Reversal Trading and Signals

What Does A Reversal Signify?

Reversals often take place in intraday trading and occur rather quickly, but they also take place over days, months, and years. Reversals happen on distinct timeframes that are relevant to different traders. An intraday reversal on a 5-minute chart does not matter to a long-term trader who is watching for a reversal on weekly or daily charts. However, a 5-minute reversal is crucial to a day trader.

An uptrend, which is a series of higher lows and higher swing highs, reverses into a downtrend by transforming into a series of lower lows and lower highs. A downtrend, which is a series of lower lows and lower highs, reverses into an uptrend by turning into a series of higher lows and higher highs.

Reversals and trends can be identified based on price action only. Moving averages may help in spotting both reversals and trends. In cases where the price is above an escalating moving average, it signifies an uptrend, but when the value drops below the moving average, it can signal a possible price reversal.

Trend lines can also be used to locate reversals while trading. Since an uptrend forms higher lows, a trendline can be made along with those higher lows. When the price falls below the trendline, it could signal a trend reversal.

If reversals were simple to identify, to differentiate from brief pullbacks or noise, reversal trading would be easy. However, it is not. Whether utilising indicators or price actions, many false signals take place and sometimes reversals occur so quickly that traders are unable to act swiftly enough to prevent a huge loss.

Practical Entry Strategies For Reversal Trading

Capturing trending movements in security can be profitable, but getting caught in a reversal is something most traders fear. If you are thinking about beginning reversal trading and are wondering how to enter the reversal at the correct time, consider the following strategies.

1. Lower Low And Higher High

The first entry strategy in reversal trading is a classical chart analysis technique: trends mark higher highs and higher lows in an uptrend and lower highs and lower lows in a downtrend. So, what happens if you see a higher high in a downtrend or lower low in an uptrend? Yes, there is a high possibility of a reversal occurring, and you can consider looking for entries.

2. Break Of A Local Level

As an extension of the former concept of lows and highs, we are now going to find out how you can trade the level break. A level is an area in which a price has previously seen multiple reactions. Not only support and resistance but also demand and supply can act as levels. 

The most notable levels are those that have been examined both from above and below. Finally, levels do not always have to be just a single price, but can be a domain in which the price is more likely to react.

The price will react commonly at these levels, often in the form of a move in the opposite direction or a bounce. In this case, it can be said that the level holds. However, occasionally, these levels will crack and this, again, can be the right time to get into reversal trading.

3. Momentum H4

Momentum is one of the most important signs that the price will move in the same direction. We talk about a momentum candle, which is when a candle is significantly larger than the preceding candles. Mostly, momentum candles close strong; this means that there is no-to-little wick then the candle closes.

For example, in a candlestick chart, you see price contracts initially with small candles within a compact motion range. Then, suddenly, you see a bullish momentum candle, which is significantly bigger than the previous candles. This candle also crosses the moving average and then follows an uptrend. If you see such a pattern, entering reversal trading can prove to be lucrative.

4. Pin And Drive H4

The pin and drive pattern mixes two concepts: momentum and price rejection. The price rejection signals that while the price level was tested, it was pushed down again violently, forming the pin (bar.) Then, a momentum candle comes in indicating a powerful push in the opposite direction.

5. Break And Retest

A break and retest pattern usually takes place in combination with a reversal pattern. At a particular point, the price enters into a new trend, but just before this occurs, the price continues in the original direction. It is also a good signal to enter reversal trading.

6. Sushi Roll

Sushi roll is a period of ten bars during which the initial five bars are confined within a compact range of lows and highs and the later five bars engulf the initial five with both a lower low and higher high. The pattern is similar to a bullish or bearish engulfing pattern except that it is composed of several bars instead of two single bars. If sushi roll happens during an uptrend, the trader can enter a short position or sell a long position.

The name of the sushi roll indicator has nothing to do with the Japanese dish. This indicator’s creator was inside a Japanese restaurant and was discussing this strategy. At the same time someone ordered a sushi roll, and this is how this indicator got its name.

Sushi roll does not only indicate the right time for entering but also for exiting. When a sushi roll pattern flashes in a downtrend, it warns of a potential trend reversal, displaying a potential opportunity to exit or buy a short position.

Limitations In Using Reversals

Reversals will always happen in financial markets. Prices will always reverse at some point and have several upside and downside reversals over time. One must not ignore reversals to avoid risks.

Reversals cannot be determined in their early stages and are often considered to be a pullback. By the time a reversal is prominent, the price might have already moved a notable distance, resulting in a significant profit or loss erosion for the trader. This is why trend traders often leave while the price is still continuing in their direction.

The Bottom Line

Reversals are a strong signal or shift in the trend. If traders can identify these signals at the correct time, they can make huge profits and avoid significant losses. However, reversals can often be confused with pullbacks, which are brief reversals in the price action of a security.

A really powerful reversal trade will usually combine several of the abovementioned strategies. For example, the momentum candle and the break of a local level. There are also several other strategies but these easy ones will inspire you to start looking at entering reversals yourself.