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How Can You Use a Break and Retest Strategy in Trading?How Can You Use a Break and Retest Strategy in Trading? Trading strategies help traders navigate the financial markets with greater confidence. One such approach is the break and retest strategy, which focuses on key support and resistance levels. This article explores the break and retest strategy in detail, providing insights and practical examples to help traders apply it in their trading activities. Understanding the Break and Retest Strategy The break and retest strategy is popular among traders who aim to capitalise on clear market movements. At its core, this strategy revolves around identifying key support and resistance levels on a price chart. Here’s how it works: When the price breaks through a support or resistance level, it signals a potential shift in market sentiment. For example, if a stock breaks above a resistance level, it suggests increasing buying interest. Traders then watch for the price to return to this newly broken level—known as a retest in trading. During the retest, the former resistance now acts as support, providing a potentially more attractive entry point for traders looking to join the trend. This strategy aligns well with trending markets, where prices move consistently in one direction. It allows traders to take advantage of momentum while managing their entries potentially more effectively. The Mechanics of Break and Retest Trading Implementing the break and retest strategy involves a clear sequence of steps that traders follow to identify and act on potential market moves. Here’s a breakdown of how this strategy typically operates: 1. Identifying Key Levels Traders begin by pinpointing significant support and resistance levels on their charts. Accurate identification is crucial, as these levels form the foundation of the strategy. 2. Monitoring for a Breakout Once the key levels are established, traders watch for the price to break through one of these barriers, in line with a broader trend. A breakout occurs when the price moves decisively above resistance or below support, often accompanied by increased trading volume. This surge in volume indicates stronger market interest and can validate the breakout’s legitimacy. 3. Waiting for the Retest After the breakout, the price typically retraces to test the broken level. For instance, if the price breaks above a resistance level, it may pull back to that same level, which now acts as support. This retest phase is critical as it offers a second confirmation of the breakout’s strength. 4. Confirming the Retest During the retest, traders look for confirmation signals to ensure the breakout is genuine. These signals can include specific candlestick patterns, such as pin bars or engulfing candles, and continued high trading volume. Successful confirmation suggests that the new support or resistance level will hold, increasing the likelihood of a sustained trend. 5. Entering the Trade With confirmation in place, traders often enter the market, aiming to ride the new trend. They may set stop-loss orders slightly below the new support (in the case of a breakout to the upside) or the new resistance (in case of a breakout to the downside) to manage potential risks. 6. Managing the Trade Effective trade management involves setting target levels based on previous price action and adjusting stop-loss orders as the trade progresses. This helps to lock in potential returns and potentially protect against unexpected market reversals. Break and Retest Example Strategy Consider this EURUSD 15-minute chart, which displays a clear bearish trend. This trend is highlighted by the 50-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA) sloping downward, with the price generally staying below it. Recently, the price broke below a key support level on higher-than-average volume, signalling a potential opportunity for traders to apply the break and retest strategy. In this scenario, there are two support levels to monitor. The first is a more significant support level. Trading at this level can allow traders to enter the market quickly, though it comes with a less favourable risk-reward ratio. The second support level is found within the recent brief retracement. This level offers a better risk-reward ratio, but there's a chance the price may not retrace deeply enough, potentially causing traders to miss the trade. The entry point is identified by a candle with a wick longer than its body (a pin-bar on the 30m chart), indicating rejection of higher prices as the market retests the second broken support level. Once this candle closes, traders can enter a market order. Stop losses would typically be placed either above the last major swing high or above the 50-period EMA, depending on individual risk tolerance. Take-profit targets could be set at a 1:3 risk-reward ratio or at the next significant support level, where a price reversal may be anticipated. Improving the Break and Retest Strategy Enhancing the break and retest strategy involves integrating additional tools and techniques to refine trade decisions. Here are several methods to consider: 1. Incorporating Additional Indicators Using break and retest indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) can provide valuable insights. For instance, an RSI crossing below 70 during a bearish breakout may indicate weakening momentum, supporting the retest. Similarly, the MACD crossing above its signal line or the MACD histogram rising above 0 can confirm the uptrend’s strength, aiding in more precise entry points. Explore these indicators and more than 1,200+ trading tools in FXOpen’s free TickTrader trading platform. 2. Multi-Timeframe Analysis Examining charts across different timeframes helps in gaining a broader market perspective. A breakout observed on a 4-hour chart gains additional confirmation when a strong trend is also visible on a daily chart. This alignment across timeframes increases the reliability of the trade setup. 3. Utilising Fibonacci Retracements After a breakout, prices often retrace deeper into the previous high-low range—not always to the most extreme point. Applying Fibonacci retracements to the high/low of the breakout (high in a bearish breakout and low in a bullish scenario) and the new low or high can help identify optimal retest points, particularly at the 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8% levels. These levels typically offer better risk-reward ratios compared to the extreme points. 4. Incorporating Fundamental Analysis Supporting technical breakouts with fundamental factors, such as economic reports or news events, strengthens the strategy. For example, a breakout aligned with positive economic data may have a higher probability of sustaining the new trend, providing traders with greater confidence in their decisions. Advantages of the Break and Retest Strategy The break and retest strategy offers several advantages that can enhance a trader’s approach to the markets: - Increased Confidence through Confirmation: The retest serves as an additional validation of the breakout, boosting trader confidence in their entry decision and reducing hesitation. - Better Risk Management: Setting stop-loss orders based on the retest level provides a clear risk boundary. This structured approach aids in potentially managing losses. - Alignment with Market Trends: This strategy naturally aligns trades with the prevailing market trend. By trading in the direction of the breakout, traders can take advantage of sustained movements. - Versatility Across Markets: The breakout and retest strategy can be applied to various financial instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities. Its adaptability makes it a valuable tool in diverse trading environments. - Scalability and Flexibility: This strategy can be adapted to different timeframes and trading styles, making it suitable for both short-term and long-term traders seeking to implement a consistent approach. Potential Challenges and Considerations While the break and retest strategy can be a powerful tool, traders may face several challenges when implementing it: - False Breakouts: Not every breakout leads to a sustained trend. Sometimes, the price moves beyond a support or resistance level only to reverse shortly after. Recognising these false signals is crucial to avoid entering trades that may quickly turn against expectations. - Market Conditions: According to theory, this strategy performs best in trending markets. In sideways or highly volatile environments, breakouts can be less reliable, making it harder to distinguish genuine opportunities from random price movements. - Timing the Retest: Accurately determining when the price will retest the broken level can be challenging. Entering too early may expose traders to unnecessary risk, while waiting too long might result in missed opportunities if the retest doesn't occur as anticipated. - Reliance on Confirmation Signals: While additional indicators like RSI or MACD can enhance the strategy, over-reliance on these tools can complicate decision-making. Traders need to balance multiple signals without becoming overwhelmed or confused. - Emotional Discipline: Maintaining discipline during retests is essential. Traders might feel pressured to act quickly if the market moves unexpectedly, leading to impulsive decisions that deviate from their trading plan. The Bottom Line The break and retest strategy offers a structured approach to navigating market movements, combining precise entry points with effective risk management. By understanding and applying this method, traders can potentially enhance their trading decisions and align with prevailing trends. To put this strategy into practice across more than 700 markets, consider opening an FXOpen account and gain access to four advanced trading platforms, low trading costs, and rapid execution speeds. FAQ What Is a Retest in Trading? A retest occurs when the price returns to a broken support or resistance level after an initial breakout. It serves to confirm the strength of the breakout, helping traders decide whether the new trend will continue or if the breakout was false. What Is the Break and Retest Strategy? The break and retest strategy involves identifying a breakout of a key support or resistance level and then waiting for the price to return to that level. Traders use this retest as a confirmation to enter the market, aiming to follow the new trend with reduced risk. What Is the Win Rate of the Break and Retest Strategy? The win rate of the break and retest strategy varies depending on market conditions and how the strategy is applied. Consistent application and effective risk management are crucial for achieving better results. How Many Times Should I Backtest My Strategy? Backtesting should be done extensively across different market conditions and timeframes. According to theory, traders need to test a strategy on at least 100 trades to ensure its reliability and to understand how it performs in various scenarios. Does the Market Always Retest? No, the market does not always retest broken levels. While retests are common, they are not guaranteed. Traders should use additional confirmation signals and be prepared for both possibilities when applying the break and retest strategy. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Education
by FXOpen
1
Daily Analysis of GBP to USD – Issue 176The analyst believes that the price of { GBPUSD } will increase in the next 24 hours. This prediction is based on quantitative analysis of the price trend. Please note that the specified take-profit level does not imply a prediction that the price will reach that point. In this framework of analysis and trading, unlike the stop-loss, which is mandatory, setting a take-profit level is optional. Whether the price reaches the take-profit level or not is of no significance, as the results are calculated based on the start and end times. The take-profit level merely indicates the potential maximum price fluctuation within that time frame.
Long
by MoonriseTA
2025 GBP/USD Outlook Fundamental & Technical PreviewFundamental analysis WHSELFINVEST:GBPUSD showed resilience in 2024, falling just 1% across the year. The pair experienced strong gains between April to September, rising from a low of 1.23 to a high of 1.34. However, GBP/USD fell 5% in the final quarter of the year amid notable USD strength, pulling GBP/USD from 1.34 to the 1.25 level where it trades at the time of writing. While the pound booked losses against the US dollar in 2024, GBP's performance against other major peers was impressive, rising solidly against EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, and JPY. GBP/USD has been supported across 2024 by the BoE cutting rates at a slower pace than the Federal Reserve and by the expectation that this trend would continue in 2025. However, Donald Trump's victory in the US election, combined with the Labour government’s Budget, means that the outlook for both economies has changed, potentially impacting the direction of monetary policy in 2025 for both central banks and GBP/USD. GBP/USD outlook – UK economic factors Growth The UK economy is expected to continue to grow in 2025. However, GDP could be weaker than the 1.5% forecast by the BoE owing to several key factors, including uncertainty surrounding trade and a less expansionary UK budget. Trump’s second term in the White House brings uncertainty, and UK trade will be under the spotlight. While the UK isn’t directly in the firing line for tariffs, the openness of the UK economy means a global shift towards increased tariffs could hurt growth prospects. However, should the UK pursue and achieve closer ties with the US or the EU, this could help growth but not to the extent of reducing the impact of Brexit. The extent of the indirect impact of trade tariffs on the UK will depend on their magnitude. The UK is already experiencing depressed growth, which Trump’s action could exasperate. The BoE forecasts GDP growth of 0% in Q4 2024 and 1.5% in 2025. The OECD forecasts 1.7% growth, and Bloomberg's survey of economists points to growth of 1.3%. Inflation In November, inflation in the UK was 2.6% YoY, rising for a second straight month and remaining above the Bank of England's 2% target as wage growth and service sector inflation remain sticky. The labour market has shown signs of easing, but unemployment remains low by historical standards at 4.2%, and wage growth elevated at 5.2%. We expect some softening in the UK job market following the Labour government’s first Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves placed a major tax burden on employers with a rise in employer National Insurance contributions and an increase in the minimum wage. A broad range of UK labour market indicators point to a weakening outlook, with surveys indicating that UK firms (especially smaller firms) are scaling back hiring plans. Although wage growth and service sector inflation were slightly firmer than expected at the end of 2024, the disinflationary trend remains intact, with core inflation well below last year's highs. The BoE projections show CPI could reach 2.7% in 2025 before easing to 2.5% in 2026. However, this could be lower if the labour market weakens further and if growth remains lacklustre. Will the BoE cut rates in 2025? At the final BoE meeting in 2025, the BoE left interest rates unchanged at 4.75%, in line with expectations. However, the vote split was more dovish than expected, at 6-3 compared to the 8-1 forecast. This suggests that dovish momentum is building within the monetary policy committee for a rate cut in February. The central bank signaled gradual, rare cuts throughout 2025 amid sticky inflation, although policymakers are increasingly concerned over the growth outlook. The market is pricing 50 basis points worth of cuts in 2025, supporting the pound. However, this could be conservative given that the labour market could weaken considerably following the Budget. A weaker labour market will lower wage growth and impact consumption, potentially cooling inflation faster. Uncertainty surrounding trade could ease inflationary pressures further in 2025, meaning deeper cuts from the BoE than the market is pricing in. As a result, GBP could come under pressure across H1 2025. GBP/USD outlook - US economic factors USD strength was nothing short of impressive in Q4. The USD index jumped 5% to reach a two-year high, supported by expectations that the Federal Reserve could cut rates at a slower pace in 2025. Despite the outsized move in Q4, we expect further USD strength in 2025. At the time of writing, US CPI has risen for the past two months, reaching 2.7% YoY in November. Core PCE is also proving to be sticky, remaining above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Earlier confidence at the Federal Reserve that inflation would continue falling to the 2% target appears to have faded amid ongoing US economic exceptionalism and a cooling but not collapsing labour market. Signs of sticky inflation come as the US job market remains resilient. Nonfarm payrolls for November showed 227k jobs were added. Unemployment has ticked higher but is expected to end 2025 at 4.3%, down from 4.4% previously expected. Meanwhile, economic growth in the US remains solid. The US recorded Q3 GDP as 3.1% annually, up from 2.8% in Q2. According to the OECD, the US is expected to see strong growth among the G7 economies, with 2.8% growth expected in 2024 and 2.4% forecast for 2025. A combination of sticky-than-expected inflation, solid growth, and a resilient jobs market suggests that the US economy is on a strong footing as Trump comes into power. Political factors Trump is widely expected to implement inflationary measures, including tax cuts and trade tariffs. Inflationary policies at a time when US inflation is starting to heat up again could create more of a headache for the Federal Reserve continuing with its easing cycle. Will the Federal Reserve cut rates in 2025? At its last meeting of 2024, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, marking the second consecutive 25-basis-point cut and following a 50-basis-point reduction in September, when it kicked off its rate-cutting cycle. However, the Fed also signaled slower and shallower rate cuts in 2025. Fed Chair Powell’s press conference and policymakers’ updated projections confirm that the Fed will be much more cautious next year. The Fed increased its inflation forecast to 2.5% YoY, up from 2.1%, and isn’t expected to reach 2% until 2027. The market is pricing in just 35 basis points worth of cuts next year, and the first rate cut isn’t expected until July. However, Trump’s policy plans will be the most significant determinant of the Fed's decisions regarding rates next year. Technical analysis Overview The GBP/USD pair has been in a clear downtrend since its peak in May 2021, marked by a swing high of ~1.4205 and a subsequent low of ~1.1800 in September 2022. The recent price action suggests the pair is consolidating near key psychological and technical levels, hinting at potential future moves. This analysis incorporates a refined Fibonacci retracement that spans the broader bearish cycle for a more holistic perspective. Long-Term Fibonacci Analysis The updated Fibonacci retracement has been applied from the May 2021 high of ~1.4205 to the September 2022 low of ~1.1800. This adjustment provides a better representation of the long-term market structure and aligns key levels with historical price reactions: 23.6% Retracement Level (~1.4007): This level aligns closely with the psychological 1.4000 level, making it a key resistance area should the pair see a bullish recovery. 38.2% Retracement Level (~1.3884): This level historically coincides with areas of consolidation and resistance, suggesting it could act as a ceiling for mid-term rallies. 50% Retracement Level (~1.3785): Situated near prior structural highs, this is a crucial midpoint for evaluating the strength of any bullish correction. 61.8% Retracement Level (~1.3660): Often referred to as the "golden ratio," this level aligns with significant historical resistance, further reinforcing its importance. 78.6% Retracement Level (~1.3548): This deeper retracement could serve as an area of rejection in a bullish recovery scenario. Short-Term Impulse Fibonacci Analysis Focusing on the most recent bearish impulse, the Fibonacci retracement spans from the swing high of 1.3170 (August 2023) to the recent low of 1.2384. Key levels from this retracement include: 23.6% Retracement Level (~1.2612): The price has hovered around this level recently, suggesting it acts as a local resistance point. 38.2% Retracement Level (~1.2785): This level is bolstered by confluence with horizontal resistance, making it a critical test for bullish momentum. 50% Retracement Level (~1.2850): Represents a midpoint and potential short-term rejection area. 1.618 Fibonacci Extension (~1.2139): This provides a logical downside target should the bearish trend continue. 3.618 and 4.236 Extensions (~1.1164 and ~1.0644): These deeper levels indicate the potential for significant bearish continuation in the long term. Other technical indicators Moving Averages The 21-week SMA (~1.2924) remains above the current price, acting as dynamic resistance. The 50-week SMA (~1.2785) coincides with the 38.2% retracement of the recent impulse, reinforcing its importance. RSI and MACD The RSI (47.96) is below the midpoint of 50, indicating bearish momentum. Watch for divergence near key Fibonacci levels. The MACD histogram is negative, with no signs of an imminent crossover, confirming bearish pressure. Support and Resistance Zones Key Resistance Levels 1.2612: Recent price interactions suggest this is a significant short-term barrier. 1.2785: The 38.2% retracement of the impulse move, coinciding with the 50-week SMA. 1.3000: A psychological level with historical significance. 1.4000: The 23.6% retracement of the broader move and a long-term target for bullish recovery. Key Support Levels 1.2384: The recent swing low. 1.2139: The 1.618 extension of the recent impulse move. 1.2000: A critical psychological threshold. 1.1164 and 1.0644: Deeper Fibonacci extensions providing long-term bearish targets. Conclusion The GBP/USD pair remains in a bearish trend, with key levels from the updated Fibonacci retracement offering valuable insights for both potential reversals and continuation scenarios. Traders should monitor the interaction of price with the 1.2612 and 1.2785 resistance levels, while keeping an eye on the downside targets of 1.2139 and below. The RSI and MACD confirm bearish momentum, while moving averages provide additional context for dynamic support and resistance. A multi-timeframe approach will be crucial in navigating this pair over the coming months, with the broader trend still probably favoring the bears. -- written by Fiona Cincotta & WH SelfInvest
Short
by WHSelfInvest
Daily Analysis of GBP to USD – Issue 235The analyst believes that the price of { GBPUSD } will increase in the next 24 hours. This prediction is based on quantitative analysis of the price trend. Please note that the specified take-profit level does not imply a prediction that the price will reach that point. In this framework of analysis and trading, unlike the stop-loss, which is mandatory, setting a take-profit level is optional. Whether the price reaches the take-profit level or not is of no significance, as the results are calculated based on the start and end times. The take-profit level merely indicates the potential maximum price fluctuation within that time frame.
Long
by MoonriseTA
GBP/USD: Market Sentiment and the Road Ahead for the PoundFollowing up on our previous analysis of GBP/USD, it has been a tumultuous week for the Pound, which experienced significant declines on Wednesday and Thursday. Although GBP/USD managed a brief correction higher on Friday, it ultimately closed the week in negative territory. At the time of writing, the pair is in a consolidation phase, trading below the 1.2545 mark. The sharp drop in GBP/USD can be attributed to the Federal Reserve's (Fed) hawkish dot plot, coupled with the Bank of England's relatively dovish stance after its final policy meeting of the year. This combination led to a notable downturn in the currency pair. However, as we approached the weekend, a more positive shift in market sentiment emerged due to the US Congress successfully averting a government shutdown, which caused the US Dollar (USD) to weaken against its peers. This turn of events allowed GBP/USD to recover some of its earlier losses. From a technical analysis perspective, we are anticipating continued bearish momentum for the Pound against the USD as we approach the next demand zone. Previous Idea: ✅ Please share your thoughts about GBP/USD in the comments section below and HIT LIKE if you appreciate my analysis. Don't forget to FOLLOW ME; you will help us a lot with this small contribution.
Short
by FOREXN1
1
GBP/USD at a Critical Support Level: What comes next?The GBP/USD pair has fallen more than 7% since September 26, 2024, largely in response to the strengthening of the USD following Donald Trump's recent victory in the US presidential election. However, it appears that GBP/USD has found significant support on the daily chart, forming a double bottom pattern in the 1.2500 region. This level has been an important reference point throughout 2023 and is poised to act as support once again. Confluence of Factors Several elements suggest a potential upward movement in GBP/USD: 7% Decline Without Significant Retracement: The pair has seen a substantial decline since September without any meaningful pullbacks. Key Support Region: The price has touched an important support level on the daily chart. Double Bottom Formation: The emergence of a double bottom pattern on the daily chart adds further support to the bullish hypothesis. Considering these points, a long setup could be contemplated if the candle on the daily chart for December 23 closes above the high of the preceding candle. This would create a bullish Engulfing Pattern, which is often viewed as an ignition signal and a buying opportunity. Potential Targets for a Long Trade 1.2800: This target is a previous resistance point that previously hindered further price increases. It also represents a round number, offering approximately 180 pips from the entry point. 1.3000: Another significant resistance level and round number, approximately 380 pips from the entry point. Stop Loss A suitable stop loss could be placed slightly below support on the daily chart at around 1.2470, providing a distance of approximately 150 pips from the entry point. Alternative Scenario Should GBP/USD break below the support level on the daily chart, the next downward movement could see it fall to the 1.2330 level, where it may find another area of support. Impact of Economic Data: UK GDP and US Consumer Confidence The upcoming release of UK GDP data should be closely monitored, as it is a critical indicator of the health of the UK economy. If the reading comes in lower than expected, the market may speculate that the Bank of England (BoE) could be forced to cut interest rates to stimulate growth, potentially leading to a depreciation of the Pound. Meanwhile, US Consumer Confidence data is likely to affect market volatility as household consumption accounts for approximately two-thirds of GDP. A reading that exceeds expectations could indicate strong consumer confidence in the economic outlook, which might lead to inflationary pressures and prompt the Federal Reserve (Fed) to consider raising interest rates, thereby strengthening the USD. As the GBP/USD pair approaches a crucial support level, the technical indicators suggest a potential for upward movement. However, traders should remain vigilant of the upcoming economic data releases and consider how they might influence market dynamics. Combining technical analysis with fundamental insights will enhance the likelihood of making well-informed trading decisions during this pivotal moment. Disclaimer 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Consider whether you understand how CFDs work and if you can afford the high risk of losing your money. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment values may fluctuate, and you may not recover your initial investment. This content is not intended for residents of the UK.
Long
by Marketscom