Definition of a Gap:- - Gap is a space left behind by a script in its price chart. - It is the area of discontinuity price in the respective script. - The reason may be anything but generally it occurs due to sudden changes in the sentiment of the market due to some events or news related to the particular script.
Types of Gaps:-
1. Common Gaps - These gaps are not so certain to be considered. They are visible casually and almost every day as we have seen Nifty gaps up or down daily without any event or news. They have a high tendency to be filled (price generally comes back to that gap).
2. Breakaway Gaps - A much more significant gap indicates the start of a new trend. Often seen at resistance or support points for example a stock is trading in a small band bounded with resistance and support and suddenly breaks the band with a gap on either side, now this gap indicates the start of the new trend which is according to the level which is broken. Higher volumes at the gap point further confirm the move.
3. Runaway Gaps - Runaway gaps are quite similar to the above one but, the major difference between them is runaway gaps are seen in the middle of the trend and breakaway gaps are seen before the trend. This gap indicates the strength of the trend and confirms the buying/selling interest in the stock. This gap generally occurs in aggressive buying/selling interest due to news or events.
4. Exhaustion Gaps - These gaps occur at the stage of exhaustion of the trend i.e. the trend is very close to finishing. If spotted correctly it could provide you exit at a very sweet spot. It is a typical sign of trend reversal. It generally occurs after the spike in the price of the stock. This indicates that the market players are not interested to take the position at such a high/low price. The volumes would be unusual in this case.
My Observation: Breakaway and Exhaustion gaps can be spotted with help of RSI, if you RSI at choppy levels i.e. 40-60, and a significant gap is formed it is generally a breakaway gap. And if RSI is at extreme levels i.e. 15 or 85 and a significant gap is formed it is usually an exhaustion gap.