How to Trade the Double Bottom PatternHow to Trade the Double Bottom Pattern
A Double Bottom Pattern is an aggressive bullish trend reversal (or even call the other side a Double Top). It usually has three parts to it: First, a first low. Second, a second low. Third, a third low.
In a double bottom pattern, the first low is followed by a strong push into bear market resistance. The price bounces off that resistance and then repeats the process two times, getting close to a Fibonacci level. At this point, a break out of the trend is likely. A Fibonacci level can be determined by plotting the resistance and support levels on a chart.
Of course, knowing the dynamics behind the double bottom pattern gives us clues about when to enter a trade and which trades should be avoided. At a bare minimum, we should have a basic understanding of technical analysis. Technical analysis uses charts to analyze price movements and its relationship to general economic factors and market expectations.
Technical analysis shows us how price breaks down from a trend in a chart. Prices tend to follow a directional pattern called a trend line. When price breaks out of a trend at a certain point, the trend line becomes broken. In a double bottom pattern, this breakout happens near the continuation of the price trend on a negative slope.
These patterns are called reversal patterns for a reason. When a stock or other investment is poised to reverse out of a trend, a reversal pattern can be indicated. The uptrend is signaled by the break out of the previous trend. And the downtrend is signaled by a break down of the current trend.
A double bottom pattern is created when a stock or security breaks out of a long range (trend) and heads towards a lower timeframe support area. In technical analysis, breakouts are indicators that a stock or security is ready to head towards a reversal pattern. If you are already in a trading position that is favoring a reversal, the best time to enter the market is when the pattern is indicated on a longer chart. If you are not in a position to enter when the pattern is indicated on a shorter timeframe, don’t even think about it! You will be placing too much money in a bad trade.
The double bottom pattern can be created in either a horizontal or vertical bar chart. Either one will work, but it really depends on which chart you choose. Horizontal versions of the pattern are usually indicated on the second day (or day before) of a long bull or bear market. The price of that security may have reversed out of the trend and be ready for a reversal. The longer the time frame, the better!
Vertical versions of the double bottom pattern are more difficult to create and may require the use of candlestick charts. You will see many versions of the pattern were both tops and bottoms are equally represented by candlestick style bars. It is important to be aware that trading with candlesticks means you need to take advantage of the reversal patterns they indicate. You should always treat a trend as a double bottom and work from either the short side (trend) or the long side (counter trend). It doesn’t matter if the trend is sideways (between two bars), moving up (over a bar) or down (nearing a bar).
With the reversal, it’s easy to see how a double bottom pattern can be triggered. When it is released, it means that the price has reversed out of the trend (going down). This opens the door for further gains as the price starts to retrace (go up). When the move is complete, the uptrend has been completed and now the price is set to continue its recovery (move higher). If, however, it’s the other way around (where the downtrend has reached a resistance and the price has started to move up), then a reversal is imminent.
This trading strategy is very effective when used in a combination of other tactics. For instance, if you are already close enough to the support zone (close enough to touch the lower lows and the resistance at the same time), you don’t want to risk exiting your position too early (risking the loss of a small amount of money). Likewise, if you are close enough to the support at the top but not to the tops, it would be a bad idea to exit your trade there either (since you might hit an unfavorable exit limit and be forced to double down or get out of the trade at double the original price). It’s much better to wait for the pattern to reach its highest point on the chart before entering the trade (that way, you’ll have more chances of hitting it with good volume). This is where the trading strategy is most useful. Another trading trading is reversal candlestick patterns which you can take a look too.
The double bottom pattern gives us another tool to use when entering and exiting trades. In fact, it’s probably one of the most important of all. Don’t make the mistake of being too aggressive early in the move. Instead, wait for the price to make a big move higher before entering the trade. It’s better to ride the move and make some profits here than to lose everything in a big downturn.