Harmonic patterns are a sophisticated technical analysis strategy in binary options trading, primarily used to predict price direction in the financial markets. These patterns, which are based on Fibonacci numbers, are crucial in creating effective trading strategies by allowing traders to analyze price movement ranges. In this article, we will show you the strategy and how to use it effectively for binary options trading.
Good to know:
- Harmonic patterns are based on Fibonacci numbers and are used in technical analysis to predict price direction and facilitate precise trading.
- Common harmonic patterns include the Bat, ABCD, Butterfly, Crab, Deep Crab, Shark, Gartley, and Cypher, each with unique Fibonacci measurements and shapes.
- Harmonic patterns are considered effective for binary options trading, with a success rate between 80-90%, provided traders can accurately identify and apply them.
- While harmonic patterns can offer good risk-reward ratios, they require careful analysis and should not be traded blindly without considering market trends and volatility.
What is the harmonic pattern strategy in binary options trading?
What you will read in this Post
The harmonic pattern strategy in binary options trading is a key concept in technical analysis that influences trading strategies by allowing traders to assess the range of price movements.
Generally, harmonic patterns are formed using Fibonacci numbers, which help to predict potential changes in price direction. Known for their precision, harmonic patterns allow traders to make more accurate decisions in their trades.
The most common harmonic patterns include the Bat, ABCD, Butterfly, Crab, Deep Crab, Shark, Gartley and Cypher patterns, each uniquely used to identify different market trends. As part of your trading strategy, use them to determine whether the market is going up or down and make a decision based on that.
How to trade harmonic patterns in binary options trading
In the practical processes of how to trade with harmonic patterns, you should determine whether you see patterns such as the Bat, ABCD, Butterfly, Crab, Deep Crab, Shark or the Gartley pattern. Each has its own unique Fibonacci measures and shapes that can help identify different market trends based on the chart patterns above. It is very important to wait for the formation of the pattern before considering entering the market, as trading prematurely could lead to misjudgements.
It is not only a matter of identifying patterns, but also of properly analysing the conditions in the market. With the help of trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which offer a variety of tools and indicators for recognising and measuring harmonic patterns, binary traders have it easy. These softwares make it simple to identify harmonic patterns.
Once this pattern type is correctly identified in the right markets, entry and exit points need to be determined. For doing so, use stop-loss orders to limit potential losses, set profit targets or implement a trailing stop strategy to manage the trade effectively. An entry point is usually at the end of the pattern itself and in this case the reversal is just around the corner.
Remember: Harmonic pattern trading largely combines very precise appropriation of a pattern, in-depth analysis of market conditions and proper risk management. It is through this combined approach that people make the most of the predictive ability of harmonic patterns to achieve optimum results with their trading decisions.
Do harmonic patterns work for binary options trading?
With high chances of trend reversal and nominal risks, harmonic patterns allow you to execute a trade and work pretty well for binary options trading. The success rate of harmonic patterns is said to be between 80-90%. However, you must know how to recognise and use them. There are more than ten types of these patterns and it’s necessary to know the difference between them.
If you are new to binary trading, you can follow the harmonic patterns to either sell or buy the asset. They offer a good risk/reward ratio, but the key is to master them.
With proper management and learning, you can use these patterns to trade something big. Furthermore, in order to make profits, you must avoid certain points when using harmonic patterns in binary options trading. Here are the things to avoid blindly placing money when you see a pattern forming.
There are different types of harmonic patterns and in order to trade them efficiently, you need to identify the right one. Don’t open a position without properly analysing the type.
Also, avoid trading during the formation of the structure. Let them complete and then invest only your money.
- Not managing your leverages
If you are a beginner, keep the leverage small, as that can prevent you from facing any major losses.
- Do not overlook the trend
There will be times when you’ll see a pattern in the middle of a continuous resilient trend. Try not to execute the trades during such cases as they might not form completely. So, play safe and follow the ongoing trend.
How do I know what harmonic pattern I have?
Different types of harmonic patterns have different Fibonacci measurements and shapes and are made from five turning points. These points are – X, A, B, C, and D.
They all have their unique features, and you can detect them from their shapes and Fibonacci ratios.
Following are the most common harmonic patterns and the way to identify them:
#1 The Bat patterns
As the name suggests, the end product is a bat-shaped trapezoid. It is formed when the market trend switches its course for a while but then again starts following the original one. This pattern indicates a solid entry point.
When the pattern terminates, and the market starts to continue, you will get an opportunity to enter into the market at a good price. The Bat pattern was first recognized in 2001 by Scott Carney. It is an arrangement of 5-point retracements and has Fibonacci measurements on them.
The point ‘D’ of the pattern is called Potential Reversal Zone (PRZ) because it is that area where the price of the asset has high chances of reversal.
How to identify a bat pattern?
There are two ways to identify the pattern:
- First are the Fibonacci measurements.
These ratios help to differentiate the bat pattern from the cipher patterns. In the bat harmonic pattern, the point ‘B’ does not rise above 50% of the ‘XA’ leg’s Fibonacci retracement. But if it does, then the pattern is a cipher.
Bat patterns can be used in all the market types and time frames. However, this pattern appears infrequently on the low time frames, and that’s why, while using on the lower time frame, you have to carefully observe and analyze them.
- The second way to identify it is from its four legs.
The four different legs are:
- X-A = in the bullish bat pattern, this leg is the longest and appears when there is a sharp increase in asset price from point X to point A.
- A-B = this leg retraces 38.2 % to 50 % of the path covered by the XA leg, and there is a reverse in the direction. Also, in a bat pattern, this leg will never retrace past the X point.
- B-C = the path covered by AB leg is retraced between 38.2 % to 88.6 %, and there is a change in price direction again. This leg starts to move in an upward direction, but this leg can never go past A point.
- C-D = at this point, the trades are executed as the pattern ends with the formation of this leg.
A pattern formed in the ‘M’ shape is the bullish bat pattern. However, the opposite formation, i.e., in ‘W’ shape, is the bearish bat pattern.
To use this pattern while trading, make sure that the formation is accomplished. The complete structure has three core elements:
- #1 The AB and CD legs are equal.
- #2 The XA leg has Fibonacci retracement level of 88.6%.
- #3 The BC leg has the Fibonacci extension of 1.618 % to 2.618 %.
Before using this advanced pattern in real trade, plan everything and make a strategy. Any mistake could lead to your monetary loss.
#2 The ABCD patterns
The ABCD pattern or usually known as the AB=CD pattern, is the easiest one to spot and trade. It is composed of four points, A, B, C, and D. For technical traders; it is a valuable technique. It was initially founded by H.M Gartley and later created by Scott Carney and Larry Pesavento.
AB=CD pattern tells you when the price is approaching reversal. With this, you can buy an asset when the price is low but about to go high. And sell an asset when the price is high but about to face a downward trajectory.
Like many patterns, ABCD also has two types- bearish and bullish patterns.
How to recognize bullish ABCD pattern
The AB leg shows the reduction in asset value which is soon followed by a reversal in the direction, making the BC leg go upwards. The trend then again reverses, and the CD leg goes down. This forms the ABCD pattern.
After the completion, again, a reversal is anticipated with an increase in price.
How to recognize bearish ABCD pattern
This pattern is the opposite of the bullish AB=CD pattern. The AB leg moves in the upward direction, but with the change in price, it goes down from BC. This leg gets reversed, and the CD line moves in an upward direction.
After this, the price is expected to reserve and go down again.
The Fibonacci Ratios
- BC = 61.8 % Fibonacci retracement of the AB leg.
- CD = 1.272% Fibonacci extension of BC.
How to trade ABCD pattern?
After the structure is complete, traders can start performing their trades at point D. when there is an uptrend; you can opt for short positions. In the downtrend, you can purchase an asset expecting a reversal.
#1 The Butterfly pattern
It is a price reversal pattern that can be observed at the drawn-out price moves and indicates price solidifications. This is used to decide the conclusion of the price move and the point of beginning of the new trend.
The pattern was founded by Bryce Gilmore and Larry Pesavento and can be used at all times frames. There are varieties of structures for butterfly harmonic patterns. Generally, you can notice it near the extreme high or low point, signaling a reversal.
It also has four legs- XA, AB, BC, and CD which depicts the end of the current price direction. Hence, you can take your positions in the market accordingly. There can be both bullish and bearish butterfly patterns
How to identify Butterfly pattern?
In the bearish form, the XA goes down. Then comes a switch in direction, and AB goes back over 78.6% of the path covered by XA. The BC leg again alters its direction and goes down, retracing the 38.2 to 88.6 % of the path covered by AB. At last, CD outspreads and creates 1.27 or 1.618 % of AB.
The bullish pattern is the same in ratios but different in directions.
#2 The crab patterns
The crab pattern lets you make your trades in extreme lows and highs. This has XA, AB, BC, and CD pattern which was discovered by Scott Carney. Like the other patterns, it also follows an up and downswing.
How to Identify a Crab Pattern?
The XA leg will move in one direction and soon faces a reverse, with AB retracing 38.2 to 61.8 % of the path covered by XA. With an upturn again in the trend, BC retraces between 38.2% – 88.6 % of AB. Here the C will not go past A point.
With a third reversal, the CD will extend up to 161.8% of XA and will become the longest in the whole structure.
In some cases, CD may go between 2.240% – 3.618% of BC.
Identifying the Crab Patterns
For spotting these patterns, observe the following things-
In bullish crab pattern:
- In comparison with A, point C is a lower high.
- Point B is lower high as compared to X.
In bearish crab pattern:
- C is higher low as compared to A.
- B forms a lower high as opposed to X.
The D point passes X and signals a higher high or lower low.
#3 The deep crab pattern
It is the same as the crab pattern but with a small change. It has all its features like – X, A, B, C, D points and extension of point D up to 1.618% and only varies in the retracement of B.
In the deep crab pattern, point B must not surpass X and have 0.886 % of the XA leg.
The prognosis from BC can be around 2.24 to 3.618.
How to Distinguish Deep Crab pattern from Crab Pattern?
Take notice of these things while discerning between both these patterns-
- As compared to the crab pattern, in deep crab, the BC leg is not that intemperate.
- The variations in AB=CD are vibrant in deep crab.
- Point B must have a retracement of at least 0.886%, and the BC leg must be around 2.224 – 3.618%.
#4 The shark pattern
A fairly new pattern in harmonics, the shark patterns were also founded by Scott Carney in 2011. Points used here are- O, X, A, B, and C. This pattern shares some likenesses with the crab and deep crab patterns.
Unlike others, this pattern is not in standard ‘M’ or ‘W’ shaped. It has a Fibonacci level same as deep crab pattern and volatility same as crab pattern. The formation of shark patterns has a small tenure, and that is why it is beneficial for active and intraday traders.
How to Identify Shark Pattern?
It can be either bullish or bearish. When the OX leg goes up, it is bullish, and when it goes down, it is bearish.
In this, the OX is the starting leg that initiates the formation of a pattern. Then the AB will have retracement around 1.13 and 1.618 % of XA. The line extending from B to C will be 1.13% of the OX leg, and BC is also an expansion of XA between 1.16% and 2.24%.
Point D is where the trades start, which is present at the 1.13% extension level of the OX leg, and you can order a stop-loss below 1.15%.
#5 The gartley pattern
It is the widely and frequently used harmonic pattern. The Gartley pattern got its name from its founder H.M Gartley who in 1932 wrote a book establishing the harmonics patterns.
The Gartley pattern helps in recognizing reactions high and low. It also tells the direction of the trend for a long duration. With this pattern, you can get an overview of the magnitude and the timings of the price movements.
The foundation of this pattern is that the Fibonacci ratios can be used in the formation of geometric structures.
It is formed when the market trend continues its original path, changes direction for a short while. With this pattern, you have a low-risk opportunity to enter the market.
How to Identify the Gartley Pattern?
The longest leg is XA. Then with a trend, reverse AB is formed, which is 61.8 % of XA. The B to C movement should be an 88.6% or 38.2% retracement of the AB leg. In case it is 88.6 %, then CD must be 61.8% of BC. And when it is 38.2%, it will become 27.2%. Lastly, the line from C to D will be 78.6% of the XA leg.
#6 The cypher pattern
This pattern has one of the best and precise strike rates. Although it is not often found and forms seldom, you can get a good reward-to-risk ratio from using it properly.
When the market is going strong Gartley pattern is unreliable; therefore, it is mostly used when the market is most stable and calm.
Like all the other harmonic patterns, it is formed with points XABCD, where XA is the starting move.
How to Identify Cypher Harmonic Pattern?
After XA comes a reversal and AB retraces XA between 38.2% to 61.8%. BC must surpass XA between 27.2% or 41.4%. The last leg, that is, the CD, must breach XC’s 78.6%.
What is the use of harmonic patterns?
The first thing is to correctly identify the harmonic patterns and their type, then only start the trade. Examine the pattern and see if there is any chance that the same price movement will occur. If yes, then enter your position.
Make sure that the price is not fluctuating too much and the structure is forming as it should be. You can trade them in any time frame.
For better analysis, traders can also use different indicators and software like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Importance of harmonic patterns
These patterns are a reliable source to forecast price movements. If you can spot the harmonics and use the Fibonacci ratios, the prediction of future price trends will be easier.
This leads to the calculation of reversals, and thus, you can place your trades more efficiently and with limited risks.
Drawbacks of harmonic patterns
As compared to the typical chart patterns, the harmonics are a bit technical. However, they provide you with fixed rules and methods to make trades. They are as helpful as the other chart formations but comes with their own set of drawbacks.
It may happen that you won’t get any trend change at potential reversal zones (PRZ). Therefore, you can use stop-loss near point D at high or low, which will minimize the losses. But it has a restriction as well.
Stop losses, although minimizes the risks, does not consider the volatility of the market like slipping and gapping on the price charts.
Conclusion – use these methods to execute your trades
Harmonic patterns offer binary options traders a valuable method for forecasting price movements, with a high success rate between 80-90%. While they provide a good risk-to-reward ratio, it’s essential for traders to understand and correctly identify these patterns for effective use.
However, traders should be aware of their technical nature and the need for careful application, as they are not always accurate and require a strategic approach to minimize risks and maximize opportunities for profit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are harmonic patterns in technical analysis?
Harmonic patterns are chart patterns used in technical analysis to predict price directions, based on Fibonacci numbers.
What is the success rate of harmonic patterns in trading?
The success rate of harmonic patterns in trading is said to be between 80-90%.
Can harmonic patterns be used for binary options trading?
Yes, harmonic patterns are effective for binary options trading, offering high chances of trend reversal and nominal risks.
What are some common types of harmonic patterns?
Common types of harmonic patterns include the Bat, ABCD, Butterfly, Crab, Deep Crab, Shark, Gartley, and Cypher patterns.