Fibonacci is a powerful tool in trading that helps identify psychological levels where prices are likely to reverse or reach specific targets. Here's a deeper look at Fibonacci and how to use it in trading.
1. The Basics of Fibonacci
Fibonacci was first developed by Leonardo of Pisa, better known as Leonardo Fibonacci, a 13th-century mathematician. Fibonacci is renowned for his number sequence introduced in his book Liber Abaci. The Fibonacci sequence is used across various fields such as biology, astronomy, geology, music, architecture, and finance.
The Fibonacci Sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. The sequence starts with: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so on. Each number in the sequence is derived by adding the two previous numbers.
2. Fibonacci Concept
The fundamental concept of the Fibonacci sequence involves adding the two preceding numbers to generate the next one. The sequence starts with 0 and 1, with each subsequent number being the sum of the previous two.
Example sequence:
- 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, …
3. Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio, also known as Phi (φ), is a number obtained by dividing a larger Fibonacci number by the preceding Fibonacci number. This ratio approximates 1.618.
The Golden Ratio is used to determine psychological levels in technical analysis. Common Fibonacci levels used in trading include:
- 0.382 (38.2%)
- 0.618 (61.8%)
- 0.5 (50%)
- 0.786 (78.6%)
For price targets, the following Fibonacci extensions are often used:
- 1.272
- 1.618
- 2.24
4. Fibonacci Patterns
There are two main patterns when using Fibonacci techniques in trading:
a. XAB Pattern
- The XAB pattern is used to identify entry points before the price continues its trend. This pattern helps traders pinpoint potential entry areas based on Fibonacci retracement levels.
b. XAY Pattern (Reflection Pattern)
- The XAY pattern is employed to set price targets or levels. This pattern assists traders in identifying potential areas where the price might reach after moving from retracement levels.
5. How to Draw Fibonacci Lines
To draw Fibonacci lines, follow these steps:
- Identify Swing High and Swing Low: Locate the highest point (swing high) and the lowest point (swing low) on the chart.
- Draw Fibonacci Lines: Use the Fibonacci Retracement tool to draw lines from the swing low to swing high (for an uptrend) or from swing high to swing low (for a downtrend).
- Left to Right: Ensure you draw the lines according to the direction of price movement from left to right.
- Determine Key Levels: Fibonacci retracement and extension levels will appear on the chart, which can be used to identify entry points and price targets.
By understanding and correctly implementing Fibonacci tools, you can identify key levels in price movements and make more informed trading decisions.