Is it sustainable to have three red soldiers at a low level but the turnover rate is low?

The three red soldiers pattern with low turnover in crypto may signal a weak reversal, lacking strong buying conviction.

Jun 28, 2025 at 12:28 am

Understanding the Pattern: Three Red Soldiers

The three red soldiers pattern is a well-known bullish reversal formation in candlestick charting. It typically appears at the end of a downtrend and consists of three consecutive long-bodied candlesticks that close higher each time. This pattern signals strong buying pressure and suggests that the market sentiment may be shifting from bearish to bullish.

In the context of cryptocurrency, where price volatility is high and trends can reverse quickly, recognizing such patterns becomes crucial for traders. When this pattern forms at a low level—meaning the asset has already experienced a significant decline—it might indicate that the downward momentum is weakening. However, the sustainability of such a reversal depends on several factors beyond just the candlestick pattern itself.

What Does Low Turnover Rate Indicate?

A low turnover rate means that the volume of trades is relatively light compared to previous periods. In traditional markets, low volume during a price increase is often viewed with skepticism because it suggests that the rally lacks conviction. In crypto, the situation can be more nuanced due to the 24/7 nature of trading and varying liquidity conditions across exchanges.

When you observe three red soldiers forming alongside a low turnover rate, it raises an important question: Is the price rise genuine or is it merely a result of thin order books and low selling pressure? A low turnover rate could mean that only a small number of buyers are pushing the price up without encountering much resistance from sellers. While this may look promising on a chart, it doesn't necessarily confirm strong institutional or retail participation.

Historical Context and Market Psychology

To assess sustainability, one must consider the broader market environment. If the crypto market as a whole is in a consolidation phase or experiencing low interest, then a low turnover rate may be normal. During such phases, even minor buying activity can create the appearance of a reversal through patterns like three red soldiers.

Market psychology plays a key role here. If traders perceive the pattern as a sign of strength and begin entering positions, the turnover rate may increase organically. However, if the pattern fails to attract new buyers or stimulate selling pressure, the rally may stall. In some cases, especially in altcoins with low liquidity, short-term pump-and-dump schemes can also mimic this behavior.

Technical Confirmation Beyond Candlestick Patterns

Relying solely on candlestick formations like three red soldiers can be misleading without additional technical validation. Traders should look for supporting indicators that suggest a sustainable trend change. For example:

• Moving averages crossing into bullish alignment (e.g., 50-day above 200-day)
• Relative Strength Index (RSI) moving out of oversold territory
• Volume-weighted average price (VWAP) being approached from below

In particular, volume analysis becomes critical when turnover is low. If subsequent candles after the three red soldiers show increasing buying volume, it strengthens the case for a real reversal. Conversely, if volume remains flat or declines, the move may lack staying power.

Risk Management Considerations

Even if all signs point to a potential reversal, managing risk is essential. Entering a trade based solely on a three red soldiers pattern with low turnover can expose traders to false breakouts or sudden reversals. Setting stop-loss orders and limiting position size helps mitigate these risks.

Traders should also monitor news events, regulatory developments, and broader macroeconomic factors that could impact cryptocurrency prices. Sometimes, a low turnover rally can be triggered by internal dynamics rather than fundamental improvements, making it vulnerable to quick corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the three red soldiers pattern appear in sideways markets?

Yes, the three red soldiers pattern can occur during consolidation or sideways movement. In such cases, its significance depends on whether it breaks key resistance levels or coincides with other bullish indicators.

2. How reliable is the three red soldiers pattern in highly volatile cryptocurrencies?

While the three red soldiers pattern is considered reliable in traditional markets, its effectiveness in highly volatile crypto assets may vary. Additional confirmation tools are necessary to increase reliability.

3. Should I enter a trade immediately after seeing three red soldiers with low turnover?

It's generally safer to wait for further confirmation before entering a trade. Monitoring how the price behaves in the next few candlesticks and watching for increased volume can provide better clarity.

4. What other patterns resemble the three red soldiers?

Patterns like the three white soldiers, which is essentially the same formation, and the rising three methods can appear similar. However, they differ in structure and implications. Understanding the differences helps avoid misinterpretation.