Does the large-volume breakthrough of the previous high and then the retracement without breaking the previous high represent the establishment of the trend?

A breakout above a prior high with strong volume followed by a retracement that holds support suggests a potential new uptrend in crypto markets.

Jun 26, 2025 at 12:49 am

Understanding the Price Action: Breakout and Retracement

When analyzing cryptocurrency price charts, traders often look for specific patterns that may indicate a potential trend. One such pattern is a large-volume breakout of a prior high, followed by a retracement that does not break below that previous high. This scenario raises an important question among traders: Does this represent the establishment of a new trend?

A breakout occurs when the price moves beyond a defined level of resistance or support with increased volume. In this context, a large-volume breakout above a prior high suggests strong buying pressure. However, what follows next—the retracement—is crucial in determining whether the breakout is valid or just a false move.

The Significance of Volume in Breakouts

Volume plays a critical role in confirming the strength of a breakout. A surge in trading volume during a breakout indicates that institutional players or large holders are actively participating in the movement. This increases the likelihood that the breakout is genuine rather than a temporary spike caused by retail traders.

However, volume alone cannot confirm a trend. If the price breaks out with high volume but then retraces without breaking below the previous high, it signals that buyers are still in control. This phase is often referred to as a pullback or consolidation, where traders who missed the initial move step in to buy at a better price.

What Happens During the Retracement?

After a breakout, a retracement is a natural part of price action. It allows the market to absorb profits and retest key levels. The key factor here is whether the retracement holds above the prior high, which now acts as a support level.

If the price retests the broken resistance (now support) and bounces off it without breaking below, it strengthens the case for a valid trend. This behavior shows that there is strong demand at those levels and that the initial breakout was not a false signal.

In cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is high and sentiment can shift quickly, this kind of price behavior is especially significant. Traders should monitor how the price interacts with the previous resistance-turned-support level.

Identifying Trend Confirmation Signals

To determine if a trend is truly forming after a breakout and retracement, traders can look for additional confirmation signals:

• Candlestick patterns such as bullish engulfing or hammer formations near the support level
• Moving average alignment, particularly the 20-day and 50-day moving averages trending upwards
• Relative Strength Index (RSI) staying above 50 during the retracement phase
• Fibonacci retracement levels, especially the 38.2% or 50% levels acting as support

These tools help traders assess whether the market structure is shifting from a sideways or downtrend into a new uptrend. It’s also essential to observe how long the retracement lasts—a quick bounce suggests strong momentum, while a prolonged pullback might indicate indecision.

Trading Strategies Based on Breakout and Retracement Patterns

Traders can take advantage of this setup using various strategies:

• Breakout entry: Buying during the initial surge past the previous high with volume confirmation
• Retracement entry: Entering on a retest of the former resistance turned support
• Stop-loss placement: Setting stops below the retracement low or the original breakout point
• Profit targets: Measuring the height of the breakout move to project future gains

Each strategy comes with its own risk-reward profile. For example, entering during the breakout can lead to faster gains but carries the risk of a false breakout. Conversely, waiting for a retracement may offer a safer entry but could miss some of the initial move.

It’s also important to use position sizing wisely and avoid overexposure, especially in volatile crypto markets where sudden reversals are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between a breakout and a fakeout?

A breakout is a legitimate move beyond a resistance or support level accompanied by strong volume and follow-through. A fakeout occurs when the price briefly surpasses a key level but quickly reverses, trapping traders who entered based on the apparent breakout.

Q2: Can I trade this pattern on all cryptocurrencies?

Yes, the breakout and retracement pattern applies across all liquid cryptocurrencies. However, low-volume altcoins may produce more false signals due to manipulation and thin order books.

Q3: How do I know if the retracement has failed?

If the price breaks below the previous high (now support) and closes decisively under it with strong volume, the retracement is considered invalid. That level may now become resistance again.

Q4: Should I always wait for a retracement before entering a trade?

Not necessarily. Some traders prefer to enter on the initial breakout, especially in fast-moving markets. Others wait for a retracement to improve their risk-reward ratio. It depends on your trading style, risk tolerance, and strategy.