Glossary

False breakout / fakeout

A level being broken briefly and price coming back; the classic trap that collects breakout traders' stops.

False breakouts aren't random: the stop orders behind the level provide liquidity, and large players use that liquidity to open positions in the opposite direction. Long-wicked candles and a fast return are the signature.

A false breakout is a counter-trade opportunity: enter in the opposite direction after a close back inside the level, with the stop behind the wick.

Related terms

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