The piercing pattern

Some candlestick price patterns are well known, like shooting stars, hammer reversal bars, and engulfing bars. However, some of the less well-known candlestick price patterns are worth noting when reading price charts. This is particularly helpful when you are managing a position on the longer-term charts. First, let’s look at the piercing pattern with an example of how this looks from Apple’s price charts.

The piercing pattern described

The piercing pattern is a candlestick pattern used in trading to show that a downtrend might be ending and the price could start going up. It has two candlesticks. It is particularly useful when assessing whether a downtrend is about to come to an end. The pattern is subtle and easily overlooked, so this is what to specifically look for. Note the gap that is needed for the second candlestick pattern.

  • Candlestick 1: The first candlestick in the pattern is a bearish candlestick, indicating selling pressure. It represents a continuation of the existing downtrend and opens near or above the previous candlestick’s close.

  • Candlestick 2: The second candlestick is a bullish candlestick, which opens lower than the previous candlestick’s close. Note: There is a price gap between the close of the first candlestick and the open of the second candlestick. Intraday, it would look like the bears are taking prices to even lower lows. However, the tide changes with the second candlestick.

  • Close of candlestick 2: The crucial aspect of the piercing pattern comes with the second candlestick, as it must close at least halfway into the real body of the first candlestick. In other words, the second candlestick’s closing price is significantly higher than the first candlestick’s midpoint.

The piercing pattern on the charts

Take a look here for a market example of what candlestick 1 and candlestick 2 from the Apple Weekly chart should look like.

Chart


Learn more about HYCM


Our products and commentary provides general advice that do not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. The content of this website must not be construed as personal advice.

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD: Under pressure as Fed tone, trade progress fuel US Dollar rebound

EUR/USD: Under pressure as Fed tone, trade progress fuel US Dollar rebound

EUR/USD slipped back below 1.1200 on Friday, hitting four-week lows. The Greenback closed its third consecutive week of gains on easing trade jitters. Trade tensions remain in centre stage ahead of the upcoming US-China talks.

GBP/USD trades with negative bias below 1.3300 amid modest USD strength

GBP/USD trades with negative bias below 1.3300 amid modest USD strength

The GBP/USD pair kicks off the new week on a weaker note and reverses a part of Friday's modest recovery from the vicinity of the 1.3200 mark, or over a three-week low. Spot prices trade around the 1.3280-1.3275 region during the Asian session, down 0.20% for the day amid a broadly stronger US Dollar.

USD/JPY rises to over one-month high on US-China trade deal optimism

USD/JPY rises to over one-month high on US-China trade deal optimism

USD/JPY touches over a one-month high at the start of a new week in reaction to a US-China trade deal. Meanwhile, trade optimism helps ease concerns about a recession in the US. Moreover, the Fed's hawkish pause provides a goodish lift to the USD and further supports the currency pair. 


Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD gathers strength above 0.6400 amid optimism in US-China trade talks

AUD/USD gathers strength above 0.6400 amid optimism in US-China trade talks

AUD/USD edges higher to around 0.6420 during the early Asian session on Monday. Optimism in US-China trade negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, boosts the Australian Dollar against the Greenback. Traders will keep an eye on positive developments that could support the China-proxy Aussie.

USD/JPY rises to over one-month high on US-China trade deal optimism

USD/JPY rises to over one-month high on US-China trade deal optimism

USD/JPY touches over a one-month high at the start of a new week in reaction to a US-China trade deal. Meanwhile, trade optimism helps ease concerns about a recession in the US. Moreover, the Fed's hawkish pause provides a goodish lift to the USD and further supports the currency pair. 

Gold hurt by US-China trade deal hopes; buyers still hopeful?

Gold hurt by US-China trade deal hopes; buyers still hopeful?

Gold price opens the week on a bearish note amid US-China trade deal optimism. The US Dollar holds a bullish opening gap amid a generalized risk-on market profile. Gold price closed Friday above 21-day SMA, then at $3,307, where next?

Week ahead: All eyes on US CPI and trade talks amid no end to tariff uncertainty

Week ahead: All eyes on US CPI and trade talks amid no end to tariff uncertainty

US CPI report takes centre stage to gauge tariff impact. Progress in trade negotiations will also be watched, especially with China. US Retail Sales, UK and Japanese GDP on the agenda too.

Why the UK-US trade deal won’t herald a wider tariff climbdown

Why the UK-US trade deal won’t herald a wider tariff climbdown

For Britain, the UK-US deal secures lower tariffs without compromising forthcoming UK-EU talks. And for the US, it signals to investors that the administration is prepared to be flexible on tariffs. But we're sceptical that the deal will translate into a much wider de-escalation in US tariff policy.

RECOMMENDED LESSONS

7 Ways to Avoid Forex Scams

The forex industry is recently seeing more and more scams. Here are 7 ways to avoid losing your money in such scams: Forex scams are becoming frequent. Michael Greenberg reports on luxurious expenses, including a submarine bought from the money taken from forex traders. Here’s another report of a forex fraud. So, how can we avoid falling in such forex scams?

What Are the 10 Fatal Mistakes Traders Make

Trading is exciting. Trading is hard. Trading is extremely hard. Some say that it takes more than 10,000 hours to master. Others believe that trading is the way to quick riches. They might be both wrong. What is important to know that no matter how experienced you are, mistakes will be part of the trading process.

The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market.

Strategy

Money Management

Psychology

Best Brokers of 2025