How Do You Identify Entry and Exit Points on Charts?

How Do You Identify Entry and Exit Points on Charts?

Reading time: 7 minutes

In the trading world, although it may sound straightforward to generate a return, achieving consistency can be a long journey. 

Success in trading requires multiple factors, a unique skillset that includes identifying trade entry and exit points appropriately. To realise this, traders rely on many technical analysis tools and indicators applied to price charts. This article will discuss how to spot entry and exit points by explaining several vital concepts, especially useful for novice traders.

Understanding Price Charts

Before identifying the most optimal entry and exit points for your trade, you must first understand price charts and their timeframes. 

Price charts are visual representations of past and current movements in the price of any financial asset. Different timeframes, for example, daily, hourly, and minutes, are provided on the price charts, which helps traders understand the price movement over different periods.

For short-term traders (think scalpers and day traders), it is better to use minute charts (30-minute or 5-minute timeframes, as an example), but for long-term traders (swing traders and position traders), it is more appropriate to use H4, daily or weekly charts. 

Identifying Entry Points

1. Chart Patterns

Chart patterns are graphical representations of the prices in the market. Traders use these patterns to project future price movements. There are two main types of chart patterns: continuation patterns and reversal patterns.

Chart patterns include head and shoulders, double tops, and triangles. Traders usually use these patterns with an anticipation that a possible trend reversal or continuation is imminent. They will identify an entry point based on a breakout of the chart pattern.

2. Moving Averages

Price data is smoothed by moving averages. Traders often rely on more than one moving average to identify entry points. For example, when a short-term moving average crosses above a long-term moving average, it may be a buy signal, while a cross below in the reverse direction may be a sell signal.

3. RSI (Relative Strength Index)

The RSI is a momentum oscillator that determines the rate of change in price. A higher reading of an RSI will indicate that an asset is overbought (> 70.00) and could be sold. On the other hand, an RSI value lower than 30.00 may imply that an asset is oversold and can serve as a buy entry point.

4. Bollinger Bands

You can use volatility to identify potential entry points by using Bollinger Bands. 

This indicator uses the standard deviation of a moving average, usually set to 20 periods, with an upper and lower band often set to two standard deviations. If the price reaches the lower band, this may be taken as a buy signal, while touching the upper band could be considered a sell signal. Identifying the trend direction alongside the test of the upper and lower bands is often also recommended before committing.

5. Fibonacci Retracement

Fibonacci retracement levels are drawn on a chart to pinpoint possible entry points, usually within a defined uptrend or downtrend, hence, Fibonacci retracement. They are applied using swing highs and lows and can help spot entry points in a trending market.

6. Candlestick Patterns

Candlesticks have a remarkable ability to locate entry points. Doji, engulfing, hammer, and similar candle patterns may indicate reversals and continuation. These patterns are then analysed with other technical indicators for more precise entry points.

Identifying Exit Points

1. Trendlines

Trendlines are lines drawn on a chart to show the trend’s direction. A break of a trend line in a direction opposite to your trade may be a sign for you to exit. For instance, should price trade north of a trendline resistance, as shown on the chart below, this may be considered a signal to exit short positions on the basis of a possible trend change to the upside. 

2. Support and Resistance Levels

Support levels are key price points on a chart that essentially function as a floor in a market and thus attract buying and trade liquidation. In other words, support levels can signal the exit of short positions in anticipation of a rebound higher. The same can be said for resistance levels only for exiting long positions.

3. Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)

You can use the MACD to time your trade exit. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator studies the relationship of different moving averages to highlight the current trend. In a long position, a bearish crossover between the MACD line and the signal line can indicate an exit; likewise, a bullish crossover in a short trade can indicate a possible trade exit.

Conclusion

Identifying the entry and exit points in trading is a skill that must be developed over time. It would help if you also took the time to study a lot more about the concepts and tools mentioned in this article. Only then will you be able to develop confidence in your trading strategy. 

However, it is also necessary to note that trading has an element of risk, and traders should employ prudent risk management measures, like placing stop-loss orders, having a viable exit plan, and never risking too much in any trade.