Retracing after breaking through the box: where is the best point to add positions?

In crypto trading, a breakout signals potential trend shifts, while retracements offer second chances to enter at better prices—key tools include Fibonacci levels, volume checks, and candlestick patterns for smarter entries.

Jun 18, 2025 at 07:28 am

Understanding the Breakout and Retracement in Cryptocurrency Trading

In the volatile world of cryptocurrency, breakouts and retracements are common phenomena that traders monitor closely. A breakout occurs when the price moves beyond a defined range or resistance level with increased volume, often signaling the start of a new trend. Following a breakout, a retracement is a temporary reversal in the price direction, where the asset pulls back to test the newly broken support or resistance level.

Understanding this pattern is crucial for traders aiming to enter positions at favorable levels. The retracement after a breakout provides a second chance to join a potential trend continuation without chasing the price at its peak.

Identifying a Valid Breakout Before Considering Retracement

Before analyzing where to add positions during a retracement, it’s essential to confirm that the initial breakout was genuine. A valid breakout typically involves:

• High trading volume: A surge in volume confirms that institutional or large retail players are participating in the move.
• Clearance above key resistance: The price must close convincingly above a well-established resistance level, not just touch it briefly.
• Candlestick confirmation: Look for bullish candlesticks like engulfing patterns or strong closes near session highs.

If these conditions aren't met, the so-called breakout may be a false one, and any retracement might lead to a full reversal rather than a continuation.

Recognizing the Retracement Phase in Crypto Markets

Once a breakout is confirmed, the next step is to identify the retracement phase. This usually happens when profit-taking or hesitation sets in among traders who entered early. During this phase:

• The price revisits the former resistance level now acting as support.
• Technical indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) may show signs of oversold conditions or bearish exhaustion.
• Volume tends to decrease compared to the breakout phase, indicating lack of selling pressure.

It's important to distinguish between a healthy retracement and a full reversal. If the price breaks below the original breakout level decisively, it signals a failed breakout.

Key Levels to Watch for Adding Positions

When considering where to add positions during a retracement, several technical tools can help pinpoint optimal entry zones:

• Fibonacci retracement levels: Drawing Fibonacci retracement from the swing low to the breakout high helps identify potential pullback levels such as 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8%. These levels often act as support zones during uptrend retracements.
• Trendline support: In many cases, a rising trendline connects the lows of the breakout rally. A retest of this line can offer a solid entry point.
• Moving averages: The 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) or 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) often serve as dynamic support during retracements in strong trends.

Each of these levels should be cross-checked with volume and candlestick patterns to enhance accuracy.

Confirming Entry Signals During Retracement

Adding positions shouldn’t rely solely on price action; confirmation from multiple sources increases reliability. Traders should look for:

• Bullish candlestick patterns such as hammers, inverted hammers, or morning stars forming near key support levels.
• Volume pickup as the price approaches a support zone, indicating renewed buying interest.
• Positive divergence on oscillators like RSI or MACD, suggesting weakening bearish momentum.

These signals help filter out false retracements and improve the probability of successful entries.

Risk Management When Adding Positions Post-Retracement

Even with strong technical setups, risk management remains critical. Consider the following steps:

• Place stop-loss orders slightly below the retracement support level to limit downside exposure.
• Adjust position size based on volatility and proximity to key levels.
• Use trailing stops once the price resumes its trend to lock in profits while allowing room for movement.

Avoid over-leveraging, especially in highly volatile crypto assets, as sudden news or market sentiment shifts can trigger sharp reversals.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if the retracement never occurs after a breakout?

Not every breakout is followed by a retracement. Some strong trends continue without significant pullbacks. In such cases, traders may consider scaling into positions gradually or using moving average crossovers as alternative entry points.

Can I use the same strategy for both bullish and bearish breakouts?

Yes, the principles apply inversely in bearish scenarios. After a breakdown below a key support level, a retracement may occur where the price tests the broken support as new resistance. Short sellers can look for rejection patterns near this zone.

Is it safe to add positions on every retracement?

No. Not all retracements result in trend continuation. It's vital to assess the strength of the trend, volume behavior, and overall market context before entering. Avoid adding blindly without proper confirmation.

How do I differentiate between a retracement and a reversal?

A retracement typically shows lower volatility and weaker selling pressure. A reversal, on the other hand, exhibits strong bearish momentum, often breaking key support levels with high volume and negative candlestick patterns.