Breaking through the previous high but falling back: Be alert to the five characteristics of false breakthroughs

False breakthroughs in crypto lack volume, show rapid reversals, no follow-through, hit resistance, and have divergent technical indicators, per the article.

Jun 09, 2025 at 02:43 pm

In the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, traders often encounter scenarios where a digital asset breaks through a previous high only to fall back shortly after. This phenomenon, known as a false breakthrough, can be misleading and potentially costly if not identified correctly. Understanding the five characteristics of false breakthroughs can help traders stay alert and make more informed decisions. Let's delve into these characteristics in detail.

Characteristic 1: Lack of Volume Confirmation

One of the key indicators of a false breakthrough is the absence of significant trading volume. When a cryptocurrency breaks through a previous high, it should ideally be accompanied by a surge in trading volume. This indicates strong market interest and participation.

• Check the volume chart: Open your trading platform and navigate to the volume chart of the cryptocurrency in question.
• Compare volumes: Look at the volume during the breakthrough and compare it to the average volume over the past few weeks.
• Assess the discrepancy: If the volume during the breakthrough is not significantly higher than the average, it may be a sign of a false breakthrough.

Volume is a critical component of confirming a genuine breakthrough. Without it, the price movement may lack the necessary support to sustain the new high.

Characteristic 2: Rapid Reversal

Another telltale sign of a false breakthrough is the speed at which the price reverses after reaching the new high. A genuine breakthrough should show sustained upward momentum.

• Monitor the price movement: Keep a close eye on the price action immediately following the breakthrough.
• Set alerts: Use your trading platform's alert feature to notify you of significant price changes.
• Analyze the time frame: If the price quickly reverses within a short period, such as a few hours or a day, it suggests a lack of conviction in the upward move.

Rapid reversals indicate that the market may not be ready to support the new price level, increasing the likelihood of a false breakthrough.

Characteristic 3: Lack of Follow-Through

A genuine breakthrough should be followed by continued upward movement, showing that the market is willing to push the price higher. In contrast, a false breakthrough often lacks this follow-through.

• Observe subsequent price action: After the initial breakthrough, watch how the price behaves over the next few days or weeks.
• Use technical indicators: Apply indicators like moving averages or trend lines to see if the price continues to respect the new high.
• Evaluate market sentiment: Check news and social media to gauge whether the broader market sentiment supports the new price level.

Lack of follow-through is a strong indicator that the breakthrough may not be sustainable and could be a false alarm.

Characteristic 4: Presence of Resistance Levels

Even after breaking through a previous high, if the price encounters strong resistance levels shortly afterward, it can signal a false breakthrough. Resistance levels are price points where selling pressure tends to increase, preventing the price from moving higher.

• Identify resistance levels: Use technical analysis tools to identify key resistance levels on the chart.
• Watch price reaction: Observe how the price reacts when it reaches these levels after the breakthrough.
• Analyze historical data: Look at past instances where the price struggled to break through these levels to understand their significance.

Resistance levels can act as a barrier to a sustained breakthrough, suggesting that the initial move may be a false one.

Characteristic 5: Divergence in Technical Indicators

Divergence between price movement and technical indicators can also indicate a false breakthrough. For instance, if the price breaks through a previous high but key indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) do not confirm this move, it may be a warning sign.

• Check RSI and MACD: Open your trading platform and look at the RSI and MACD indicators.
• Look for divergence: Compare the direction of these indicators with the price movement. If the price is moving up but the indicators are not following suit, it suggests a divergence.
• Evaluate other indicators: Consider other technical indicators like the Stochastic Oscillator or Bollinger Bands to confirm the divergence.

Divergence in technical indicators can be a powerful signal that the market may not fully support the new price level, pointing towards a false breakthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can a false breakthrough turn into a genuine one over time?

Yes, a false breakthrough can sometimes turn into a genuine one if the market conditions change and more buyers enter the market to support the new price level. However, traders should remain cautious and monitor the situation closely.

Q2: How can I differentiate between a false breakthrough and a normal market correction?

A false breakthrough typically lacks volume confirmation and shows rapid reversals, whereas a normal market correction might occur after a sustained period of upward movement and is often accompanied by higher volumes. Analyzing the context and using technical indicators can help differentiate between the two.

Q3: Are there any specific cryptocurrencies more prone to false breakthroughs?

False breakthroughs can occur in any cryptocurrency market. However, less liquid cryptocurrencies with lower trading volumes might be more susceptible to false breakthroughs due to the ease of manipulation by large traders.

Q4: How can I use stop-loss orders to protect against false breakthroughs?

To protect against false breakthroughs, set your stop-loss orders just below the previous high or at a level where the price reversal would confirm a false breakthrough. This way, if the price falls back, your position will be automatically closed, limiting potential losses.