Falling Three Methods Pattern
- Falling Three Methods Pattern
The **Falling Three Methods** pattern is a bearish reversal pattern in technical analysis that signals a potential continuation of a downtrend. It's a five-candlestick pattern that appears after an uptrend or within a downtrend, suggesting that selling pressure is increasing and a price decline is likely. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, identifying, and trading the Falling Three Methods pattern, geared towards beginner traders. We will cover its formation, psychology, confirmation, trading strategies, limitations, and how it relates to other candlestick patterns.
Formation of the Falling Three Methods Pattern
The Falling Three Methods pattern consists of five candlesticks and forms as follows:
1. **First Candle (Long Bullish Candle):** This is a long, white (or green) candlestick that represents the prevailing uptrend. It indicates strong buying pressure. This candle establishes the initial bullish sentiment that will be challenged.
2. **Second Candle (Long Bearish Candle):** A long, black (or red) candlestick follows, opening *higher* than the close of the first candle but closing *lower* than the open of the first candle. This signifies the initial challenge to the uptrend. The length of this bearish candle is crucial; it should ideally be significantly longer than the first bullish candle, demonstrating strong selling pressure. This is the first "method" of falling prices.
3. **Third Candle (Doji):** A Doji candlestick appears next. A Doji is characterized by having a very small body, indicating that the opening and closing prices are almost identical. The Doji represents indecision in the market. It essentially pauses the downward momentum, creating uncertainty. A Doji can be a Gravestone Doji (long upper shadow), Dragonfly Doji (long lower shadow), or a neutral Doji. The specific type of Doji isn’t critical for the pattern’s identification, but a Gravestone Doji strengthens the bearish signal.
4. **Fourth Candle (Long Bearish Candle):** Another long, black (or red) candlestick forms, opening *higher* than the close of the third candle (Doji) but closing *lower* than the close of the second bearish candle. This further confirms the selling pressure and is the second "method" of falling prices. Again, the length of this candle is significant.
5. **Fifth Candle (Long Bearish Candle):** The final candlestick is a long, black (or red) candlestick, opening *higher* than the close of the fourth candle but closing *lower* than the close of the fourth candle. This is the third "method" of falling prices and decisively confirms the reversal. The close of this final candle is below the open of the first candle, completing the pattern.
Key Characteristics
- The pattern is considered more reliable when the first bullish candle is part of a well-defined uptrend.
- The three bearish candles (2nd, 4th, and 5th) typically have similar closing levels, forming a horizontal line of support that is eventually broken.
- The gaps between the opening of each bearish candle and the close of the previous candle are important. These gaps highlight the increasing selling pressure.
- Volume typically decreases during the formation of the Doji and increases during the subsequent bearish candles, confirming the shift in momentum. Consider analyzing volume analysis alongside this pattern.
Psychology Behind the Pattern
The Falling Three Methods pattern reflects a shift in market sentiment from bullish to bearish. Here’s a breakdown of the psychological stages:
1. **Initial Bullishness:** The first long bullish candle represents the continued optimism of buyers.
2. **Emerging Doubt:** The first long bearish candle introduces doubt. Buyers try to push the price higher, but strong sellers quickly overpower them, pushing the price back down.
3. **Indecision and Pause:** The Doji signifies indecision. Both buyers and sellers are momentarily balanced, creating a pause in the downward momentum. This pause can lull some traders into believing the downtrend is over.
4. **Confirmation of Selling Pressure:** The second long bearish candle confirms that sellers are still in control, invalidating the temporary optimism created by the Doji.
5. **Decisive Reversal:** The final long bearish candle seals the reversal, demonstrating that sellers have definitively taken control and are driving the price lower. This often triggers further selling as traders react to the breaking of support. Understanding market psychology is crucial for interpreting this pattern.
Confirmation of the Pattern
While the formation of the pattern is important, confirmation is crucial before executing a trade. Relying solely on the pattern's appearance can lead to false signals. Here are some ways to confirm the pattern:
- **Volume:** A significant increase in volume during the formation of the final bearish candle strongly confirms the pattern. Higher volume indicates strong participation from sellers.
- **Break of Support:** A clear break below the low of the second, fourth, and fifth bearish candles confirms the pattern and suggests further downside potential.
- **Technical Indicators:** Confirming signals from other technical indicators can increase the reliability of the pattern. For example:
* **Moving Averages:** A bearish crossover of moving averages (e.g., a shorter-term moving average crossing below a longer-term moving average) can confirm the downtrend. Explore moving average strategies. * **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** An RSI reading above 70 (overbought) followed by a decline below 70 can confirm the reversal. Learn more about RSI indicators. * **Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD):** A bearish MACD crossover can confirm the downward momentum. * **Fibonacci Retracement Levels:** If the pattern forms near a key Fibonacci retracement level, it adds to the confirmation.
- **Trend Lines:** Breaking a previously established uptrend line alongside the pattern’s formation provides strong confirmation. Trendline analysis is valuable here.
Trading Strategies for the Falling Three Methods Pattern
Here are some common trading strategies based on the Falling Three Methods pattern:
1. **Short Entry:** The most common strategy is to enter a short position (sell) when the fifth candlestick closes, confirming the pattern and the break of support.
2. **Stop-Loss Placement:** Place a stop-loss order slightly above the high of the first bullish candle or the high of the second bearish candle. This limits potential losses if the pattern fails.
3. **Take-Profit Target:** A common take-profit target is the distance between the high of the first candle and the low of the second bearish candle, projected downwards from the entry point. Alternatively, use support levels identified through support and resistance levels as potential take-profit targets.
4. **Conservative Approach:** Wait for a retest of the broken support level (now resistance) before entering a short position. This provides a more conservative entry point with a higher probability of success. Retest strategies can be useful.
5. **Risk-Reward Ratio:** Always aim for a favorable risk-reward ratio (e.g., 1:2 or higher) to ensure that the potential profit outweighs the potential loss.
Example Trade
Let's say the first bullish candle closes at $100. The pattern forms, and the fifth bearish candle closes at $95, breaking below the support level. You enter a short position at $95. You place a stop-loss order at $102 (slightly above the high of the first candle). Your take-profit target is $90 (calculated by projecting the distance between $100 and $95 downwards from $95).
Limitations of the Falling Three Methods Pattern
Despite its effectiveness, the Falling Three Methods pattern has limitations:
- **False Signals:** Like all technical patterns, the Falling Three Methods pattern can produce false signals. The pattern may form, but the price may not reverse as expected. This is why confirmation is crucial.
- **Time Frame:** The pattern is more reliable on longer time frames (e.g., daily, weekly) than on shorter time frames (e.g., 1-minute, 5-minute). Shorter time frames are more prone to noise and false signals. Consider time frame analysis.
- **Market Conditions:** The pattern’s effectiveness can be influenced by overall market conditions. In a strong bull market, the pattern may be less reliable.
- **Subjectivity:** Identifying the pattern can be somewhat subjective, as the length and appearance of the candlesticks can vary.
- **Gap Sensitivity:** The gaps between candles are important, but their interpretation can be subjective.
Relationship to Other Candlestick Patterns
The Falling Three Methods pattern is related to several other candlestick patterns:
- **Bearish Engulfing Pattern:** Similar to the second candle in the Falling Three Methods pattern, the Bearish Engulfing pattern signals a potential reversal.
- **Evening Star Pattern:** The Doji in the Falling Three Methods pattern is similar to the star in the Evening Star pattern, which also indicates a bearish reversal.
- **Three Black Crows:** This pattern consists of three consecutive bearish candlesticks. The Falling Three Methods pattern adds the initial bullish candle and the Doji for a more nuanced signal.
- **Dark Cloud Cover:** This pattern shares similarities with the initial bearish candle in the Falling Three Methods pattern, indicating a potential reversal of an uptrend. Comparing these patterns will improve your candlestick pattern recognition.
Resources for Further Learning
- Investopedia: [1](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/falling-three-methods.asp)
- Babypips: [2](https://www.babypips.com/learn-forex/candlestick-patterns/falling-three-methods)
- TradingView: [3](https://www.tradingview.com/education/candlestick-patterns-falling-three-methods-0982/)
- School of Pipsology: [4](https://www.schoolofpipsology.com/candlesticks/falling-three-methods/)
- FX Leaders: [5](https://fxleaders.com/trading-education/candlestick-patterns/falling-three-methods/)
- The Pattern Site: [6](https://thepatternsite.com/falling-three-methods)
- DailyFX: [7](https://www.dailyfx.com/education/candlestick-patterns/falling-three-methods.html)
- Candlestick Forum: [8](https://candlestickforum.com/falling-three-methods/)
- StockCharts.com: [9](https://stockcharts.com/education/chart-analysis/candlestick-patterns-falling-three-methods)
- Trading Strategy Guides: [10](https://tradingstrategyguides.com/falling-three-methods-candlestick-pattern/)
- Forex Factory: (Search for Falling Three Methods in their forum) [11](https://www.forexfactory.com/)
- YouTube - Various Tutorials (Search "Falling Three Methods" on YouTube)
- Books on Technical Analysis: Consider reading books by authors like John Murphy and Steve Nison. Technical Analysis Books are a great resource.
- Explore harmonic patterns for more advanced pattern recognition.
- Learn about Elliott Wave Theory for a broader understanding of market cycles.
- Understand the concept of Ichimoku Cloud for another layer of analysis.
- Research Bollinger Bands for volatility-based trading.
- Study Parabolic SAR as a trend-following indicator.
- Learn how to use ATR (Average True Range) for gauging market volatility.
- Explore Fibonacci Trading techniques.
- Understand Gap Analysis in relation to candlestick patterns.
- Learn about Chart Patterns in general.
- Study Wyckoff Method for detailed market analysis.
- Investigate Point and Figure Charting.
Start Trading Now
Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)
Join Our Community
Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners