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3 Candlestick Reversal Patterns to Watch Out For

June 19, 2018 by Daniels Trading| Tips & Strategies

Rooted in 18th century feudal Japan, candlestick charting techniques were originally devised to track the pricing variations of rice. Early Japanese futures traders used variations of candlestick charts while engaging prominent markets, specifically the Dojima Rice Exchange. It was not until the late 1980s that candlesticks caught on in the West.

One area in which candlestick charts excel is in the identification of market reversal points. Being able to determine trend exhaustion is a powerful tool, and candlestick reversal patterns are great way to accomplish this task.

Want technical trading tips? Download our free guide 12+ Candlestick Formations Every Technical Trader Should Know today!

The Anatomy of a Candlestick

Before a trader can begin scanning the markets for patterns, it’s necessary to understand the anatomy of a candlestick. Each candlestick records the open, close, high, and low price value for a defined period. Based on this information, every candlestick has three basic parts:

  • Body: The body of a candle is the range between the opening and closing values. If a candle’s open is above its close, then it is shaded. If the close is above the open, then the body is empty. Various colors may be assigned to each instance, with red and green being among the most frequently used.
  • Upper wick: The upper wick is the area between the periodic high value and the top of the body. It is expressed as a single vertical line.
  • Lower wick: The lower wick is the area between the periodic low value and the bottom of the body. It is also expressed as a single vertical line.

Anatomy is a key element in the formation of viable candlestick reversal patterns. Pattern formation is directly dependent on the relationship between the body and wicks of single or adjacent candles.

Candlestick Reversal Patterns

Traders use many different formations to identify a potential market turning point. From single-candle to multi-candle arrangements, every pattern is unique.

1. Hammer

The hammer is a single-candlestick formation that signals the bottom of a bearish trend. It exhibits several distinct characteristics:

  • Body: The hammer has a small body and may be either shaded or empty.
  • Upper wick: Very little or no upper wick is evident.
  • Lower wick: The length of the lower wick is the key element in the formation of a hammer. It must be extended and at least twice the length of the body.

A hammer illustrates the presence of extreme selling and subsequent buying pressure. This is an indication that price has rejected further extension to the bear and may be poised to rebound or recover fully.

2. Bearish/Bullish Engulfing Patterns

Engulfing patterns are two-candle formations that act as strong evidence that a market reversal may be forthcoming. They are found near the upper and lower extremes of a price range and illustrate that the prevailing trend has been contested and is becoming exhausted.

A bearish engulfing pattern appears near the top of a periodic extreme. It is comprised of the following elements:

  • Candle one: A relatively small, empty body with proportionate wick lengths.
  • Candle two: A much larger, solid body with proportionate wick lengths.

A bullish engulfing pattern has an opposite configuration and is found near the bottom of a periodic extreme:

  • Candle one: A relatively small, solid body with proportionate wick lengths.
  • Candle two: A much larger, empty body with proportionate wick lengths.

The key element of an engulfing pattern is that the second candle’s body encapsulates the entire first candle. This illustrates an initial test of an extreme and strong reversal against the established high or low value of the trading range.

3. Morning and Evening Stars

A three-candle formation, morning and evening stars are extremely popular candlestick reversal patterns. Each is found in the midst of a strong trend and depicts a directional move in price, period of compression, followed by a reversal.

The evening star is found in uptrends, signaling growing bearish participation:

  • Candle one: Large empty body with relatively short upper/lower wicks
  • Candle two: Small empty body with relatively short upper/lower wicks
  • Candle three: Large shaded body with relatively short upper/lower wicks

The morning star appears in downtrends, signaling growing bullish participation:

  • Candle one: Large shaded body with relatively short upper/lower wicks
  • Candle two: Small shaded body with relatively short upper/lower wicks
  • Candle three: Large empty body with relatively short upper/lower wicks

Morning and evening stars clarify the process of trend reversal. They feature robust price action, a period of slowing, and a dramatic change of course. Due to their extended duration, stars are often used in risk management, specifically in determining stop loss locations.

Incorporating Candlesticks into Your Strategy

For more information on how candlestick reversal patterns can help elevate your trading, check out the e-book “12+ Candlestick Formations Every Trader Should Know” available at Daniels Trading. It provides an in-depth synopsis of the whats, whens, and hows of approaching the markets using strategies based on candlestick charting techniques.

Ready to think like a technical trader? Download our free guide to learn how to identify chart formations and take action when the time is right.

Filed Under: Tips & Strategies

About Daniels Trading

Daniels Trading is division of StoneX Financial Inc. located in the heart of Chicago’s financial district. Established by renowned commodity trader Andy Daniels in 1995, Daniels Trading was built on a culture of trust committed to a mission of Independence, Objectivity and Reliability.

Risk Disclosure

The StoneX Group Inc. group of companies provides financial services worldwide through its subsidiaries, including physical commodities, securities, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives, risk management, global payments and foreign exchange products in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdictions where services are provided. References to over-the-counter (“OTC”) products or swaps are made on behalf of StoneX Markets LLC (“SXM”), a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”) and provisionally registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a swap dealer. SXM’s products are designed only for individuals or firms who qualify under CFTC rules as an ‘Eligible Contract Participant’ (“ECP”) and who have been accepted as customers of SXM. StoneX Financial Inc. (“SFI”) is a member of FINRA/NFA/SIPC and registered with the MSRB. SFI does business as Daniels Trading/Top Third/Futures Online. SFI is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a Broker-Dealer and with the CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant and Commodity Trading Adviser. References to securities trading are made on behalf of the BD Division of SFI and are intended only for an audience of institutional clients as defined by FINRA Rule 4512(c). References to exchange-traded futures and options are made on behalf of the FCM Division of SFI.

Trading swaps and over-the-counter derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives and options and securities involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. The information herein is not a recommendation to trade nor investment research or an offer to buy or sell any derivative or security. It does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and does not create a binding obligation on any of the StoneX group of companies to enter into any transaction with you. You are advised to perform an independent investigation of any transaction to determine whether any transaction is suitable for you. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or redistributed without the prior written consent of StoneX Group Inc.

© 2023 StoneX Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Risk Disclosure

The StoneX Group Inc. group of companies provides financial services worldwide through its subsidiaries, including physical commodities, securities, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives, risk management, global payments and foreign exchange products in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdictions where services are provided. References to over-the-counter (“OTC”) products or swaps are made on behalf of StoneX Markets LLC (“SXM”), a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”) and provisionally registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a swap dealer. SXM’s products are designed only for individuals or firms who qualify under CFTC rules as an ‘Eligible Contract Participant’ (“ECP”) and who have been accepted as customers of SXM. StoneX Financial Inc. (“SFI”) is a member of FINRA/NFA/SIPC and registered with the MSRB. SFI does business as Daniels Trading/Top Third/Futures Online. SFI is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a Broker-Dealer and with the CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant and Commodity Trading Adviser. References to securities trading are made on behalf of the BD Division of SFI and are intended only for an audience of institutional clients as defined by FINRA Rule 4512(c). References to exchange-traded futures and options are made on behalf of the FCM Division of SFI.

Trading swaps and over-the-counter derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives and options and securities involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. The information herein is not a recommendation to trade nor investment research or an offer to buy or sell any derivative or security. It does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and does not create a binding obligation on any of the StoneX group of companies to enter into any transaction with you. You are advised to perform an independent investigation of any transaction to determine whether any transaction is suitable for you. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or redistributed without the prior written consent of StoneX Group Inc.

© 2023 StoneX Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

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