Moving averages are fundamental technical indicators used in trading to smooth out price data and identify trends over a specified period. They calculate the average price of an asset over a set number of time periods, helping traders filter out short-term noise and focus on the underlying direction of the market. In volatile markets like cryptocurrency and forex, MAs are particularly useful because they provide clarity amid rapid price swings.
There are two primary types of moving averages relevant to this strategy:
- **Simple Moving Average (SMA)**: This is the arithmetic mean of prices over the chosen period. For example, a 7-period SMA adds up the closing prices of the last 7 periods and divides by 7. It's straightforward but can lag behind price action since it treats all data points equally.
- **Exponential Moving Average (EMA)**: This gives more weight to recent prices, making it more responsive to new information. It's calculated using a formula that applies a multiplier to the most recent data. EMAs are often preferred in crypto and forex trading due to the markets' high volatility and quick reversals.
For the MA 7 and 20 strategy, EMAs are commonly recommended over SMAs because they react faster, which is crucial in fast-moving assets like Bitcoin or EUR/USD. The "7" and "20" refer to the periods: the shorter 7-period MA captures quick momentum shifts, while the longer 20-period MA reflects a broader trend.
**The MA 7 and 20 Crossover Strategy Explained**
This strategy is a trend-following approach based on the moving average crossover method, where the interaction between the two MAs generates buy and sell signals. It's simple, mechanical, and widely adaptable to both crypto (e.g., BTC/USDT) and forex (e.g., GBP/USD) markets. The core idea is to enter trades when the short-term MA crosses the longer-term one, signaling a potential trend change.
**Key Rules:**
1. **Buy Signal (Bullish Crossover)**: Enter a long position when the 7-period MA crosses above the 20-period MA. This indicates building upward momentum, as recent prices are outperforming the medium-term average.
2. **Sell Signal (Bearish Crossover)**: Enter a short position (or exit a long) when the 7-period MA crosses below the 20-period MA. This suggests downward momentum is taking hold.
3. **Trend Filter**: To avoid false signals in choppy markets, only take trades in the direction of the overall trend. For instance, add a longer MA like a 50-period or 200-period as a filter—only buy if prices are above it, confirming an uptrend.
4. **Confirmation Tools**: Pair the crossover with other indicators for better accuracy, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) to avoid overbought/oversold conditions (e.g., buy only if RSI > 50) or volume to confirm momentum.
This setup is similar to popular variants like the 5/20 or 9/21 EMA crossovers, but the 7-period MA offers a balance between sensitivity (not as twitchy as a 5-period) and reliability (quicker than a 9-period) for short- to medium-term trades.
**Timeframes and Application**
- Short-Term Trading (Scalping/Day Trading): Use on 5-minute, 15-minute, or 1-hour charts.
- Medium-Term Trading (Swing Trading): Apply to 4-hour or daily charts.
- Crypto: Markets operate 24/7 with extreme volatility — use EMAs to catch rapid moves.
- Forex: Higher liquidity means fewer gaps — more reliable on majors during high-volume sessions.
**Step-by-Step Trade Execution**
1. Setup Your Chart: Plot a 7-period EMA and a 20-period EMA (optionally add 50 EMA as trend filter).
2. Identify the Signal: Wait for crossover with price confirmation.
3. Entry: Immediately after crossover candle closes, or on pullback to 20 EMA.
4. Stop-Loss: Below recent swing low or 20 EMA.
5. Take-Profit: 2-3× risk, or trail using 20 EMA.
6. Exit: On opposite crossover.
**Risk Management**
- Risk 1% of account per trade.
- Avoid overtrading in ranges — use ATR filter.
- Backtest on historical data.
**Pros**: Simple, effective in trends, versatile.
**Cons**: Lagging, whipsaws in ranges — use filters.
**Exact Settings (User Follow-up)**
**Standard & Most Recommended Settings**
- **Type**: Exponential Moving Average (EMA)
- **Fast MA**: 7-period EMA
- **Slow MA**: 20-period EMA
- **Price input (source)**: Close price
- **Crossover rules**:
- Buy/Long: 7 EMA crosses above 20 EMA
- Sell/Short: 7 EMA crosses below 20 EMA
**Quick Setup Guide (TradingView Example)**
1. Indicators → Moving Average Exponential
2. First EMA: Length = 7, Source = close
3. Second EMA: Length = 20, Source = close
4. Optional: Add 50 EMA as trend filter
**Variations** (Less Common)
- 8 EMA / 20 EMA (smoother)
- 5 EMA / 20 EMA (faster scalping)
- 9 EMA / 21 EMA (medium-term)
**Bottom line**: When people refer to the "MA 7 and 20 strategy" in crypto/forex, they mean **7-period EMA** and **20-period EMA** on close prices.
Use with proper risk management, trend filters, and avoid choppy markets.