Double Top Pattern: Examples and Trading Strategies

When the price reaches the set points, the transaction is completed. The use of Forex double top is widespread among traders in the Forex market. Forex double top pattern looks like the formation of two maxima at a critical resistance level. A double top in Forex implies that the market would likely stop at this level the third time if it has already deviated from it twice. However, some other important aspects must be considered for a template to be handy. After the formation of the second top, the price begins to decline, while the breakout of the neckline indicates an increase in the downward movement.

  • We advise you to carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for you based on your personal circumstances.
  • At that level, sellers come into play and make the price retrace downward.
  • By accurately identifying the pattern, planning entry and exit strategies, and implementing proper risk management techniques, traders can increase their chances of success.
  • The trade setup is formed when the market retests the neckline as new resistance.

Once a double top pattern is identified and confirmed, traders can start planning their entry and exit strategies. One common approach is to enter a short position double top pattern forex strategy once the price breaks below the trough. This is considered a confirmation of the reversal and can be an excellent entry point for a profitable trade.

Use moving average

Seeing two consecutive peaks form at a similar level could lead to a false conclusion that a double top has occurred. This can result in a long position being closed out too early, so be sure to identify a neckline first and then patiently wait for it to break. Double top and bottom patterns are formed from consecutive rounding tops and bottoms. These patterns are often used in conjunction with other indicators since rounding patterns in general can easily lead to fakeouts or mistaking reversal trends.

For this reason, I tend not to separate the two, but I do like to see a well-defined M or W from the patterns I trade. As you can see from the diagram above, the market made an extended move higher but was quickly rejected by resistance (first top). The neckline can be drawn between the first bottom and the second bottom. Especially if it’s in the same direction as the higher timeframe trend.

A double EMA is when you use a short and longer-term moving average. The trough defines the level of this classic chart pattern’s neckline. A sustained break of that neckline level sets up a measured move equal to the vertical distance between the neckline and the double peak. The schematic image below shows what a double-top pattern should generally look like on a line chart. And if the market continues lower, it will trigger the stop losses of breakout traders which fuels further price decline.

  • At this point, if the momentum had continued lower, the pattern would have been void.
  • A double top has an “M” shape and indicates a bearish reversal in trend, while a double bottom has a “W” shape and is a signal for a bullish price movement.
  • The first type is to sell near the moving average when it declines, and the second type involves selling on a second breakout when the price drops below the moving average.
  • To confirm the pattern, the price needs to break the retracement low between the two highs, and the neckline turns into a support level, which then becomes a resistance level.
  • This pattern generally indicates a reversal from the prevailing trend and signals additional upside or downside movement to come.

The pattern ends when the support level is broken at the lowest point between the two highs, and this should happen with a high volume or an accelerated descent. Knowing this, you can apply successful trading strategies for maximum profit. The appearance of a pattern in the chart means that the price has reached a maximum and is ready for a reversal.

To trade a double top, first, spot the pattern and put in a sell order below the “neckline,” the lowest point between the two peaks. When the price falls below the neckline, the pattern is confirmed, and you can enter your sell order. For safety, place a stop-loss order above the higher high of the pattern to prevent losses if the price doesn’t reverse. You can also use a trailing stop-loss to lock in profits as the price moves favorably. While an accuracy estimate will depend on the market traded, double-top patterns are among the more reliable chart patterns traders can use.

Double Bottom

Because we’re trading this double top pattern on the daily chart, we would need to wait for a daily close below neckline support. While these are considered separate technical formations, in my experience, they are remarkably similar to double tops and bottoms. All information on The Forex Geek website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial advice. Any statements about profits or income, expressed or implied, do not represent a guarantee. Your actual trading may result in losses as no trading system is guaranteed.

Trading Forex Using the Double-Top Pattern

Unlike trading a double top, where traders take a short position, after a double bottom, traders would typically take long positions that will profit from the rising price. When the price action hits the second peak and starts to struggle, see if is the RSI is at the overbought market conditions. A double-top pattern is favorable if the price action shows declining, downward, uptrending, or variable Volume. A double-top pattern can be formed after a strong uptrend or consecutive rallies. A double-top actual pattern can signal an uptrend or downtrend reversal. This pattern generally indicates a reversal from the prevailing trend and signals additional upside or downside movement to come.

What is Bull Flag Pattern in Trading

This indicator oscillates between the traditional levels of 70 and 30. The idea is to identify any of the above mentioned bearish candlestick patterns near the second peak. First, take-profit must be at the neckline, whereas the second one can be placed two times above the size of the pattern formed. To confirm a double top pattern, first look for the formation of two successive peaks at roughly the same price level with a moderate trough between them.

Therefore, any accounts claiming to represent IG International on Line are unauthorized and should be considered as fake. 71% of retail client accounts lose money when trading CFDs, with this investment provider. Please ensure you understand how this product works and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing money. The chart below demonstrates when to enter the market, place a stop-loss order, and take profits. The higher the timeframe, the longer the pattern takes to form in the chart.

When this happens, the price is usually said to have formed a double top. No chart pattern is more common in trading than the double bottom or double top. In fact, this pattern appears so often that it alone may serve as proof positive that price action is not as wildly random as many academics claim. Price charts simply express trader sentiment and double tops and double bottoms represent a retesting of temporary extremes. If prices were truly random, why do they pause so frequently at just those points? To traders, the answer is that many participants are making their stand at those clearly demarcated levels.

A good entry point for traders to start short positions is the break of the neckline in a double-top formation. If the price does not break below the neckline, this provides a fixed level at which to enter the market and aids in determining the pattern’s invalidation. The height of the pattern can also be used to predict profit targets, giving traders a distinct moment at which to exit. The slowing momentum may be evidenced through a lagging peak on an oscillator like RSI.

Let’s find out what resistance and support in Forex are, how to identify them, and how to use them in trading. When prices reach support, they can stop falling and start rising again. One way to capitalize on this is to sell assets after a support level is reached and take a profit. Before opening a short trade, wait for a breakout of the neckline and make sure that the price reverses.