What does it mean when the Williams indicator hits the top three times in a row and then reverses?

Three consecutive tops on the Williams %R signal potential bearish reversal as momentum weakens and sellers gain control.

Jun 25, 2025 at 09:29 pm

Understanding the Williams Indicator

The Williams %R (also known as Williams Percent Range) is a momentum oscillator used in technical analysis to identify overbought and oversold levels. It was developed by Larry Williams and typically spans from 0 to -100. The indicator compares the closing price of an asset to its high-low range over a specific period, usually 14 periods.

When the Williams indicator hits the top, it means the value is approaching 0, which suggests that the price is near its highest level during the lookback period. This often signals overbought conditions. Conversely, when it approaches -100, it indicates oversold conditions.

Significance of Three Consecutive Tops on the Williams Indicator

If the Williams indicator reaches the upper boundary (near 0) three times consecutively, this pattern can be interpreted as a strong signal of reversal potential. Here's what each of these tops may signify:

• First Top: The market shows strength, with prices pushing higher and hitting resistance at the upper end of the Williams scale.
• Second Top: Bulls attempt another push, but the momentum starts to wane slightly. The second peak mirrors the first, indicating resistance is holding.
• Third Top: This is where things get more significant. If the third peak fails to surpass the prior two and then begins to decline, it often signals that buying pressure is exhausted, and sellers are gaining control.

This triple-top formation is a classic technical pattern observed across various indicators and price charts. In the context of the Williams indicator, it reflects a momentum exhaustion rather than a pure price reversal.

What Happens When the Indicator Reverses After Three Peaks?

Once the Williams indicator reverses after hitting the top three times, traders interpret this as a possible bearish reversal signal. The key points to note include:

• A downward movement of the Williams line after the third peak confirms the reversal.
• This doesn't always mean a long-term downtrend; however, it suggests that short-term momentum is shifting downward.
• The stronger the previous upward trend, the more meaningful this reversal could be.

In cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is high, such a signal should be confirmed using other tools like price action patterns, volume spikes, or additional oscillators like RSI or MACD.

How to Trade This Signal in Cryptocurrency Markets

To effectively trade based on this Williams %R triple top and reversal setup, follow these steps:

• Confirm the triple top: Ensure that the Williams %R has hit the upper zone (above -20) three separate times without breaking through.
• Look for a reversal bar: On the fourth touch, the indicator must start moving downward, ideally accompanied by a bearish candlestick on the price chart.
• Check volume: Increasing volume during the reversal adds credibility to the bearish shift.
• Use support/resistance levels: Wait for the price to break below a key support level or trendline before entering a short position.
• Set stop-loss: Place a stop above the most recent swing high to manage risk.
• Take profit: Use Fibonacci retracement levels or prior support zones as potential targets.

It’s crucial not to rely solely on the Williams indicator. Combining it with moving averages or Bollinger Bands can help filter out false signals.

Examples from Real Crypto Charts

Let’s take an example from a Bitcoin daily chart:

On a given day, Bitcoin experiences a sharp rally, pushing the Williams %R into overbought territory (-10). The next two days also show similar behavior — the indicator touches the top again twice more. By the third time, buyers fail to push the price higher, and the Williams line begins to drop sharply. Shortly afterward, the price enters a correction phase, dropping nearly 10% over the next five days.

Another example can be found in Ethereum during a volatile bull run. After forming three consecutive peaks on the Williams indicator, Ethereum’s price reversed, confirming the pattern. Traders who recognized this signal had an opportunity to enter short positions or take profits from long positions.

These real-world examples illustrate how powerful this pattern can be in identifying early signs of trend fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Williams %R indicator be used alone to make trading decisions?

A: While the Williams %R provides valuable insights into overbought and oversold conditions, relying solely on it can lead to false signals. It works best when combined with other tools like trendlines, candlestick patterns, or volume indicators.

Q: Is the triple top pattern equally reliable in both bullish and bearish scenarios?

A: The triple top is primarily a bearish reversal pattern. In contrast, a triple bottom would serve as a bullish reversal. Each needs confirmation from price action and other indicators to be reliable.

Q: How does the Williams %R differ from RSI?

A: Both are momentum oscillators, but they measure different aspects. The RSI focuses on the speed and change of price movements, while the Williams %R compares the closing price to the high-low range over a set period. They often give similar signals but can diverge in certain market conditions.

Q: What timeframes work best for analyzing triple tops on the Williams %R?

A: Higher timeframes like daily or 4-hour charts tend to produce more reliable triple top patterns. Shorter timeframes increase the frequency of signals but also raise the likelihood of false ones due to increased noise and volatility.