Support and resistance are fundamental concepts in technical analysis used to identify price levels on charts that act as barriers, preventing the price of an asset from getting pushed in a certain direction. Here’s a detailed description of each and how breakout strategies are typically used:
Support
Support is a price level where a downtrend can be expected to pause due to a concentration of demand. As the price of an asset drops, it hits a level where buyers tend to step in, causing the price to rebound.
Support Level Identification: Support levels are identified by looking at historical data where prices have repeatedly fallen to a certain level but have then rebounded.
Strength of Support: The more times an asset price hits a support level without breaking below it, the stronger that support level is considered to be.
Resistance
Resistance is a price level where an uptrend can be expected to pause due to a concentration of selling interest. As the price of an asset increases, it hits a level where sellers tend to step in, causing the price to drop.
Resistance Level Identification: Resistance levels are identified by looking at historical data where prices have repeatedly risen to a certain level but have then fallen back.
Strength of Resistance: The more times an asset price hits a resistance level without breaking above it, the stronger that resistance level is considered to be.
Breakouts
A breakout occurs when the price moves above a resistance level or below a support level with increased volume. Breakouts can be significant because they suggest a change in supply and demand dynamics, often leading to strong price movements.
Breakout Above Resistance: Indicates a bullish market sentiment. Traders often interpret this as a sign to enter a long position (buy).
Breakout Below Support: Indicates a bearish market sentiment. Traders often interpret this as a sign to enter a short position (sell).
Breakout Trading Strategies
Confirmation: Wait for a candle to close beyond the support or resistance level to confirm the breakout.
Volume: Increased volume on a breakout adds credibility, suggesting that the price move is supported by strong buying or selling interest.
Retest: Sometimes, after a breakout, the price will return to the breakout level to test it as a new support or resistance. This retest offers another entry point.
Stop-Loss: Place stop-loss orders just below the resistance (for long positions) or above the support (for short positions) to limit potential losses in case of a false breakout.
Take-Profit: Identify target levels for taking profits. These can be set based on previous support/resistance levels or using tools like Fibonacci retracements.