EDUCATION: The “Fake” Engulfing Candle: A SNEAKY TRAP

As traders, we’re often taught to look for classic price action patterns, and one of the most well-known is the Engulfing Candle. It's that strong reversal pattern where the body of the second candle completely engulfs the body of the first, signaling potential trend reversals or continuations. But what happens when that engulfing candle shows up in the "wrong" place? That’s what I like to call a "Fake" Engulfing Candle.

A "Fake" Engulfing Candle is one that paints on the chart but in a location that doesn’t align with the market context or trend. For example, if you’re in a strong, established trend, an engulfing candle that appears in the middle of the trend (without any supporting structure or context) could be a false signal. This kind of engulfing candle might look great on the chart, but it's not telling you the full story—it’s a signal with poor timing.

Understanding the Importance of Location
The location of an engulfing candle is key. A "real" engulfing candle typically forms after a clear trend exhaustion or at a key support or resistance level. These are areas where price is likely to reverse, and that’s where an engulfing pattern becomes meaningful. However, when the engulfing candle appears in random locations—without any clear structure around it—it’s often just noise in the market.

Fake signals, like this, can lead traders to make impulsive decisions, chasing trades that aren’t supported by solid market structure or context. Think of it like walking into a room full of noise—you may hear words, but they’re not telling you anything meaningful.

How to Spot a Fake Engulfing Candle
Context is King: Look for the engulfing candle to form after a trend exhaustion or near a key support or resistance level. If it pops up in the middle of a strong trend with no visible reason for reversal, chances are it’s a fake.

Volume Confirmation: Is the engulfing candle supported by volume? A strong engulfing candle should have an increase in volume, confirming the strength of the move. If volume is absent or weak, the signal may be unreliable.

Previous Market Structure: The best signals often come from patterns that align with previous market structure, such as previous highs or lows. If the engulfing candle doesn’t respect any major levels or swing points, it might not be worth trading.

Practical Takeaway: Don't Fall for the Fake
The takeaway here is simple: don’t let the appearance of a "perfect" engulfing candle fool you. Just because it looks good on the chart doesn’t mean it’s the right signal for the current market conditions. Always pay attention to the context around the pattern and confirm it with volume and other technical indicators. Remember, location matters when it comes to identifying valid trade setups.


Have you ever been caught by a "Fake" Engulfing Candle? What’s your process for distinguishing real signals from fake ones? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to hear how you handle these tricky setups!
GBPUSDTechnical IndicatorsTrading Psychology

Also on:

Related publications

Disclaimer