Is it normal to step back more than 38.2% after breaking through the neckline?

A retracement beyond 38.2% doesn't always signal a trend reversal, especially in volatile crypto markets where deeper pullbacks are common.

Jun 29, 2025 at 08:14 am

Understanding the 38.2% Fibonacci Retracement Level

In technical analysis, Fibonacci retracement levels are commonly used to identify potential support and resistance areas after a significant price movement. The most widely watched levels include 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, and 78.6%. Among these, the 38.2% level is often considered a key threshold for determining whether a trend remains intact or is reversing.

When a cryptocurrency breaks through a key pattern such as a head and shoulders neckline, traders expect a certain amount of pullback before the trend continues. However, if the price pulls back beyond the 38.2% retracement level, it can raise concerns about the strength of the breakout.

Important Note:

It's crucial to understand that while Fibonacci levels offer guidance, they are not hard rules. Market context, volume, and broader sentiment play critical roles in how much a price retraces after a breakout.

---

What Happens When Price Steps Back More Than 38.2%?

If a cryptocurrency breaks out from a defined pattern—like a head and shoulders formation—and then steps back more than 38.2% of the prior move, this could signal several things:

• Weakness in the breakout: A deep retracement suggests that buyers may not be strong enough to sustain the new trend.
• Market hesitation: Traders might be taking profits or reassessing their positions, leading to increased selling pressure.
• Potential reversal: If the retracement reaches or exceeds the 61.8% Fibonacci level, it could indicate a full reversal of the breakout rather than a correction.

However, this does not automatically invalidate the breakout. Many strong trends experience deeper pullbacks before resuming their original direction. In crypto markets, where volatility is high, retracements beyond 38.2% are relatively common and do not always mean the trend is over.

---

How to Analyze Whether the Trend Is Still Valid

To determine whether a retracement beyond 38.2% invalidates the breakout, consider the following factors:

• Volume during the pullback: If the decline happens on low volume, it might suggest that selling pressure is weak and the trend could resume.
• Price action near key support/resistance levels: Watch how the market reacts around previous swing points or psychological levels.
• Timeframe context: A deeper retracement on a short-term chart might still align with a bullish structure on a higher timeframe.
• Confirmation candles: Look for bullish candlestick patterns like hammer, bullish engulfing, or morning star formations that suggest buying interest is returning.

It’s also important to use additional tools like moving averages, RSI, or MACD to confirm whether momentum supports a continuation of the trend.

---

Practical Example: Head and Shoulders Breakout Followed by Deep Retracement

Let’s take a real-world scenario involving a crypto asset forming a head and shoulders pattern:

• The left shoulder forms at $100.
• The head reaches $120.
• The right shoulder returns to $100.
• The neckline is drawn between the two lows at $90.

After breaking below the neckline at $90, the price drops to $70. Then, unexpectedly, the price retraces back up to $84, which is a more than 38.2% retracement (calculated from $90 to $70).

Here’s what you should look for:

• Is there a rejection at $84? If the price stalls or reverses here, it may indicate that the downtrend is still valid.
• Are bearish candles forming? This would support continued downward momentum.
• Is volume increasing on down days? Stronger volume on declines confirms that bears are in control.

This example shows that even after a deep retracement, the original trend can still continue if the right signals are present.

---

Strategies for Trading After a Deep Retracement Beyond 38.2%

Traders can approach a retracement beyond 38.2% in different ways depending on their strategy:

• Re-entry opportunity: For trend-following traders, a deeper pullback can provide a better risk-to-reward entry point if the trend resumes.
• Short-term countertrend trade: Aggressive traders may look to fade the breakout if the retracement shows signs of reversal.
• Stop-loss adjustment: If already in a position, moving the stop-loss above the retracement level can help protect gains.
• Pattern re-evaluation: Reassess whether the original pattern is still valid or if the market is forming a new structure.

Each approach requires careful monitoring of price behavior and confirmation signals before entering a trade.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a retracement beyond 38.2% still lead to a successful trend continuation?

Yes, especially in highly volatile markets like cryptocurrencies. While retracements beyond 38.2% may raise concerns, many strong trends experience deeper corrections before continuing.

Q: How do I differentiate between a healthy pullback and a trend reversal?

Look for changes in volume, momentum indicators like RSI or MACD, and price reactions at key levels. Healthy pullbacks usually show lower volume and strong support testing.

Q: Should I avoid trading breakouts if the price has already retraced more than 38.2%?

Not necessarily. You can still trade such setups by waiting for confirmation signals like bullish or bearish candlestick patterns or retests of broken levels.

Q: What other Fibonacci levels should I watch besides 38.2%?

The 50% and 61.8% levels are also significant. A retracement beyond 61.8% often indicates a complete reversal of the prior move and may require a reassessment of the trend.