Is it a confirmation of the peak after the high cross star opens low the next day?

A high cross star followed by a lower open signals potential bearish reversal, especially in overbought crypto markets.

Jun 17, 2025 at 11:28 pm

Understanding the High Cross Star Candlestick Pattern

The high cross star is a candlestick pattern that often appears during significant price movements. It typically forms when the market opens higher than the previous day's close but then trades within a narrow range, closing near its opening price. This results in a small-bodied candle with long upper and lower shadows. The green bold effect emphasizes the importance of this pattern as it signals potential indecision or equilibrium between buyers and sellers.

This pattern is especially notable when it appears after an uptrend. Its formation suggests that although bulls attempted to push prices higher, bears stepped in to resist further advancement. The long wicks on both ends of the candle indicate that neither side could gain control, leading to a standoff in price action.

What Happens When the Next Day Opens Lower?

If the day following the high cross star opens lower, this could be interpreted as a sign of weakening momentum. The lower open implies that bears may have taken control overnight, possibly due to profit-taking or negative sentiment entering the market. In technical analysis, such a move can serve as a confirmation signal for traders who are watching for reversal patterns.

In cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is high and sentiment can shift rapidly, a low open after a high cross star may trigger stop-loss orders or prompt traders to exit long positions. This behavior can further drive down prices and reinforce the bearish bias introduced by the lower open.

Analyzing the Implications for Market Psychology

Market psychology plays a crucial role in interpreting candlestick patterns like the high cross star followed by a lower open. After a sustained rally, the appearance of a high cross star indicates hesitation among buyers. If the next session opens lower, it confirms that this hesitation has turned into actual selling pressure.

Traders should pay attention to volume levels accompanying these candles. A spike in volume on the lower open day may suggest strong participation from institutional players or algorithmic trading systems, which can increase the reliability of the bearish signal.

It's also important to note that intraday reversals or sharp pullbacks following such a pattern can create opportunities for short-term traders. However, false breakouts are common in crypto markets, so caution must be exercised before taking any position based solely on this setup.

Historical Examples in Cryptocurrency Markets

Looking at historical charts of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), we can find instances where a high cross star was followed by a lower open. These setups often occurred near resistance levels or after rapid price surges.

For example, during BTC’s rally to $60,000 in early 2021, there were several days where the market formed a high cross star near key resistance zones. On some occasions, the next day opened significantly lower, signaling a peak in the short term. Traders who recognized this pattern had the opportunity to hedge or exit long positions before deeper corrections.

Similarly, ETH has shown similar behavior around major news events or macroeconomic announcements. The volatility inherent in altcoins can make such patterns more pronounced and sometimes more reliable when used in conjunction with other indicators.

Combining Indicators for Confirmation

While the high cross star followed by a lower open can be a powerful signal, it should not be used in isolation. Combining it with other technical tools can enhance its predictive value. For instance:

• Relative Strength Index (RSI): If RSI is above 70 when the high cross star forms, it suggests overbought conditions, increasing the likelihood of a reversal.
• Moving Averages: A failure to hold above key moving averages (like the 50-day or 200-day MA) after the low open can confirm a trend change.
• Volume Analysis: A sudden drop in volume after the high cross star may suggest lack of interest, while a surge in volume on the low open can confirm selling pressure.

Using multiple filters helps traders avoid false signals and improve decision-making accuracy. The green bold emphasis highlights the necessity of confirmation tools when analyzing candlestick patterns in fast-moving crypto markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the high cross star pattern appear in intraday charts?

Yes, the high cross star can form on any time frame, including 1-hour, 4-hour, or daily charts. However, its significance increases on higher time frames like the daily or weekly chart due to stronger confirmation signals.

Q2: Does the high cross star always indicate a bearish reversal?

No, the high cross star alone does not guarantee a reversal. It reflects market indecision and requires follow-through, such as a lower open or breakdown below support, to confirm a bearish bias.

Q3: How does the high cross star differ from a doji?

While both have small bodies, a high cross star specifically forms after an uptrend and has relatively longer shadows compared to a standard doji. Its placement and context give it more relevance in spotting potential peaks.

Q4: Is the high cross star useful in sideways markets?

Its effectiveness diminishes in ranging or consolidation phases because it relies on prior momentum to indicate exhaustion. In sideways markets, it may generate false signals unless supported by other indicators.