BEARISH UPSIDE GAP TWO CROWS
Definition
This is a three-candlestick bearish reversal pattern. The gap between the black body of the second day and the white body of the first day represents the upside gap. The second and third black days represent the two black crows.
Recognition Criteria
1. The market is characterized by a prevailing uptrend.
2. A normal or long white candlestick appears on the first day.
3. The second day is a short black candlestick that gaps up.
4. On the last day another black candlestick appears that opens at or above the open, and then closes below the close of the previous day, but still above the close of the first day.
Pattern Requirements and Flexibility
The Upside Gap Two Crows should start with a normal or long white body. A short black body with an upside body gap follows. The third day is another black body that engulfs the second day. The third day may open at or above the open of the second day. The third day should close above the body limits of the first day, leaving the gap created between the first and the second days still unfilled.
Trader’s Behavior
An uptrend has been in place, and the white candlestick adds to the bullishness that is already present. The following day opens higher with a gap up. Prices fall a little bit, and a short black candlestick is formed. The bulls are not alarmed by this day, because even though a black body appears, prices fail to close below the close of the previous day. The third day opens at or above the open of the second day, but it falls throughout the day and closes below the previous close. The two consecutive black bodies show that the strength of the uptrend has been questioned.
Sell/Stop Loss Levels
The confirmation level is defined as the last close. Prices should cross below this level for confirmation.
The stop loss level is defined as the last high. Following the bearish signal, if prices go up instead of going down, and close or make two consecutive daily highs above the stop loss level, while no bullish pattern is detected, then the stop loss is triggered.