Is it a relay when the cross star with reduced volume is in the middle of the rise?

A cross star in an uptrend may signal either a pause before continuation or a potential reversal, especially if confirmed by volume and follow-through price action.

Jun 28, 2025 at 06:21 pm

Understanding the Cross Star Candlestick Pattern

In technical analysis, the cross star is a candlestick pattern that typically signals indecision in the market. It is characterized by a small real body with long upper and lower shadows, indicating that neither buyers nor sellers could gain control during the trading period. When this pattern appears in the middle of an uptrend, it raises questions about whether it marks a continuation or reversal signal.

The cross star with reduced volume adds another layer to this interpretation. Lower trading volume suggests less conviction among traders, which can imply that the current trend may be losing momentum. However, this does not automatically confirm a reversal; rather, it indicates potential hesitation in price movement.

Identifying the Context: Uptrend vs. Downtrend

It is crucial to assess the broader context of where the cross star appears in the price chart. If it forms midway through a strong and sustained uptrend, some analysts interpret it as a relief rally pause or a consolidation phase before the trend resumes. This scenario might suggest a relay, meaning the upward movement could continue after a brief consolidation.

However, if the volume drops significantly alongside the formation of the cross star, it may reflect waning buyer interest. In such cases, the candlestick could foreshadow a potential reversal, especially if followed by bearish patterns or breakdowns below key support levels.

Key points to consider:

• Is the overall trend still intact?
• Are there other technical indicators confirming strength or weakness?
• What is the behavior of volume across recent candles?

Volume Analysis: A Critical Component

Volume plays a pivotal role in validating candlestick patterns. When the cross star appears with reduced volume, it often suggests that the market lacks strong participation. This can indicate either exhaustion in buying pressure or a temporary lull before renewed interest.

Traders should closely monitor what happens after the cross star:

• If the next candle closes above the high of the cross star on increasing volume, it may confirm a continuation.
• Conversely, if the following candle breaks below the low of the cross star with rising volume, it could signal a reversal.

Therefore, the cross star alone is not sufficient for making a trade decision. It must be analyzed in conjunction with volume and subsequent price action.

Relay or Reversal: How to Differentiate?

Determining whether the cross star serves as a relay or reversal point involves careful observation of several elements:

• Position within the trend: If the cross star occurs early or mid-trend, it's more likely a relay. If it appears near resistance or after a prolonged move, it may signal reversal.
• Following candles: The direction and strength of the next few candles are critical. Bullish engulfing patterns or strong closes above resistance reinforce the relay theory.
• Support and resistance levels: If the cross star forms near a known support level, it may act as a springboard for further gains.

To illustrate:

• A bullish relay scenario might involve the cross star forming just above a key moving average, followed by a strong up candle.
• A bearish reversal scenario could include a gap down after the cross star, breaking short-term support lines.

Practical Steps for Confirming the Signal

For traders aiming to make informed decisions based on the appearance of a cross star during an uptrend, here are practical steps:

• Wait for confirmation: Do not act solely on the presence of a cross star. Wait for at least one or two additional candles to confirm the direction.
• Use volume filters: Ensure that any breakout or breakdown is supported by increased volume. Low-volume breakouts are often unreliable.
• Apply trendlines and moving averages: Overlay tools like the 50-day or 200-day moving average to gauge whether the trend remains intact.
• Monitor order flow: Use order book data or depth charts (if available) to detect whether large buy or sell walls are forming around the cross star zone.
• Set stop-loss orders: If entering a position based on post-cross star movement, always protect your capital with appropriate risk management.

These steps help filter out false signals and increase the probability of aligning with the actual market sentiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can a cross star appear in sideways markets?

Yes, the cross star is commonly found in ranging or consolidating markets where there is no clear directional bias. In such scenarios, it reinforces the idea of indecision rather than signaling a trend change.

Q2: Should I ignore the cross star if volume is low?

Not necessarily. While low volume reduces the reliability of the pattern, it doesn't mean it should be ignored. Instead, treat it as a warning sign and wait for further confirmation before acting.

Q3: Does the color of the cross star matter?

The color (bullish or bearish) is less important than the structure and surrounding context. A red or green cross star both signify indecision, so focus more on the next candles and volume for clarity.

Q4: Can I use the cross star in cryptocurrency day trading?

Absolutely. The cross star is applicable across timeframes, including intraday charts used in crypto day trading. However, due to the volatility of cryptocurrencies, it's essential to combine it with other tools like Bollinger Bands, RSI, or Fibonacci retracements for better accuracy.