Get the Edge – Harness the Double Top Pattern in Your Strategy

A double-top pattern is among the most popular charting patterns to identify oversold and overbought markets. It is formed when the price of a stock, forex currency, or any other asset retraces its uptrend and includes a second peak at a lower level. The pattern often indicates that the market has bottomed and is about to move higher.

double top pattern

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The pattern is seen in numerous financial markets, such as stock markets, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies. Double-top patterns indicate reversal points when spotted in charts for currencies like EUR/USD or GBP/USD. While double-full patterns are reversal indicators, double-bottom patterns are indicators of consolidation. This blog post will cover double-top chart pattern analysis and how to trade it using technical analysis.

What Is a Double Top?

A double-top trading pattern comprises two peaks above a support level known as the neckline. The design is confirmed when the bearish trend breaks through the neckline and continues downwards. When forex traders spot an actual double top formation, they will seek to enter a long position at the second peak.

Traders will note how Volume usually trends downward during the formation of double tops, which indicates that the market is weakening. In short, double-top patterns are similar to double-bottom and triple-top triple-bottom patterns. These three trading indicators point to a price action reversal and indicate that sentiment has reversed sharply.

Key Takeaways

A double-top pattern is a bearish technical reversal pattern identified when a break below support follows two successive peaks of nearly the same size. A double-full design often shows up in an uptrend and reverses the trend to the downside when the support line is broken. Traders typically look for confirmation of a double top pattern when the price breaks below the low of the pullback between the two tops, indicating a bearish sentiment. In a downtrend, double-full designs are generally considered a sign of weakness and can be used to enter long positions in anticipation of a potential reversal.

The traditional entry point is when the price confirms the pattern by breaking below the low of the pullback in-between the two tops. Increased Volume usually trends downward, which is more favorable than uptrending or erratic low Volume.

What Does A Double Top Tell You?

A double-top reversal pattern is a bearish pattern characterized by two peaks above a support level known as the neckline. The design is confirmed when the trend moves through the neckline level of support and the bearish trend reversal continues. Traders sometimes use the double top pattern to anticipate a bearish reversal, and a short position is opened at the height of the second peak. Its counterpart, the double bottom, is a bullish reversal pattern with two lows below a resistance level, also called the neckline. As a trader, it’s essential to understand double-top and double-bottom practices and how they can indicate future market direction.

double top example

What does a double-top pattern look like?

A double-top pattern is a reversal pattern that resembles the letter “M” and is formed by two peaks above a neckline. Generally, the neckline marks the price where the second top begins to develop, and it can be drawn through the intermediate peaks of the pattern. The second top doesn’t need to reach the same level as the first one, but it may be slightly above or below. A double top pattern is often identified by placing a sell order when the price breaks the neckline or retests it.

The pattern can be used when you are bullish on a particular asset but don’t want to hold on to your position for too long. As with other reversal patterns, double-top patterns are indicators of potential reversals in price trends.

How to identify a double-top pattern?

A double-top pattern is a technical pattern characterized by two peaks of similar height and width. To identify the way, look for peaks on a chart and draw the neckline or support level between them. You can use indicators such as moving averages (MA), oscillators, or relative strength index (RSI) to confirm the pattern. When the price advances to the second peak, it slows and decreases Volume. The design consists of three main elements: first and second height and the neckline between them.

A double-top pattern indicates that the price has hit its peak and reversed, having reached its bottom. An uptrend follows this reversal.

The peak reversal of the double-top pattern signifies that value investors should buy on the pullback after seeing a double-bottom reversal pattern on the chart.

Trading stocks and other assets with double top chart pattern

The double-full chart pattern is a chart formation that indicates a reversal in an upward trend. It is commonly seen on forex and equity charts. The double-full pattern is formed when the asset’s price touches the previous peak and returns to the same level.

This pattern is a bearish reversal signal, especially in bear markets. Traders can use a screener to manually look through forex pairs, stocks, indices, or commodities for a double top or bottom patterns. If they spot any of these chart formations, it can act as a warning that the market may be reversing course.

Spotting the double-top pattern

A double-top pattern is a reversal pattern that develops in markets when the price of a security rises and falls back and forth between two peaks of nearly equal height. It is also known as the ‘M-shaped pattern’ and consists of two extreme, almost identical-sized mountains and a bottom in between. The peaks are separated by a decline, known as the neckline, typically 10-20% of the second peak’s high.

The pattern generally appears after strong uptrends and can last for months. Regarding technical analysis, double tops are viewed as bearish reversal patterns indicating that investor sentiment has turned bearish and selling pressure has built up. They tend to appear when prices have reached extreme levels and are about to fall back, forming an area short-covering rally and signaling the possibility of a reversal.

The peaks are usually followed by periods of consolidation and then another sharp decline, signaling the reversal trend has resumed. The Volume on double tops tends to trend downward, which is considered more favorable than uptrending or erratic volume trends.

Thus, spotting double-top patterns quickly can help investors make timely market calls more accurately.

How to trade a breakout test of Double Bottom and Double Top?

Trading a breakout test of Double Bottom and Double Top is a popular strategy among traders. It requires careful analysis of the chart to identify the pattern and then look for confirmation of the breakout. Traders should place their entry order at the resistance or broken support level, depending on which way the breakout occurs.

Stop loss orders should be placed just above or below the critical support level, and take profit orders should be placed at levels that provide a reasonable risk-reward ratio. Traders should also consider any other technical indicators they use and ensure they agree with the overall trend before entering into trade forex. With patience, discipline, and proper risk management, trading a breakout test of Double Bottom and Double Top can be very rewarding.

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How do you trade double-top patterns?

A double-top pattern is a reversal pattern traders use to identify potential shorting opportunities.

A double-top pattern is characterized by two peaks of the same price on a chart. The first peak is called the ‘resistance top,’ and the second is the ‘support top.’ After the second peak, the price plunges to the level of the second low, then rebounds, forming a trading session range. Traders may place a stop-loss order above the second high or a recent swing high as profit targets.

When analyzing weekly or daily charts for double top patterns, it’s essential to note features like peaks and troughs and their relationship to previous price action. This can help identify signs of reversal in price movements and indicate the future price direction.

A double-top actual pattern can signal an uptrend or downtrend reversal. This pattern generally indicates a reversal from the prevailing trend and signals additional upside or downside movement to come.

Place a sell order when the price breaks the neckline.

A double-top pattern can be identified when the price of an asset rises to a certain level before retreating twice. This pattern is popular among technical analysts because it provides good opportunities for short-term stock investors to profit. Investors must be careful about the stop-loss and take-profit settings when trading double-top patterns. Stop-loss orders ensure the trader automatically sells an asset when its price falls below a certain level. The take-profit parameter sets the maximum profit that an investor is willing to take from a security investment.

A double top pattern can be exploited by placing sell orders when the price of an asset breaks the neckline and retesting the neckline as resistance. This strategy allows traders to gain from short-term price movements and protect investments against sudden losses. Alternatively, traders can wait for the asset to trade below the neckline/support before going short when the price retests the neckline as resistance. This approach helps achieve better returns with less risk over some time.

Place a sell order when the price retests the neckline.

A double top pattern consists of three main elements: first high, second high, and neckline. When trading double full marks, it is recommended to place a sell order when the price retests the neckline as resistance. After the price has retested the neckline, the stop loss should exceed the new resistance area. The profit target can be estimated by taking the length of the pattern and extending the distance from the neckline. A double-top design can indicate shorting opportunities, and it is best to place an order to sell once the price breaks through the neckline or when the price retests the neckline. This pattern still needs to be a good indicator of possible short-term price reversal.

pattern explained

The Difference Between a Double Top and a Failed Double Top

Trading the double top chart pattern that occurs when an asset’s price reaches a high, pulls back, and then comes to the same high again. This indicates that the upward momentum has been exhausted, and the asset’s price will likely fall. A failed double top is similar but occurs when the support fails to reach the same high twice, indicating that there may be more upside potential.

The difference between a double top and a failed double top can help traders identify potential market trends and decide when to enter or exit positions. While a double top might suggest selling opportunities, a failed double top could signal buying opportunities as it implies underlying solid demand for the asset and further upside potential. Therefore, traders must understand these chart patterns’ differences to make informed trading decisions.

Is the double-top pattern bullish or bearish?

The double-top pattern is a bearish reversal pattern, indicating a potential downward reversal in price. The chart pattern comprises two peaks positioned at the same level and a neckline connecting the peaks. Traders will typically open a short position at the height of the second peak in anticipation of the bearish signal reversal, anticipating more bearish price action.

The double-top pattern is formed at the end of an uptrend, signaling that an asset has peaked and is now declining. The pattern indicates a peak-to-trough decline, meaning prices fall sharply from one extreme to another. In technical analysis, double-top patterns are known as reversal patterns.

The double-top pattern can be considered bullish if both peaks are higher than the neckline and there is no bearish reversal signal after both extremes have been touched. A double-bottom design is similar but indicates a downtrend instead of an uptrend.

Traders should familiarize themselves with chart patterns and the different signals they indicate to become proficient in their trading strategies.

Failed double-top pattern

A double-top reversal pattern is bearish on bar, line, and candlestick charts. It consists of two peaks of nearly the same size and a bottom between them. The pattern is considered failed when the bullish trend does not break through the neckline level and continues upwards.

A double-top pattern is favorable if the price action shows declining, downward, uptrending, or variable Volume. A double-top pattern can be formed after a strong uptrend or consecutive rallies.

This pattern occurs when the market becomes too bullish and quickly turns bearish.

Also, a double-top pattern indicates that the market may be overbought, so it should be cautiously approached.

Double top vs. double bottom pattern

A double-top chart pattern is a reversal pattern in the technical analysis of stock prices. It occurs when the price of a security falls to a support level and then rallies back above that level. The pattern is characterized by two lows below a resistance level, also known as the neckline, and is considered bullish since it indicates a reversal in the bearish trend.

A double bottom chart pattern is similar to the double top design, except that it occurs after an uptrend and is identified by two peaks above a support level, also called the neckline. In this case, the pattern indicates a bearish reversal and is associated with losses in the price of stocks.

The only way to confirm a double top chart pattern is by breaking through the neckline and continuing downwards. A reversal signal would be signaled when the bearish trend ends and the price breaks below the support level.

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Pros and cons of the double-top pattern

A double-top pattern is a reversal pattern that often develops when the security price breaks out above a resistance level and then reverses, falling below its previous support level.

This pattern consists of two price highs at the same level and a neckline that acts as local support.

Traders often seek to open short positions when the price breaks below the neckline, indicating that the bullish trend has been broken and volatility is increasing.

The double-top pattern develops quickly, taking only several weeks to complete.

Three main elements must be observed to identify a double top pattern: first high, second high, and neckline.

The first high means a peak in the price above the neckline; the second is the price peak after the first high has been reached.

With this pattern, there must be an increase in Volume on both peaks, and each signals the end of an uptrend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the double-top pattern bullish or bearish?

The double-top pattern is considered a bearish reversal pattern and indicates a potential downward reversal in the market. It is formed at the end of an uptrend and signals that sellers are beginning to prevail. The double-top pattern comprises two peaks above a support level known as the neckline. For the double full pattern to be confirmed, the trend must retrace more significantly than after the initial retracement following the first peak.

How to confirm a double-top pattern?

To confirm a double top pattern, first look for the formation of two successive peaks at roughly the same price level with a moderate trough between them. The second peak should be lower than the first one and align with the previous high. If these criteria are met, then you can start to make confirmation by looking for evidence of bearish activity.

This could include a decrease in Volume as prices reach resistance levels, an increase in selling pressure as prices approach resistance levels, and a shift from buying to selling sentiment among traders. If all these factors come together, the double top pattern will likely be confirmed, and you can enter into short positions.

What happens after a double-top pattern?

When the price of a cryptocurrency crosses the neckline (the line that marks the bottom of the previous uptrend), a sell order is automatically placed. This means the trader is selling their holdings at the current price and hoping to make a profit.

Once the neckline is broken and the price falls, traders look to enter long positions. A long post is when a trader buys cryptocurrency at a lower price and hopes to sell it at a higher price. The trend is confirmed when the bullish trend breaks through the neckline and the price rises again.

Where to place a take-profit when you trade Double Bottom and Double Top patterns?

When trading Double Bottom and Double Top patterns, the best place to place a take-profit is on the’s highway. This means you will first buy-in at the bottom of the way and then sell at the top.

For Double Bottom patterns, traders may place a stop-loss order above the second high, a resistance point. When trading a double-top design, traders look for long positions that will profit from the rising price. Traders can use the’s highway, from the high to the swing low, to calculate a profit target.

How do you recognize a double-top pattern?

When trading the markets, it can be tricky to spot reversal chart patterns like a double top and double bottom. However, by understanding the basics of charting and technical analysis, you can identify these patterns and make informed trading decisions.

A double-top pattern is a bearish reversal pattern formed when a security’s price hits the same high twice and declines afterward. This pattern is identified through two highs at the same level and a neckline that acts as local support. Traders typically wait for the price to break below the neckline before entering a short position. The double-top pattern is commonly compared to the double-bottom design, a bullish reversal pattern. When trading a double complete metatrader 4 strategy, traders may place a sell order when the price breaks the neckline or retests the neckline.

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Conclusion

A double-top pattern is a chart pattern that occurs when the price of asset tests and then breaks a support level. It indicates intense buying pressure, and the asset’s cost may increase. If the price fails the support level and retests it, this pattern suggests low selling pressure, and the investment cost may drop. A double-double-bottoms is similar to the double-top design but usually occurs when asset tests and breaks a support level. Both ways indicate that market participants believe the asset price will rise. However, the double-top design is bullish, while the double-bottom pattern signals bearishness. Identifying these chart patterns in advance can help you make better investment decisions.

Author: Dominic Walsh
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I am a highly regarded trader, author & coach with over 16 years of experience trading financial markets. Today I am recognized by many as a forex strategy developer. After starting blogging in 2014, I became one of the world's most widely followed forex trading coaches, with a monthly readership of more than 40,000 traders! Make sure to follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube| Twitter | Pinterest | Medium | Quora | Reddit | Telegram Channel

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