diff --git a/freqtrade/optimize/analysis/recursive.py b/freqtrade/optimize/analysis/recursive.py
index 7e8e39f5a..9de0ad3ad 100644
--- a/freqtrade/optimize/analysis/recursive.py
+++ b/freqtrade/optimize/analysis/recursive.py
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Any
 
 from pandas import DataFrame
 
+from freqtrade.exceptions import ConfigurationError
 from freqtrade.exchange import timeframe_to_minutes
 from freqtrade.loggers.set_log_levels import (
     reduce_verbosity_for_bias_tester,
@@ -152,6 +153,13 @@ class RecursiveAnalysis(BaseAnalysis):
         strat = backtesting.strategy
         self._strat_scc = strat.startup_candle_count
 
+        if self._strat_scc < 1:
+            raise ConfigurationError(
+                f"The strategy defines invalid startup candle count of {self._strat_scc}. "
+                f"This will lead to recursive issues on some indicators. "
+                f"Please define a proper startup_candle_count in the strategy."
+            )
+
         if self._strat_scc not in self._startup_candle:
             self._startup_candle.append(self._strat_scc)
         self._startup_candle.sort()