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Technical Analysis

Fibonacci Retracements

Overview

Fibonacci retracements identify potential support and resistance levels by measuring the percentage pullback of a prior price swing using key Fibonacci ratios: 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, and 78.6%. These levels often coincide with where pullbacks within trends tend to find support or resistance, making them essential for entry timing.

Key Concepts

Key levels: 0.236, 0.382, 0.5, 0.618, 0.786. Measure from swing low to swing high (uptrend) or swing high to swing low (downtrend). 0.618 is the 'golden ratio' — the most widely watched retracement level. Fibonacci clusters: when levels from different swings converge. Extensions: 1.272, 1.618, 2.618 for profit targets.

Entry Signals

Buy at 0.618 retracement with price action confirmation, Entry at Fibonacci cluster zone (multiple timeframe levels converging), 0.786 retracement as the last opportunity before invalidation, Combine with horizontal S/R for confluence

Exit Signals

Enter at Fibonacci level, stop beyond the next deeper level or swing extreme. Target the Fibonacci extension (1.272 or 1.618). Partial profits at key Fibonacci levels as price extends.

Best Timeframes

Apply to the most recent clean swing on the timeframe you're trading

Pro Tips

Fibonacci levels are not magic — they work because millions of traders watch them, creating self-fulfilling prophecy. The 0.618 and 0.5 levels are by far the most reliable. Always combine with other confirmation.

More Topics in This Category

RSI & Stochastic Oscillators

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Stochastic Oscillator are bounded momentum indicators that identify overbought and oversold conditions. RSI (default: 14) ranges from 0-100; readings above 70 suggest overbought, below 30 oversold. Stochastic (default: 14, 3, 3) measures where the close falls within the recent high-low range.

Divergence Trading

Divergence occurs when price action and an indicator (RSI, MACD, CCI, OBV) move in opposite directions, signaling weakening momentum and potential reversals. Regular divergence signals reversal. Hidden divergence signals continuation. Divergence is a leading signal — it warns of momentum shifts before they appear in price.

Gap Trading Strategies

Gaps occur when price opens significantly above or below the prior close, leaving an unfilled space on the chart. Gap trading strategies exploit the tendency for gaps to either fill (price returning to close the gap) or continue (price extending in the gap direction). Understanding gap types — common, breakaway, runaway, and exhaustion — helps traders determine whether to fade the gap or trade its continuation.

Chart Patterns (H&S, Wedges, Flags)

Chart patterns are geometric price formations that signal continuation or reversal. Major patterns include: Head & Shoulders (reversal), Double Top/Bottom (reversal), Bull/Bear Flags (continuation), Rising/Falling Wedges (reversal), Ascending/Descending Triangles (continuation/reversal). All are measured-move patterns with projected price targets.