indicator reacts more quickly to price pivots. This makes it particularly useful for scalping or day trading where early entry signals are prioritized. The script also includes built-in alert conditions for bullish and bearish crossovers to assist in automated monitoring.
Settings
- Short DEMA Length: Defines the lookback period for the fast Double Exponential Moving Average.
- Long DEMA Length: Defines the lookback period for the slow Double Exponential Moving Average.
- Signal Length: Sets the smoothing period for the Signal Line, which is also calculated using a DEMA.
- Show Lines: A toggle to show or hide the MACD and Signal lines, allowing users to focus solely on the histogram if desired.
FAQ
What is the advantage of using DEMA over standard EMA in MACD?
The primary advantage is lag reduction. DEMA responds much faster to price changes than a standard EMA of the same length, potentially allowing traders to enter or exit trends earlier.
Can I use the MACD DEMA for divergence trading?
Yes, like the standard MACD, users can look for discrepancies between price action and the MACD DEMA peaks/valleys to identify potential trend exhaustion or reversals.
How can I access the MACD DEMA?
You can get access on the LuxAlgo Library for charting platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), and NinjaTrader for free.
Free indicator
Get free access to this indicator on the platforms below.
Unlock the entire LuxAlgo Library
Every indicator, every strategy, full charts, and complete access to Quant — our AI agent.