Candlestick patterns are a popular tool used in technical analysis to help traders and investors predict price movements in financial markets, particularly in stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. These patterns are formed by the daily price movements (open, high, low, and close) of an asset and are represented visually as candlesticks on a price chart. Each candlestick provides information about the market sentiment and potential trend reversals or continuations. Here are some common candlestick patterns:
1. Doji: A doji has the same opening and closing price, and it often signals indecision in the market. There are variations, such as the gravestone doji (open and close at the low) and the dragonfly doji (open and close at the high).
2. Hammer and Hanging Man: These are single-candle patterns. The hammer has a small body and a long lower shadow, while the hanging man looks similar but occurs at the top of an uptrend. Both suggest potential reversals.
3. Engulfing Patterns: The bullish engulfing pattern occurs when a small bearish candle is followed by a larger bullish candle, indicating a potential reversal from a downtrend. The bearish engulfing pattern is the opposite, signaling a reversal from an uptrend.
4. Morning Star and Evening Star: These are three-candle reversal patterns. The morning star consists of a large bearish candle, followed by a small doji or spinning top, and then a large bullish candle. The evening star is the reverse, signaling a potential downtrend.
5. Bullish and Bearish Harami: A harami pattern occurs when a small candle is contained within the previous candle’s body. A bullish harami appears after a downtrend, suggesting a potential reversal, while a bearish harami appears after an uptrend, indicating a potential reversal.
6. Shooting Star and Inverted Hammer: These single-candle patterns have small bodies and long upper shadows. The shooting star appears at the top of an uptrend and can suggest a potential reversal. The inverted hammer, on the other hand, is often seen at the bottom of a downtrend, signaling a potential reversal.
7. Three Black Crows and Three White Soldiers: These are three-candle patterns. The three black crows suggest a bearish reversal, with three consecutive large bearish candles. The three white soldiers indicate a bullish reversal, with three consecutive large bullish candles.
8. Spinning Top: A spinning top has a small body and both upper and lower shadows. It signifies market indecision and is often seen as a potential reversal signal if it occurs after a strong trend.
Candlestick patterns are just one aspect of technical analysis, and they are typically used in conjunction with other technical indicators to make more informed trading decisions. It’s essential to remember that no pattern is foolproof, and market conditions can change rapidly. Traders should use proper risk management and consider other factors when making trading decisions.