Is it normal for the retracement to exceed 61.8% after breaking through the neckline?

Retracements in crypto often exceed the 61.8% Fibonacci level after a neckline break, offering second-chance entries if trend signs remain strong.

Jul 07, 2025 at 04:22 am

Understanding Retracement and Its Significance

In technical analysis, retracement refers to a temporary reversal in the direction of an asset's price movement. Traders often use Fibonacci retracement levels such as 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, and 78.6% to identify potential support or resistance areas during a pullback. These levels are derived from the Fibonacci sequence and are widely accepted tools in trading circles.

When a pattern like a head and shoulders or inverse head and shoulders completes with a breakthrough of the neckline, traders expect a certain amount of retracement before the trend resumes. However, it is not uncommon for this retracement to extend beyond the 61.8% level, especially in volatile markets such as cryptocurrency.

Retracement Beyond 61.8% After Neckline Break: Is It Normal?

Yes, it is normal for a retracement to exceed the 61.8% Fibonacci level after breaking through the neckline. While many traders treat this level as a strong support/resistance zone, market psychology and volatility can push prices beyond this threshold temporarily. In crypto markets, where sentiment can shift rapidly due to news, regulatory changes, or whale movements, such extended pullbacks are more frequent.

It’s crucial to understand that Fibonacci levels are not hard rules but rather guidelines. The key is to observe how the price behaves around these levels—whether it finds support/resistance or breaks through decisively. If the price shows strong rejection at the extended retracement level, it could signal a continuation of the original trend.

Why Retracements May Exceed 61.8%

Several factors contribute to retracements going beyond the 61.8% mark:

• Market Sentiment: Sudden shifts in trader psychology, particularly in highly speculative assets like cryptocurrencies, can cause exaggerated moves.
• Volume and Liquidity: Low liquidity or high selling/buying pressure can push prices past typical retracement levels.
• Pattern Confirmation Delay: Sometimes, the market needs time to confirm the validity of a breakout, leading to deeper corrections.
• Fibonacci Confluence Zones: When multiple Fibonacci levels cluster near or beyond the 61.8%, the likelihood of deeper retracements increases.

These elements combine to create scenarios where retracements may extend further than expected, yet still align with the broader trend once they conclude.

How to Analyze Retracements Beyond 61.8%

To effectively analyze whether a retracement exceeding 61.8% is valid or just noise, follow these steps:

• Identify the Original Pattern: Confirm whether the pattern (like head and shoulders) was well-formed and had a clear neckline break.
• Use Multiple Timeframes: Check higher timeframes like the 4-hour or daily chart to see if the retracement aligns with broader support/resistance zones.
• Observe Price Action Candles: Look for bullish or bearish candlestick patterns at the extended retracement area that suggest a potential reversal.
• Check Volume Indicators: A spike in volume during the retracement may indicate strong institutional participation or panic selling, both of which can affect how far the price pulls back.
• Combine with Other Tools: Use tools like moving averages or RSI to confirm whether the asset is overbought or oversold at the retracement level.

This multi-layered approach helps filter out false signals and provides a clearer picture of whether the retracement is part of a healthy correction or a potential trend reversal.

Trading Strategy for Retracements Beyond 61.8%

If you're considering entering a trade after a retracement exceeds the 61.8% Fibonacci level, here’s how you can structure your strategy:

• Entry Signal: Wait for a clear rejection at the extended retracement level. This could be in the form of a bullish engulfing candle, hammer, or other reversal patterns.
• Stop Loss Placement: Place your stop loss slightly below the swing low (for long trades) or above the swing high (for short trades) to give the trade room to breathe.
• Take Profit Targets: Measure the initial move from the start of the breakout to the high/low of the pattern and project that distance from the retracement entry point.
• Risk-Reward Ratio: Ensure that your target offers at least a 1:2 risk-reward ratio to make the trade worthwhile.
• Monitor Exit Signals: Use trailing stops or partial profit-taking as the price approaches key resistance/support levels on higher timeframes.

By following this structured approach, traders can better manage their exposure while capitalizing on extended pullbacks in crypto markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can retracements go beyond 78.6% after a neckline break?

Yes, retracements can indeed go beyond the 78.6% Fibonacci level, especially in highly volatile crypto markets. Such deep corrections are rare but possible when there's strong counter-trend momentum or uncertainty.

Q: Should I avoid trading if the retracement goes beyond 61.8%?

Not necessarily. Extended retracements can offer second-chance entries if the underlying pattern remains intact and price shows signs of resuming the trend.

Q: How do I differentiate between a retracement and a full reversal?

Watch for key signs such as strong candlestick reversals, breaks of major support/resistance levels, and divergence on oscillators like RSI or MACD. Also, check for increased volume indicating a real shift in momentum.

Q: Are Fibonacci levels reliable in crypto trading?

While Fibonacci levels are widely used and respected by many traders, they are not foolproof. They work best when combined with other forms of analysis like volume, price action, and confluence with other indicators.