Is it the second buying point if the volume shrinks and then falls back to the neckline?

A neckline retest in crypto trading offers a second shorting opportunity when price fails to break above the broken support, confirmed by bearish candlesticks and rising volume.

Jun 30, 2025 at 06:57 am

Understanding the Neckline in Technical Analysis

In technical analysis, the neckline is a critical support or resistance level that defines the boundary of chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double tops, and triple tops. In cryptocurrency trading, where price movements can be highly volatile, identifying the neckline accurately becomes even more important for traders looking to make informed decisions.

When analyzing a potential reversal pattern like a head and shoulders, the neckline is drawn connecting the lows of the left shoulder and the head. Similarly, in a double top, it connects the lowest point between the two peaks. The break below this line often signals a trend reversal from bullish to bearish. However, many traders look for a retest of the neckline after the initial breakdown, which may offer a second opportunity to enter a trade.

Key Point: The neckline serves as a psychological level where buyers and sellers interact heavily, making it a crucial zone to monitor during market reversals.

Volume Shrinkage Before the Neckline Retest

A common scenario in crypto markets involves volume shrinking as the price approaches the neckline after a breakdown. This phenomenon typically indicates a lack of conviction among traders. Lower volume suggests fewer participants are actively pushing the price lower, which could hint at a temporary pause rather than a continuation of the downtrend.

This phase often precedes a retest of the neckline, especially when the price finds itself near that key level again. Traders watch closely for signs of rejection or acceptance at the neckline. If the price fails to break below the neckline decisively and instead bounces off it, this could signal a potential confirmation of a new downtrend or a failed breakout.

Important Note: Volume contraction before a neckline retest should not be interpreted as a standalone signal but rather as part of a broader technical setup.

Neckline Retest and Second Entry Opportunity

After an initial breakdown below the neckline, if the price rallies back to test that level again, this is known as a neckline retest. In many cases, what was once support becomes resistance. During this retest, traders who missed the first shorting opportunity might consider entering on the second touch, especially if other technical indicators align with the bearish bias.

• Look for a rejection candlestick pattern (e.g., shooting star, bearish engulfing) forming near the neckline.
• Confirm that volume increases on the downside after the retest, showing renewed selling pressure.
• Check for confluence with other levels, such as moving averages or Fibonacci retracements.

The combination of these elements enhances the probability of a successful trade. The second entry point comes into play when all conditions align and the price resumes its downward trajectory after failing to break above the neckline.

Critical Insight: A valid second buying point (or shorting opportunity in a bearish context) emerges only after the price confirms the failure of the retest with increased volume and momentum.

How to Identify a Valid Neckline Retest

To determine whether a retest qualifies as a second entry opportunity, traders must go beyond just observing price action. Here’s how to systematically analyze the situation:

• Identify the original pattern: Ensure you're dealing with a clear head and shoulders or double top formation.
• Mark the neckline precisely: Use swing lows to draw accurate support/resistance lines.
• Watch for the initial breakdown: Confirm that the price broke below the neckline with strong volume.
• Monitor the retest: Wait for the price to return to the neckline and observe how it reacts.
• Analyze candlestick behavior: A bearish rejection candle provides a stronger signal than a simple pullback.

These steps help filter out false signals and increase confidence in taking a second position.

Essential Step: Combine multiple tools—like RSI divergence or MACD crossovers—to confirm the strength of the retest before entering a trade.

Practical Example Using a Cryptocurrency Chart

Let’s take a real-world example using Bitcoin (BTC/USDT) on a 4-hour chart. Suppose BTC formed a classic head and shoulders pattern with the neckline at $29,000. After breaking down to $27,500, the price begins to rally due to short covering and positive news.

As BTC approaches $29,000 again, traders notice:

• Volume drops significantly compared to the initial breakdown.
• Price stalls and forms a bearish engulfing pattern at the neckline.
• RSI shows overbought conditions and starts declining.
• MACD line crosses below the signal line, confirming a bearish shift.

At this stage, the second shorting opportunity appears valid. Traders can place their entries just below the rejection candle, set stop losses slightly above the neckline, and target the previous low at $27,500 or further.

Crucial Detail: Risk management remains vital—position sizing and stop-loss placement should reflect volatility and recent average true range (ATR).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the neckline retest work in uptrends too?

Yes, in bullish patterns like inverse head and shoulders or double bottoms, the neckline acts as resistance during the buildup and then support once broken. A retest in such scenarios can offer a second long entry opportunity.

Q: What timeframes are best suited for analyzing neckline retests?

While the concept applies across all timeframes, higher timeframes like 4-hour or daily charts tend to produce more reliable signals due to stronger institutional participation and clearer patterns.

Q: How do I differentiate between a valid retest and a fakeout?

A valid retest usually sees price respecting the neckline without a significant close beyond it. Fakeouts often involve sharp spikes through the level followed by quick reversals. Volume and candlestick structure help distinguish between the two.

Q: Should I always wait for a candlestick rejection before entering on a retest?

It's advisable to wait for confirmation via candlestick patterns or indicator alignment to avoid premature entries. Patience often leads to better risk-to-reward ratios.