BEARISH ADVANCE BLOCK
Definition
This pattern consists of three consecutive white candlesticks with consecutively higher closes in an uptrend.
Recognition Criteria
1. The market is characterized by a prevailing uptrend.
2. A white candlestick appears on the first day.
3. The next two days are white candlesticks with each closing above the previous day’s close and having an opening within the range of the previous day’s body.
4. The last two days have long higher shadows.
Pattern Requirements and Flexibility
The first candlestick of a Bearish Advance Block should be a normal or long white candlestick. The following consecutive white candlesticks must open within the range of the previous day’s body, and close above the previous day’s close. The bodies of the three white candlesticks should get shorter, while the higher shadows get longer.
Trader’s Behavior
A strong white candlestick is followed by another white candlestick closing above the previous close. As two consecutive white candlesticks occur, the uptrend seems secure and the bulls are content. The secure uptrend attracts more bulls, and the third day is again a white candlestick that is closing above the previous day’s close. With three white candlesticks, it looks as though bulls rule over the market; however there are signs of weaknesses. First, the bodies get shorter and shorter, showing that indecision is increasing. Second, each day opens within the range of the previous day’s body. Third, the upper shadows are getting longer. While the second and the third days are closing higher, the distance between closes are getting shorter. This means that the uptrend is losing strength and that buyers must be cautious.
Sell/Stop Loss Levels
The confirmation level is defined as the midpoint of the last white body. Prices should cross below this level for confirmation.
The stop loss level is defined as the higher of the last two highs. Following the bearish signal, if prices go up instead of going down, and close or make two consecutive daily highs above the stop loss level, while no bullish pattern is detected, then the stop loss is triggered.