MACD Z-Score

MACD Z-Score Indicator Description

This indicator takes the traditional MACD and converts its histogram into a standardized z‑score. It does so by first calculating the MACD using a fast and a slow moving average (which you can choose to compute with either SMA or EMA). The MACD histogram is then derived as the difference between the MACD line and a signal line (again, with your choice of smoothing method).

Next, the indicator computes a z‑score of that histogram over a user‑defined lookback period. In simple terms, it measures how far (in terms of standard deviations) the current histogram value deviates from its average. This standardization makes it easier to compare the MACD’s momentum across different assets or timeframes. There’s also an option to further smooth the z‑score with an EMA to reduce noise.

Finally, the indicator plots the resulting z‑score along with horizontal reference lines at key levels (such as 1, -1, 2, -2, 3, and -3) and changes the background color when the z‑score exceeds a high threshold (above 2) or drops below a low threshold (below -2), providing a visual cue for potential long or short conditions.

This indicator is ideal for traders looking for a normalized way to assess momentum, helping them to easily spot when the MACD histogram deviates significantly from its typical range.