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Double Top Pattern

Learn to recognize and trade a double top pattern through interactive charts.

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What is a double top pattern?

A double top is a bearish pattern, which foreshadows either a medium- or a long-term trend reversal. However, you’ll need to wait for the pattern to prove itself before going short.

Interactive charts:

Download our free chart patterns PDF for a guide to 20 classical chart patterns with over 100 interactive charts, also on TradingView.com.

Double top duration

The peaks are usually separated by 1 to 3 months, but can take longer.

Double top characteristics

This pattern consists of two evenly-sized peaks, separated by a trough.

  1. A double top requires a strong prior uptrend.
  2. The first peak should mark the highest point in the current trend.
  3. The first peak is followed by a trough. The depth of the trough usually varies between 10 and 20%. However, volatile securities like penny stocks or crypto-currencies may experience deeper troughs.
  4. The second peak should be roughly in line with the first. However, it may be a little higher or lower depending on general market conditions and the asset itself.

Trading volumes

A double top has no volume requirements.

Double top trading tips

Wait for the price to fall below the neckline formed by the peaks to confirm the pattern and the trend reversal. Until this happens, the pattern is akin to a rectangle.

Some investors wait for the neckline to act as resistance, rather than support, before opening a short position. You may want to wait a week for support to break decisively, rather than a day or two.

The break below support should happen on rising volumes and show an accelerated move downwards.

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