Patterns / Bearish Engulfing
Pattern Detail
07

Bearish Engulfing

Bearish Reversal

The Bearish Engulfing is a two-candle pattern at the top of an uptrend. The first candle is bullish (green); the second is a large bearish (red) candle whose real body completely engulfs the first candle's real body — the mirror of the Bullish Engulfing.

How to Identify

  • Both candles occur within a clear uptrend
  • Second candle opens at or above the first candle's close
  • Second candle closes below the first candle's open
  • Second candle body must fully contain the first candle body
  • Higher volume on the bearish candle significantly strengthens the signal

Market Psychology

Bears overwhelm bulls completely in a single session — a decisive shift in control. The engulfing candle wipes out all of the previous session's gains and pushes further below. This signals that selling pressure has overtaken buying pressure at this price level, often marking a significant top.

▼ Bearish Signal 2-Week Outlook
63%Win Rate
-4–9%Typical Move
5–12Avg Days

Especially powerful at resistance levels, prior swing highs, or during overbought conditions (RSI above 70). Expect -4–9% over the next 5–12 days. Pattern is self-confirming — enter on the close of the engulfing candle.

Confirmation: Volume on the engulfing candle should exceed the 20-day average. Pattern at named resistance (50-day MA, prior high) raises win rate substantially.

Example Chart

ENGULFING

Large red body fully engulfs the prior green body

Candles2
Reliability★★★★☆
Best timeframeDaily / Weekly
Best contextOverbought + resistance
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