Fibonacci retracement levels are a popular tool among traders for identifying potential reversal points, support, and resistance levels in stock prices. Named after the famous mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci, this tool is based on a series of numbers that appear frequently in nature and human-made structures. In trading, these numbers are translated into percentage levels that can predict where a price might find support or resistance after a significant up or down move.
Understanding Fibonacci Retracement:
Fibonacci retracement involves identifying high and low points on a stock chart and applying percentages (commonly 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, and 78.6%) to these points to determine where support and resistance are likely to occur. These levels help traders make educated guesses about potential price movements, making them particularly useful in trending markets.
Steps to Apply Fibonacci Retracement in Trading:
- Identify the Trend: First, determine the most recent significant price movements in the stock—these could be from a recent high to a low or vice versa. The direction of the trend (upward or downward) will guide where to apply the Fibonacci retracement tool.
- Setting Up Fibonacci Levels: Using a trading platform that supports Fibonacci tools, draw the Fibonacci retracement lines by connecting the high point and low point of the observed trend. The software automatically places horizontal lines at the Fibonacci percentages between these two points.
- Analyzing Potential Reversal Points: Once the levels are set, watch how the stock price reacts to these lines. Prices often stall or reverse at these points. For instance, if a stock rises, pulls back, and then starts to rise again, the Fibonacci levels can indicate where the pullback might stop and the upward trend resume.
Consider a stock that has risen from ₹100 to ₹200 over a few months and then starts to correct. A trader applies Fibonacci retracement levels to this price movement. If the stock retraces to the 61.8% level, which is ₹161 (calculated as 200 - (100 * 0.618)), and then starts to show signs of resuming its uptrend, the trader might consider this a strong level of support and a potential buying opportunity.
Using Fibonacci Retracement Effectively: