Double Top and Bottom Patterns Defined, Plus How to Use Them (2024)

What Is Double Top and Bottom?

Double top and bottom patterns are chart patterns that occur when the underlying investment moves in a similar pattern to the letter "W" (double bottom) or "M" (double top). Double top and bottom analysis is used in technical analysis to explain movements in a security or other investment, and can be used as part of a trading strategy to exploit recurring patterns.

Key Takeaways

  • Double tops and bottoms are important technical analysis patterns used by traders.
  • A double top has an 'M' shape and indicates a bearish reversal in trend.
  • A double bottom has a 'W' shape and is a signal for a bullish price movement.

Understanding Double Tops and Bottoms

Double top and bottom patterns typically evolve over a longer period of time, and do not always present an ideal visual of a pattern because the shifts in prices don't necessarily resemble a clear "M" or "W". When reviewing the chart pattern, it is important for investors to note that the peaks and troughs do not have to reach the same points in order for the "M" or "W" pattern to appear.

Double top and bottom patterns are formed from consecutive rounding tops and bottoms. These patterns are often used in conjunction with other indicators since rounding patterns in general can easily lead to fakeouts or mistaking reversal trends.

Double Top Pattern

A double top pattern is formed from two consecutive rounding tops. The first rounding top forms an upside-down U pattern. Rounding tops can often be an indicator for a bearish reversal as they often occur after an extended bullish rally. Double tops will have similar inferences. If a double top occurs, the second rounded top will usually be slightly below the first rounded tops peak indicating resistance and exhaustion. Double tops can be rare occurrences with their formation often indicating that investors are seeking to obtain final profits from a bullish trend. Double tops often lead to a bearish reversal in which traders can profit from selling the stock on a downtrend.

Double Top and Bottom Patterns Defined, Plus How to Use Them (1)

Double Bottom Pattern

Double bottom patterns are essentially the opposite of double top patterns. Results from this pattern have the opposite inferences. A double bottom is formed following a single rounding bottom pattern which can also be the first sign of a potential reversal. Rounding bottom patterns will typically occur at the end of an extended bearish trend. The double bottom formation constructed from two consecutive rounding bottoms can also infer that investors are following the security to capitalize on its last push lower toward a support level. A double bottom will typically indicate a bullish reversal which provides an opportunity for investors to obtain profits from a bullish rally. After a double bottom, common trading strategies include long positions that will profit from a rising security price.

Double Top and Bottom Patterns Defined, Plus How to Use Them (2)

Limitations of Double Tops and Bottoms

Double top and bottom formations are highly effective when identified correctly. However, they can be extremely detrimental when they are interpreted incorrectly. Therefore, one must be extremely careful and patient before jumping to conclusions.

For instance, there is a significant difference between a double top and one that has failed. A real double top is an extremely bearish technical pattern which can lead to an extremely sharp decline in a stock or asset. However, it is essential to be patient and identify the critical support level to confirm a double top's identity. Basing a double top solely on the formation of two consecutive peaks could lead to a false reading and cause an early exit from a position.

Double Top and Bottom Patterns Defined, Plus How to Use Them (2024)

FAQs

Double Top and Bottom Patterns Defined, Plus How to Use Them? ›

Double top

Double top
What Is a Double Top? A double top is an extremely bearish technical reversal pattern that forms after an asset reaches a high price two consecutive times with a moderate decline between the two highs. It is confirmed once the asset's price falls below a support level equal to the low between the two prior highs.
https://www.investopedia.com › terms › doubletop
s and bottoms are important technical analysis patterns used by traders. A double top has an 'M' shape and indicates a bearish reversal in trend. A double bottom has a 'W' shape and is a signal for a bullish price movement.

How to read double top and double bottom pattern? ›

A double top is a bearish technical reversal pattern. It is not always easy to spot because there needs to be a confirmation with a break below support. While a double top is a bearish signal, a double bottom is a bullish signal. Top tops usually have an upswing, initial peak, trough, second peak, and neckline.

What is the psychology behind the double bottom pattern? ›

The double bottom pattern is a bullish reversal pattern, which indicates that the downward trend is about to reverse, whereas the double top pattern is a bearish reversal pattern, which indicates that the upward trend is about to reverse.

What is the significance of double top pattern? ›

The double top pattern is a bearish reversal chart pattern. It appears after an extended uptrend and consists of two distinct peaks (resembling the letter “M”) occurring at approximately the same price level. It signals a potential shift from bullish sentiment to bearish sentiment.

How do you use double bottom? ›

It's called a “measured move” or a “measured move objective”, and the concept is easy to understand. To find the measured move objective for a double bottom pattern, you simply take the distance from the two bottoms to the neckline and extend that same distance to a higher, future level in the market.

How to trade forex with an ADX indicator? ›

In this trading strategy an order is placed whenever the +DMI and –DMI lines cross, as long as the ADX is also above 25, indicating a strong trend. When the +DMI line crosses higher it is a buy signal and when the –DMI crosses higher it is a sell signal.

What is the W strategy in trading? ›

The W trading pattern is a technical analysis formation observed on price charts, often signaling a potential bullish reversal in the market. As its name suggests, this pattern resembles the letter “W” and typically consists of two troughs separated by a higher low between them.

What invalidates a double bottom pattern? ›

Any move and close below the neckline invalidates the activated double bottom pattern.

What is the success rate of a double bottom chart pattern? ›

What Is the Success Rate of a Double Bottom? The success rate of a double bottom pattern is 78.55% if the setup is solid. Patterns fail at times so it's important to have risk management strategies in place.

What is the target for a double bottom pattern? ›

An increase in trading volume during the breakout can be a positive sign. Target price: Traders often set a target price by measuring the vertical distance from the lowest point of the double bottom to the resistance line and adding that value to the breakout level. This can provide a potential price target.

What is the best time frame for a double top pattern? ›

Even after meeting resistance, only the possibility of a Double Top Reversal exists. The pattern still needs to be confirmed. The time period between peaks can vary from a few weeks to many months, with the norm being 1-3 months. While exact peaks are preferable, there is some leeway.

How reliable is double top pattern? ›

The double top and double bottom chart pattern is one of the easiest and most reliable candlestick chart patterns. The double top pattern helps in forecasting a possible bearish trend, and the double bottom pattern helps in forecasting a possible bullish trend.

What is the winning rate for the double top pattern? ›

Following are several statistics about the double top: – In 75% of cases, there will be a bearish reversal. – In 71% of cases, the target of the pattern is reached once the neckline is broken. – In 61% of cases, a pullback will occur.

What will happen after a double top pattern? ›

A real double top is an extremely bearish technical pattern which can lead to an extremely sharp decline in a stock or asset. However, it is essential to be patient and identify the critical support level to confirm a double top's identity.

Is double bottom good or bad? ›

What does a double bottom indicate? The double bottom indicates a bullish reversal, as there are two pieces of bullish evidence. In the above chart, the price meets support and the price is unable to make a lower low on the second attempt. Then, the price rallies above the prior swing high, creating a new swing high.

What is double bottom pattern code? ›

A double bottom pattern is a reversal trend that indicates a change in momentum from the prior price action. It depicts the sign of a 'W' on the price chart. The second low in this 'W' pattern encompasses the support level, verifying the double bottom pattern.

How do you calculate target in a double top pattern? ›

One can calculate the target price in a double-top pattern by subtracting the pattern's height from the neckline level. The pattern's height is the vertical distance between the highest peak and the lowest trough (crucial in predicting potential price movements).

What does a double top pattern look like? ›

Double Top Chart Pattern is an M-shaped pattern with two peaks with a moderate decline between them. This is a bearish reversal pattern that usually signals the beginning of a downtrend. The first peak is usually formed after a strong uptrend.

Is double bottom pattern bearish? ›

The double bottom pattern is a bullish reversal pattern that occurs at the bottom of a downtrend and signals that the sellers, who were in control of the price action so far, are losing momentum.

Is a triple top bullish or bearish? ›

A triple top formation is a bearish pattern since the pattern interrupts an uptrend and results in a trend change to the downside. Its formation is as follows: Prices move higher and higher and eventually hit a level of resistance, falling back to an area of support.

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