> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.hydravision.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.hydravision.ai/ea-configuration/ea-settings/smartentry/anchor-signal-settings/moving-average-cross.md).
# Moving Average Cross
The primary signal entry for the grid Anchor position
The Anchor uses a fast/slow moving average cross as its primary directional trigger. A buy Anchor requires the fast MA to cross above the slow MA (with confirmation gap); a sell Anchor requires the opposite. Once the MA has crossed it will be armed, and will wait for the configured gap to confirm. If the MA crosses back without reaching the gap, the MA is disarmed for that direction and armed for the alternate direction. A confirmed cross stays armed until a grid opens on that side, or until the fast MA crosses back.
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We note that in grid trading accurate signals play a less important role than in position trading. However, having a signal that is at least 50-65% accurate ensures we attempt a reasonably well timed entry decision.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
The slow MA period and MA Method set here are also used by the [Block Late Entries (Extended Price)](/ea-configuration/ea-settings/smartentry/anchor-vetoes.md#block-late-entries-extended-price) veto, even when Require MA Cross for Anchor is off. That veto measures on the Timeframe for Anchor Vetoes, not on the MA Timeframe set here.
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Require MA Cross for Anchor
`Boolean`
Default: true
Set to enabled to trigger entries on an MA cross if all other veto checks pass
It is important to note that if any of the other Anchor vetoes are enabled, then an MA cross may be true but still not enter a new anchor if a veto signal dismisses the signal.
MA Cross can also be isolated as the only entry criteria, or dismissed completely by disabling. A disabled MA Cross means Anchors will always attempt to open and will only be restricted by the vetoes and the Micro Break confirmation.
With MA Cross disabled, direction comes from the other enabled settings: the Market Regime, the Micro Break confirmation, and the vetoes that block only one side (Waterfall, Extended Price, Exhausted Moves). With Buy being the first position type evaluation, if all of those are also off, only Buy grids will open.
The settings below are shown only when this is enabled.
MA Preset
`Enumerator`
Default: 13/26
The Moving Average Period setting for the MA Cross. First number is the Fast MA and second number is the slow MA.
Lower period pairs (5/20, 7/14) react faster and produce more crosses — useful on fast-moving instruments or shorter-term grids. Higher pairs (50/100, 50/200) filter out noise and produce fewer but more significant signals, suited to trending instruments and longer hold times.
1. 13/26 (Default)
2. 5/20 (Fast)
3. 7/14
4. 7/21
5. 9/14
6. 9/21
7. 50/100 (Slow)
8. 50/200 (Very Slow)
9. Custom
Fast MA Period
`Integer`
Default: 13
If using a custom MA period this is the Fast MA Period. Shown only when MA Preset is Custom.
Slow MA Period
`Integer`
Default: 26
If using a custom MA period this is the Slow MA Period. Shown only when MA Preset is Custom.
MA Method
`Enumerator`
Default: Exponential (EMA)
The Moving Average Method.
EMA responds faster to recent price, producing earlier cross signals at the cost of more whipsaws. SMA is slower and smoother, producing later but more reliable crosses. SMMA and LWMA are intermediate variations.
1. Simple (SMA)
2. Exponential (EMA) (Default)
3. Smoothed (SMMA)
4. Linear-weighted (LWMA)
MA Timeframe
`Enumerator`
Default: M15
Timeframe for the MA. Lower timeframes are more permissive.
A higher timeframe (H1, H4) produces more deliberate, less frequent cross signals. A lower timeframe (M5) produces more signals but more false crosses. M15 is a reasonable balance for most instruments.
M15 - H1 is the usual range, although all MT5 timeframes are available for selection.
MA Gap Factor
`Double`
Default: 0.15
Minimum separation between fast and slow MA required to confirm a cross, as a multiple of grid step size.
Configure the gap, as a factor of the configured [Minimum Step Size](/ea-configuration/ea-settings/quick-start.md#minimum-step-size).
For example if step size is 20 pips, and the gap is 0.1, then the MA cross gap required for a signal will be 2 pips (20 x 0.1).
A smaller gap is more permissive. Some gaps are not achievable, or are extremely rare, so if you used 1.0 as an example, you will likely get very few entry signals.
Prevents firing on hairline crosses that immediately reverse. A higher value (0.25) requires the cross to be well-established before firing, trading later entries for higher reliability. A lower value (0.05) fires on barely-crossed MAs, catching fast moves at the cost of more false signals.