A sharp pull in the morning and a fall in the afternoon: Is it a lure or a test?

Crypto traders often see a sharp morning price surge followed by an afternoon fall, which may be a market maker's lure or a test of market strength.

May 30, 2025 at 07:56 am

In the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, traders often encounter a phenomenon known as a "sharp pull in the morning and a fall in the afternoon." This pattern can leave many wondering whether it is a strategic move by market makers to lure in traders or a genuine test of the market's strength. Let's delve into this intriguing pattern and explore its implications for traders.

Understanding the Pattern

The pattern of a sharp pull in the morning and a fall in the afternoon is not uncommon in the crypto market. It typically involves a significant price surge early in the trading day, followed by a decline in the afternoon. This can be observed across various cryptocurrencies and trading platforms. The morning surge often attracts traders looking to capitalize on the upward momentum, while the subsequent fall can lead to panic selling or profit-taking.

Is It a Lure?

One theory suggests that this pattern might be a deliberate lure by market makers or large institutional traders. The idea is to create an artificial price increase to draw in more buyers, only to sell off their positions once the price reaches a certain level. This tactic can be particularly effective in markets with high liquidity and volatility, like cryptocurrencies.

To understand if it is indeed a lure, traders need to analyze the volume and order book data during these price movements. High trading volumes during the morning surge could indicate genuine interest, whereas a sudden drop in volume during the afternoon fall might suggest manipulation. Additionally, examining the order book for large sell orders that coincide with the afternoon decline can provide further clues.

Is It a Test?

Another perspective is that the sharp pull in the morning and a fall in the afternoon could be a test of the market's resilience. In this scenario, the morning surge might be a genuine reaction to positive news or market sentiment, while the afternoon fall could be a natural correction as traders assess the sustainability of the initial rise.

To determine if it is a test, traders should look at the broader market context. Analyzing news and events that coincide with the price movements can help distinguish between a genuine market reaction and a manipulated one. Additionally, observing how other cryptocurrencies and financial markets react during the same period can provide insight into whether the pattern is isolated or part of a larger market trend.

Trading Strategies

Given the ambiguity of this pattern, how should traders approach it? Here are some strategies to consider:

• Wait for Confirmation: Instead of jumping into the market during the morning surge, wait for confirmation of the trend. This could mean waiting for the price to break through a key resistance level or for a significant increase in trading volume.

• Set Stop-Loss Orders: To manage risk, set stop-loss orders to protect against the afternoon fall. This can help limit potential losses if the price declines sharply.

• Monitor Market Sentiment: Use social media, news, and market analysis tools to gauge the overall sentiment. Positive sentiment can support the morning surge, while negative sentiment might lead to the afternoon fall.

• Technical Analysis: Employ technical analysis to identify key support and resistance levels. This can help traders make informed decisions about entering or exiting positions.

Case Studies

To illustrate these concepts, let's look at a couple of case studies from recent market activity:

• Bitcoin (BTC) on May 12, 2023: Bitcoin experienced a sharp pull in the morning, rising from $28,000 to $29,500 within the first few hours of trading. However, by the afternoon, the price fell back to $28,500. Analyzing the trading volume showed a significant increase during the morning surge, suggesting genuine interest. The afternoon fall coincided with a large sell order on a major exchange, hinting at possible manipulation.

• Ethereum (ETH) on June 5, 2023: Ethereum saw a similar pattern, with a morning surge from $1,800 to $1,900, followed by an afternoon fall to $1,850. In this case, the morning surge was driven by positive news about an upcoming Ethereum upgrade. The afternoon fall, however, was attributed to profit-taking by early investors. The broader market context supported the idea that this was a test of the market's strength rather than a lure.

Practical Steps for Traders

For traders looking to navigate this pattern, here are some practical steps to follow:

• Monitor Price Movements: Use real-time charting tools to track the price movements throughout the day. Pay close attention to the morning surge and afternoon fall.

• Analyze Volume and Order Book: Check the trading volume and order book data to identify any anomalies that might suggest manipulation. Look for large sell orders that coincide with the afternoon fall.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and events that could impact the market. Use news aggregators and social media platforms to stay informed about market sentiment.

• Use Risk Management Tools: Implement stop-loss orders and other risk management tools to protect your investments. Adjust your stop-loss levels based on the market's volatility.

• Backtest Strategies: Use historical data to backtest trading strategies that aim to capitalize on the sharp pull in the morning and a fall in the afternoon pattern. This can help refine your approach and improve your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I differentiate between a genuine market reaction and a manipulated one during the sharp pull and fall pattern?

A: To differentiate between a genuine market reaction and a manipulated one, focus on analyzing trading volume, order book data, and market sentiment. A genuine market reaction typically involves a sustained increase in trading volume and aligns with broader market trends and news. In contrast, a manipulated pattern might show a sudden drop in volume during the afternoon fall and large sell orders that coincide with the price decline.

Q: What technical indicators can help identify the sharp pull and fall pattern?

A: Several technical indicators can help identify the sharp pull and fall pattern. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) can indicate overbought conditions during the morning surge, suggesting a potential fall. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) can signal trend reversals, while Bollinger Bands can highlight volatility and potential price breakouts or breakdowns.

Q: Can this pattern be observed in other financial markets, or is it unique to cryptocurrencies?

A: While the sharp pull in the morning and a fall in the afternoon pattern is more pronounced in the cryptocurrency market due to its high volatility and liquidity, similar patterns can be observed in other financial markets, such as stocks and forex. However, the frequency and intensity of these patterns may vary depending on the specific market and its characteristics.

Q: Are there any specific times of the day when this pattern is more likely to occur?

A: The sharp pull in the morning and a fall in the afternoon pattern is more likely to occur during times of high trading activity, which often coincide with the opening hours of major exchanges. For cryptocurrencies, this typically means the early morning hours in the UTC time zone, as trading activity ramps up in Asia and Europe. However, the exact timing can vary based on market conditions and news events.