
Candlestick patterns are used by traders to predict the future direction of price movement and identify trading opportunities. An inside candle is a two-candlestick formation where the second candle's high and low range is contained within the first candle's high and low range. This pattern represents a period of consolidation or indecision in the market and can indicate a potential pause or reversal in the current trend. The inside candle pattern can be observed across various financial instruments, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and forex currency pairs. Traders use this pattern to anticipate and plan their trading strategies accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price range | Entirely within the previous candle's range |
| Market context | Can indicate consolidation, indecision, or a pause before a decisive move |
| Trend | Can be bullish or bearish depending on context |
| Trading strategy | Traders can trade in the direction of the breakout |
| Number of candles | Two candles make up the inside day bar |
| Trading sessions | May take 3 or more trading sessions into account |
| Trend reversal | Can indicate a strengthening or reversal of the existing trend |
| Reliability | Depends on market context, timeframe, and other technical analysis tools |
| Bullish pattern | Closing price higher than opening price, formed within an uptrend |
| Bearish pattern | Closing price lower than opening price, formed within a downtrend |
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What You'll Learn

Bullish or bearish
Candlestick patterns are a form of technical analysis used to predict the future price movement of markets. They are used to recognise market sentiment and the balance of power between buyers and sellers.
A bullish candlestick indicates upward momentum, with the closing price higher than the opening price. It is typically represented in green or white. In a bullish pattern, the open price is at the bottom, and the close is at the top.
A bearish candlestick, on the other hand, signals downward pressure, with the closing price lower than the opening price. It is generally represented in red or black. In a bearish pattern, the open price is at the top, and the close is at the bottom.
The body of the candle represents the open-to-close range, while the shadow or wick indicates the intra-day high and low. The colour of the candle indicates the direction of market movement.
Bullish and bearish patterns can be identified through various formations. For example, the bullish engulfing pattern consists of a small bearish candle followed by a larger bullish candle that engulfs the previous candle's body. This indicates a shift from bearish to bullish, reflecting strong buying pressure. Conversely, the bearish engulfing pattern indicates a shift from bullish to bearish and usually marks the end of an uptrend.
Another pattern is the three-method formation, which predicts the continuation of a current trend. The bullish pattern, known as the rising three methods, consists of three short red candles contained within the range of two long green candles, indicating that buyers are retaining control of the market. The bearish pattern, called the falling three methods, shows that the bulls lack the strength to reverse the trend.
The inside candle or inside bar is a specific pattern that can indicate either bullish or bearish sentiment depending on the context. It occurs when the price range of the current candle is entirely within the range of the previous candle, indicating a period of consolidation or indecision in the market. In a downtrend, it suggests a potential continuation of the downward trend, while in an uptrend, it implies a potential continuation of the upward momentum.
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Continuation or reversal
An inside candle is identified when the entire price range (from high to low) of a candle is contained within the high and low range of the previous candle. It shows that the current candle's price action is narrower than the previous one, indicating a period of consolidation or indecision in the market. This could mean that the price is consolidating, moving within stable bounds without a clear trend.
The inside candle pattern does not inherently indicate a bullish or bearish bias. Its meaning depends on the prevailing market movement and the context of the price action. An inside candle that forms within an uptrend can be considered bullish, signalling a potential continuation of the upward trend. Conversely, an inside candle that forms within a downtrend can be seen as bearish, indicating a potential continuation of the downward trend.
However, it is important to note that the inside candle pattern can also indicate a potential reversal of the current trend. When an inside candle forms within a downtrend, it can signal a trend reversal, suggesting a potential shift to an upward trend. On the other hand, an outside bar or engulfing pattern, which occurs when the high and low of a candle completely engulf the previous candle, typically signals a potential reversal as well.
To effectively implement an inside candle strategy, traders need to identify and interpret the prevailing trend and market phase in which the pattern appears. While inside candles can provide insights into market consolidation or indecision, they should be used in conjunction with other technical analysis tools to confirm the overall trend and predict the direction of potential breakouts.
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Consolidation or indecision
An inside candle or inside bar candle pattern is a two-candlestick formation that indicates a period of consolidation or indecision in the market. It occurs when the entire price range of the current candle (from high to low) is contained within the high and low range of the previous candle. This means that the current candle's price action is narrower than the previous one, suggesting a temporary pause or consolidation in price before the trend potentially resumes.
The inside candle pattern is a valuable tool for traders as it provides insights into market consolidation or indecision and helps identify potential price movements. It is important to note that the inside candle does not inherently indicate a bullish or bearish bias. Instead, it depends on the context of the price action. If the inside candle forms within an uptrend, it can be considered bullish, indicating a potential continuation of the upward trend. On the other hand, if it forms within a downtrend, it can be interpreted as bearish, suggesting a potential reversal or continuation of the downward trend.
The reliability of an inside bar candle pattern depends on various factors, including the market context, the timeframe it appears on, and other technical analysis tools. Traders often pair the inside candle strategy with other technical indicators to confirm the overall trend and make more informed trading decisions. It is also important to remember that candlestick patterns, including inside candles, can sometimes result in misleading breakthrough indications, especially in sideways or flat markets. Therefore, traders should exercise caution and consider multiple factors before incorporating the inside candle pattern into their trading approach.
To effectively implement an inside candle strategy, traders need to identify and interpret the inside candle within the broader market context. This involves analysing the prevailing trend and market phase in which the pattern appears. Additionally, traders should consider the number of inside candles as an indicator of market indecision—a higher number of inside candles suggests greater indecision in the market. By combining the inside candle pattern with other technical analysis tools, traders can enhance their ability to predict price movements and make more confident trading decisions.
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Trading strategies
An inside candle, also known as an inside bar, is a candlestick whose body is entirely contained within the body of the previous candle. It indicates a period of consolidation or indecision in the market and can be used to anticipate and plan trading strategies. It is important to note that an inside candle cannot indicate anything on its own and should be used alongside other forms of technical analysis. Here are some trading strategies based on inside candles:
Bullish and Bearish Patterns
An inside bar can be either bullish or bearish, depending on the context within the price action. A bullish pattern may form after a market downtrend, signalling a reversal of price movement. Traders may interpret this as an opportunity to open a long position to profit from any upward trajectory. On the other hand, a bearish pattern indicates potential downward price pressure. This often leads traders to implement sell-side strategies.
Moving Average (MA)
In a trending market, the moving average (MA) is a well-known technical indicator that complements an inside bar trading strategy. Specifically, the 20-period simple moving average (SMA) can act as dynamic resistance and a trailing stop, supporting structural pivot points.
Identifying Consolidation
Inside candles often indicate market consolidation, which is when the price moves within stable bounds without a clear trend. Multiple inside bars forming within a single larger candle suggest extended periods of consolidation that often precede significant price breakthroughs. This pattern is particularly noteworthy as it can evolve into other significant price action formations.
Entry Points and Stop Losses
When using an inside candle strategy, traders should focus on identifying entry points and setting stop losses. One recommended entry point is just above the structural resistance level. Additionally, when a breakdown occurs, traders should take the trade immediately, with the alert candle high serving as the stop-loss level.
Recognising Whipsaws
Whipsaws can occur with any candlestick pattern but can be more pronounced with inside bars. Traders should be cautious and consider market context, sentiment, and price structure before acting on inside bar setups. Relying solely on inside bars is unreliable, and it is crucial to master price action, market structure, and volume analysis as the foundation of your trading strategy.
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False breakouts
To avoid false breakouts, it is recommended to wait for the price to close outside of the range for two days or more. If the price closes outside the range for multiple days, the range is likely finished, and the price will start trending again. Another strategy is to align the false breakout with the longer-term dominant trend. For example, if a false breakout occurs on a 1-hour chart, check whether the potential reversal aligns with the trend on a 4-hour or daily chart.
When trading false breakouts, it is important to look at the breakout candle. Its length should exceed the average by at least 1.5 times, and it should have a full body (not a doji or pin bar). Even if the candle fits this description, it is still important to wait for a confirmation candle. The confirmation candle should be smaller than the breakout candle and close below the breakout level. If the confirmation candle closes near the breakout level, it may be a good entry point at the market price. If it closes far from the breakout level, a sell limit order can be placed closer to the breakout level.
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Frequently asked questions
An inside candle, also known as an inside bar, is a two-candlestick formation where the second candlestick's high and low range falls within the first candlestick's high and low range. It represents a period of consolidation or indecision in the market.
To identify an inside candle, look for the following indicators or characteristics:
- The inside candle is always smaller than the first candle.
- The opening and closing prices of the inside candle fall within the opening and closing price ranges of the first candle.
- The inside candle may be enclosed within the upper, middle, or lower part of the first candle.
An inside candle indicates a potential pause or consolidation in the current trend before the price makes a decisive move. It can also indicate a potential reversal or continuation of the current trend. The inside candle does not inherently indicate a bullish or bearish bias but can be interpreted based on the context of the price action.











































