How to judge that the price breaks through the cloud but the hysteresis line has not turned?

A price break through the Ichimoku Cloud without the Chikou Span turning may signal a false trend change, requiring further confirmation before trading.

Jun 24, 2025 at 10:43 pm

Understanding the Ichimoku Cloud and Its Components

In technical analysis, the Ichimoku Cloud, also known as the Ichimoku Kinko Hyo, is a powerful tool used by traders to gauge momentum, trend direction, and potential support or resistance levels. The cloud itself is composed of multiple lines: Tenkan-sen (conversion line), Kijun-sen (base line), Senkou Span A and B (leading spans), and Chikou Span (lagging span). When analyzing price breaks through the cloud but the hysteresis line has not turned, it’s crucial to understand each component's role.

The Senkou Span A and B form the boundaries of the cloud. When price moves above or below this area, it signals a potential shift in trend. However, the Chikou Span, often referred to as the lagging line, must also be observed carefully.

Important Note: Just because the price breaks through the cloud doesn’t automatically mean a confirmed trend change if other components like the Chikou Span haven’t aligned accordingly.

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Identifying a Price Breakthrough Above or Below the Cloud

A breakthrough of the price above the cloud typically indicates bullish momentum, while a break below the cloud suggests bearish sentiment. This occurs when the candlesticks or price bars move beyond the upper or lower boundary of the cloud formed by Senkou Span A and B.

To identify such a breakout:

• Observe the closing price relative to the cloud.
• Confirm whether the price remains consistently above or below the cloud for at least two to three periods.
• Look for volume confirmation to validate the strength of the breakout.

However, even if these conditions are met, if the Chikou Span hasn't changed direction, it may suggest that the breakout lacks confirmation from all parts of the indicator.

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The Role of the Hysteresis Line (Chikou Span)

The Chikou Span is unique in that it plots the current closing price 26 periods back. It helps confirm the strength of a trend by showing how the current price relates to past price action. If the Chikou Span is rising and crosses above its own historical values, it can signal a strengthening bullish trend.

When the price breaks through the cloud, but the Chikou Span remains flat or declining, this divergence could indicate that the recent movement isn't supported by broader market sentiment.

Key points to consider:

• Is the Chikou Span crossing above or below its previous values?
• Does it align with the direction of the price movement?
• Is there a time lag due to the 26-period offset?

These questions help determine whether the breakout is sustainable or just a temporary fluctuation.

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Analyzing Divergence Between Price and Chikou Span

One of the most critical aspects of interpreting the Ichimoku system is recognizing divergences between price and indicator components. When the price breaks out of the cloud but the Chikou Span hasn’t turned, it creates a type of divergence that should raise caution among traders.

This scenario can manifest in several ways:

• Price closes above the cloud, suggesting bullishness, but Chikou Span continues to trend downward.
• Price drops below the cloud, signaling bearishness, yet Chikou Span shows no upward reversal.
• Time-lag effects cause delayed reactions, making it appear as though the Chikou Span lags behind actual price movements.

Traders should not act solely on the price breakout without confirmation from the Chikou Span. Instead, they should wait for the lagging line to show a clear directional shift before entering a trade.

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Practical Steps to Confirm the Trend Change

To avoid false signals and ensure a more reliable interpretation, follow these steps:

• Monitor the position of the price relative to the cloud over multiple periods.
• Wait for the Chikou Span to cross above or below its prior values to confirm trend direction.
• Combine Ichimoku readings with other indicators like RSI or MACD to verify momentum.
• Use candlestick patterns near the cloud boundary to assess market sentiment.
• Evaluate volume spikes during the breakout to see if institutional or large players are involved.

Each of these elements contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of whether the breakout is genuine or simply a retracement within a larger consolidation phase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I rely solely on the Ichimoku Cloud for trading decisions?

While the Ichimoku Cloud is a robust multi-dimensional indicator, relying solely on it can lead to missed opportunities or false signals. It’s best used in conjunction with other tools such as moving averages, volume indicators, or Fibonacci retracements to enhance accuracy.

Q2: What does it mean if the Chikou Span turns after the price has already broken the cloud?

This indicates a delayed confirmation of the trend. Although the breakout occurred earlier, the Chikou Span catching up confirms the trend’s validity. Traders may still enter trades at this point, but with adjusted stop-loss levels to account for the delayed entry.

Q3: How long should I wait for the Chikou Span to turn after a price breakout?

Since the Chikou Span is plotted 26 periods in the past, traders should allow sufficient time—typically 20–25 periods—for the line to reflect the current trend direction. Patience is key in avoiding premature entries.

Q4: Is the Ichimoku Cloud suitable for intraday trading in cryptocurrency markets?

Yes, but with adjustments. Shorter timeframes require tighter parameters. Some traders modify the default settings (e.g., using 9, 21, and 42 instead of 9, 26, and 52) to make the indicator more responsive to rapid price changes typical in crypto markets.