Candlestick patterns can reveal a lot about the underlying market sentiments. Using one of these candlestick patterns without knowing about the previous trends wouldn't be very useful. Based only on the market activity of the previous few days, most candlestick patterns are valid. For instance, some of the candlestick patterns indicate a change in trend. Download your free 82 page pdf candlestick guide with strategy flash cards here:
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When you spot and identify a particular candlestick pattern you should take it as a signal that something is going to happen to the market in the near future. What you should do based on that candlestick pattern depends on the context. Usually the context in which you find the candlestick pattern tells you a great deal about them. Lets consider simple candlestick patterns first.
The Bullish White Marubozu: The longest white candle is the most bullish of the candlestick patterns. It represents the day when bulls control the market and push prices higher from the opening to the closing. With the long white candle closing near the high, chances are the bulls will be back for more buying the following day.
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This means that buying has been taking place all the day. The low price on the candlestick is a good support level with the long white candle. One common feature of the long white candle is an opening price near the low of the day and a closing price near the high of the day.
The Bullish Dragonfly Doji: For a Doji to be created, a day must begin and end with the same price. A Doji is formed when the opening and the closing prices are the same. So essentially there is no stick in the candlestick.
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Doji patterns are usually associated with a market turn. Doji depicts a day where the battle between the bulls and the bears has been fairly equal. A Doji may not look very exciting to you. But dont be fooled.
The price action depicted by the Dragonfly Doji bodes very well for those hoping that prices go higher. The low of the Dragonfly Doji day is considered a near term support level. A Dragonfly Doji is unique in that three of the four candlestick patterns- the open, high and the close are all equal. You can make smart trades based on the Dragonfly Dojis.
The Bearish Long Black Candle: A long black candle means that sellers take over at the beginning of the day. Continuous selling throughout the day pushes prices lower and lower until the end of the day. The long black candle is as bearish as it gets. The long black candle is the direct counterpart of the long white candle discussed earlier.
Price sensitivity is very low for these sellers. These sellers are selling just to get out of their trades. Seeing this type of enthusiastic selling must give you the confidence after the appearance of the long black candle that the bears will be in control for a few more days. The long black candlestick pattern is a good bearish signal. You can capitalize on this fact.
