The Piercing Line is a bullish candlestick pattern that typically appears at the end of a downtrend, signaling a potential reversal to the upside. It consists of two candles:

- First Candle (Bearish): A long red (black) candlestick that closes near its low.
- Second Candle (Bullish): A long green (white) candlestick that opens below the previous candle’s low but closes above the midpoint of the first candle’s body.
Key Characteristics:
- Occurs after a downtrend.
- The second candle gaps down at the open but then closes above the midpoint of the previous red candle.
- Shows strong buying pressure as bulls regain control.
Interpretation:
- The gap down initially suggests that the bearish momentum is continuing.
- However, the strong upward movement of the second candle signals a shift in sentiment.
- If the next candlestick confirms the reversal (by closing higher), it strengthens the bullish signal.
Trading Strategy:
- Entry: Consider entering a long position when the next candle confirms the reversal with a higher close.
- Stop-Loss: Below the low of the second candle to manage risk.
- Target: Look for resistance levels or use a risk-reward ratio of 2:1.
Structure of the Piercing Line Pattern

- First Candle (Bearish):
- A long red (or black) candle.
- Indicates strong selling pressure.
- Second Candle (Bullish):
- Opens below the low of the previous red candle (gap down).
- Closes above the midpoint of the first candle’s body.
- The deeper the second candle closes into the first, the stronger the signal.
Psychological Interpretation
- The bears are in control during the first day.
- On the second day, the market opens lower (suggesting continued bearish sentiment) but buyers step in, pushing the price higher.
- A close above the midpoint of the first candle signals that bulls are gaining momentum.
Key Confirmation Factors
- Appears after a clear downtrend.
- High trading volume on the second (bullish) candle.
- Ideally confirmed by a third bullish candle closing higher.
Comparison with Similar Patterns
- Bullish Engulfing: The second candle completely engulfs the first.
- Piercing Line: The second candle only pierces more than halfway into the first.
Example Illustration
sqlCopyEdit Day 1: ▼ Red Candle
Open: 100
Close: 90
Day 2: ▲ Green Candle
Open: 85 (gap down)
Close: 95 (closes above 90's midpoint of 95)