A bearish engulfing pattern is a technical chart pattern that indicates a potential reversal from an upward trend to a downward trend. It is named as such because the second candle in the pattern, typically a larger bearish candle, "engulfs" the first, smaller bullish candle. This formation is considered a strong indicator that the upward momentum is weakening and a reversal is likely to occur.
- Formation: The bearish engulfing pattern consists of two consecutive candles. The first candle is a smaller bullish candle, while the second candle is a larger bearish candle that completely engulfs the first candle. This means that the bearish candle's range (high to low) must encompass the entire range of the preceding bullish candle, including its shadows.
- Implications: The appearance of a bearish engulfing pattern after an uptrend suggests that the bullish momentum is waning and a reversal to a downtrend may be imminent. It is often seen as an early warning sign for investors and traders to consider adjusting their positions or implementing risk management strategies.
- Trading strategies: Traders may use the bearish engulfing pattern as a signal to initiate short positions. To mitigate risk, a stop-loss is typically placed just above the high of the engulfing candle. It is important to note that while the pattern is a bearish signal, it should be used in conjunction with other technical indicators for better reliability.