Is the gap opened low and not filled bearish?

A gap opened low and unfilled in crypto trading often signals sustained bearish momentum, indicating strong selling pressure and potential further downside.

Jun 23, 2025 at 08:35 pm

Understanding the Concept of Gaps in Cryptocurrency Trading

In cryptocurrency trading, gaps refer to price areas where no trading activity occurs between two consecutive periods. These gaps can appear on candlestick charts when the price of a digital asset opens significantly higher or lower than the previous closing price, with no overlap in the price range. A gap opened low and not filled indicates that the price started a new session below the prior close and remained there without returning to the level of the previous close.

This phenomenon is crucial for traders who rely on technical analysis, as it may signal shifts in market sentiment or momentum. In crypto markets, which operate 24/7, gaps are less frequent compared to traditional stock markets but still occur due to sudden news events, regulatory changes, or sharp volatility swings.

Important: The interpretation of such gaps depends heavily on the context of the broader market trend and volume patterns.

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Why a Gap Opened Low Might Be Considered Bearish

A gap opened low suggests that selling pressure was strong enough overnight (or over a short period) to push prices down sharply at the next opening. When this gap remains unfilled, meaning the price does not rise back up to the level of the previous close, it often reflects sustained bearish dominance.

For example, if Bitcoin closed at $60,000 and then opened the next day at $58,000 without any trades occurring between $60,000 and $58,000, that creates a downward gap. If the price continues to trade below $58,000 throughout the session, the gap remains unfilled, signaling continued weakness.

• Traders interpret this as a sign that bears are in control.
• It might also indicate panic selling or negative news impacting the market.
• Lack of buying interest to absorb the gap confirms the bearish outlook.

However, it's important to remember that in crypto, high volatility can cause false signals, so this pattern should be analyzed alongside other indicators like moving averages or RSI.

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How to Identify an Unfilled Low Gap on a Crypto Chart

To identify whether a gap opened low and remains unfilled, follow these steps:

• Open your charting platform: Use platforms like TradingView or Binance’s native tools.
• Select the relevant time frame: Daily or hourly depending on your strategy.
• Look for a visible price jump downwards: Between two candles where the second candle opens distinctly below the first one’s low.
• Check subsequent candles: Ensure that none of them touch or close within the gap zone.

Using tools like drawing features on TradingView helps visualize the gap area clearly. Once identified, monitor whether the price returns to fill the gap in future sessions.

Important: Not all gaps are significant; focus on those accompanied by high volume or major news events.

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Historical Examples of Unfilled Low Gaps in Major Cryptocurrencies

Several notable instances in crypto history demonstrate how unfilled low gaps have preceded further downside movement.

One such case occurred during the May 2021 crash when Ethereum gapped down from $4,000 to $3,500 in a single session. The gap remained unfilled for several weeks, and the price continued trending lower toward $2,000.

Another example happened in late 2022 after the FTX collapse, where Bitcoin opened nearly $2,000 lower in a matter of hours. That gap stayed open for months and marked the beginning of a prolonged bear market phase.

These examples show how powerful psychological levels combined with sudden sell-offs can create long-lasting gaps that remain unfilled, reinforcing bearish expectations among traders.

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Strategies to Trade an Unfilled Low Gap in Crypto Markets

Traders can approach unfilled low gaps using various strategies based on their risk appetite and time horizon.

• Short-selling the gap: Enter a short position once the candle confirming the gap closes, placing a stop above the gap zone.
• Wait-and-watch approach: Wait until the price shows signs of rejection near the gap before entering a trade.
• Use support levels for confirmation: Combine the gap with nearby support zones or Fibonacci retracements to increase accuracy.
• Volume confirmation: Look for increased volume during the gap formation to confirm strength behind the move.

Each method has its pros and cons, and it's essential to test these strategies in a demo account before applying them in live trading.

Important: Always set a stop-loss to manage risk, especially in volatile crypto markets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can a gap opened low eventually get filled later?

Yes, even if a gap remains unfilled initially, it may get filled days or weeks later. However, the longer it stays open, the weaker its significance becomes.

Q2: Do all cryptocurrencies experience gaps?

While most do, especially larger ones like BTC and ETH, smaller altcoins with low liquidity may exhibit more erratic price action, making gaps less reliable.

Q3: How do I differentiate between a true gap and normal price pullback?

A true gap appears as a clear space between two candles with no overlapping wicks or bodies. A regular pullback usually includes overlapping price bars.

Q4: Should I always assume a gap opened low is bearish?

Not necessarily. Sometimes gaps form due to temporary panic and can reverse quickly. Confirm the trend with additional tools before assuming directionality.