The Nested PullbackPullbacks are a bread-and-butter pattern for anyone trading trends. A market moves with momentum, takes a breather, and then resumes its original direction. Today, we’re diving into a refined variation of this classic setup: the nested pullback.
What Is the Nested Pullback?
The nested pullback takes the traditional pullback and adds a twist. After the market initially pulls back and resumes its trend, a smaller, secondary pullback sometimes occurs during the continuation leg. It’s a minor pause within a larger trend, but it holds major significance for those seeking precision in both entries and trade management.
As depicted in the image below of Amazon's daily candle chart, we see an established uptrend, followed by a pullback. The trend resumes with strength, and crucially, we get a small pause—this creates the nested pullback pattern. It’s this compact formation within the broader move that makes it so effective, offering a structured opportunity for both entries and trade management.
This pattern is a prime example of how market structure and evolving price action can guide decision-making. It’s not just about spotting a pullback, it’s about understanding the conditions that create this nested structure and using it to your advantage.
Nested Pullback AMZN Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Why This Pattern Can Be So Effective
1. The Cyclical Nature of Volatility
Markets are inherently cyclical, with quiet periods followed by bursts of activity. The nested pullback leverages this dynamic, forming during the quieter phase before volatility picks up again. This makes it an excellent pattern for timing entries just as the market gears up for its next significant move.
2. Not All Pullbacks Are Equal
A key factor in the nested pullback’s effectiveness is that it often follows shallow pullbacks—those with significantly less strength than the preceding trend leg. This relative weakness signals that the underlying trend is strong, and the market is likely to continue moving in the same direction.
The nested pullback pattern isn’t new, but it gained wider recognition thanks to the work of trading authors like Adam Grimes and Linda Raschke. Their insights have helped countless traders incorporate this subtle pattern into their strategies.
How to Trade It
The beauty of the nested pullback is in its simplicity. If you missed the initial pullback entry, this pattern often offers a second chance to join the trend. The structure of the nested pullback allows you to define your risk clearly: stops can be placed just below the small range or flag that forms during the nested pullback. This tight stop placement provides a favourable risk-to-reward ratio, making it an appealing setup for traders.
Managing the trade is equally straightforward. Keltner Channels can be a valuable tool here. By setting the Keltner Channel to 2.5 ATRs around a 20-day exponential moving average (standard settings), you can identify areas where the market might be overextended. If you’re long and the price breaks above the upper Keltner Channel, it could be a strong signal to take profits into strength. This approach ensures that you’re capitalising on the move while avoiding the temptation to hold on too long in the face of potential reversals.
The nested pullback works particularly well in strong, trending markets. It often appears after breakouts or during continuation phases, giving traders a structured way to enter or manage positions confidently.
Example:
In the chart below, Gold is locked in a strong uptrend, with prices initially pulling back to the basis of the Keltner Channel. Following this pullback, the trend resumed, but not without a brief pause spanning two sessions—forming the nested pullback pattern. This pause presented an optimised entry point for traders looking to align with the prevailing trend.
As momentum continued, prices surged into the upper Keltner Channel, providing a clear signal that the market was potentially overextended. This area served as an excellent opportunity to exit the position into strength, locking in gains before any potential reversal.
Gold Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Summary
The nested pullback is a subtle yet effective pattern that builds on the simplicity of traditional pullbacks. By understanding its structure and why it works, you can use it to refine your entries and strengthen your trade management. Whether you’re new to trading or a seasoned pro, this pattern offers a practical edge in trending markets.
Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents.
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