What is a Double Top Pattern?

Double Top
Forex Trading Glossary

Quick Answer: A double top is a bearish reversal pattern with two peaks at similar levels, indicating sellers are defending resistance. Confirmed when price breaks the support between peaks.

What is a Double Top?

A double top is a bearish reversal pattern where price rallies to the same resistance twice but fails to break through. The inability to set a new high hints that buyers are exhausted.

Spotting a Double Top

  • Two peaks: Highs occur at similar levels with a pullback in between.
  • Neckline support: The interim low creates a horizontal level that becomes the trigger.
  • Trend context: The pattern carries more weight after an extended uptrend.

Avoid Premature Shorts

Short entries before the neckline breaks rely on anticipation. Waiting for a confirmed close below support keeps you aligned with the actual shift in control.

Execution Tips

  • Target the height of the pattern projected below the neckline for a measured move.
  • Use lower timeframes to refine entries on retests of the neckline.
  • Track momentum divergence with indicators like RSI to validate the setup.
  • Trail stops as price makes lower highs to lock in gains.

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