BEARISH BREAKAWAY
Definition
This four candlestick pattern starts with a strong white candlestick. The next three days after the upside gap set consecutively higher prices. However, the last day completely erases the limited price gains of up days and closes inside the gap between the first and second days. This suggests a short term reversal.
Recognition Criteria
1. The color of the first strong white day represents the current uptrend.
2. The second day is also white and the body gaps in the direction of the trend.
3. The third and fourth days continue the trend direction. It is better if the third day is black, but it may also be white as the fourth day.
4. The fifth day is a black one that closes inside the gap that is formed between the first two days.
Pattern Requirements and Flexibility
The first white candlestick of the Bearish Breakaway should not be short. However, the following three white candlesticks after the gap can be short, while the third candlestick in the middle can be black, too. The last black day should close inside the gap but should not fill the gap.
Trader’s Behavior
The uptrend has accelerated with a big gap and then starts to fizzle, but still moves in the same direction. The slow deterioration of the uptrend is quite evident. Finally, a downward move completely reverses the previous three day’s price action. What causes the reversal implication is that the gap has not been filled. A short term reversal has taken place, but still a confirmation may be necessary.
Sell/Stop Loss Levels
The confirmation level is defined as the last close. Prices should cross below this level for confirmation.
The stop loss level is defined as the last high. 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.