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Spinning Top

Spinning Top / 極線・コマ

BeginnerCandlestick PatternsNeutralReliability 45%

Pattern Formation

7 / 7 candles
1,0651,0491,0331,0171,00198501/0101/0201/0301/0401/0501/0601/07
Speed

Statistics

Target Hit Rate
42%
Average Move
6%
Failure Rate
30%
Avg Formation Days
1 days
Volume Confirmation Boost
+8%

Reference values based on Bulkowski's "Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns". Data is primarily from U.S. markets and may differ for other markets.

A single-candlestick pattern with a small body and upper and lower shadows of moderate length. Similar to a doji but with a slightly larger body. It symbolizes indecision where neither buyers nor sellers have gained the upper hand. When appearing at trend tops or bottoms, it may foreshadow a trend reversal, making confirmation of the next candle's direction essential.

Formation Conditions

  • The body must be small (clearly smaller compared to adjacent candles)
  • Both upper and lower shadows must have moderate length
  • Valid as either bullish or bearish candle
  • The body must not be zero (a zero body is a doji)
  • More significant when appearing at important trend junctures (tops, bottoms, key levels)

Entry Condition

Do not use the spinning top alone as an entry signal. After confirming the next candle's direction, enter in that direction. Short if a bearish candle follows at a top; long if a bullish candle follows at a bottom.

Target Calculation

Project the spinning top's range (high to low) in the next candle's direction as a minimum target. For trend reversal trades, target the nearest support/resistance line.

Stop Loss Rule

Place a stop-loss slightly beyond the spinning top's high (for short positions) or low (for long positions).

Volume Profile

If the spinning top's volume is lower than adjacent candles, it indicates loss of direction. Volume increase on the next candle suggests new directional conviction.

False Signal Detection

  • Alone it shows no direction; always require confirmation from the next candle
  • Frequent spinning tops in range-bound markets do not necessarily signal trend reversal
  • A relatively large body should be treated as a regular candle rather than a spinning top
  • Extremely short shadows reduce the significance as a signal
  • Spinning tops during extremely low-volume thin trading should only be considered for reference

Related Indicators

RSIBollinger BandsVolumeStochastics

Related Patterns

Bullish EngulfingBearish EngulfingDojiThree White Soldiers

Learn More

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