Fibonacci Retracement in Forex Trading

Leonardo Fibonacci, an Italian mathematician from Pisa, is renowned for introducing the Fibonacci sequence in his book, Liber Abaci or ‘Book of Calculation’. This sequence has become fundamental in various fields, including forex trading, where Fibonacci retracement levels are used extensively.

The relationship between the numbers in this sequence (i.e. the ratio) is not just interesting on a theoretical level. It appears frequently around us in the physical world and is integral for maintaining balance in nature and architecture. It is also important in the financial markets; many traders use Fibonacci ratios to calculate support and resistance levels in their forex trading strategies.

What is the Fibonacci sequence?

It is a sequence of numbers calculated by adding together the two previous numbers.

What is significant about this pattern, however, is that the ratio of any number to the next one in the sequence tends to be 0.618.

Furthermore, the ratio of any number to the number two places ahead in the sequence is always 0.382.

Similarly, the ratio of any number to the number three places ahead tends to be 0.236.

These ratios are commonly known as Fibonacci ratios.

Dividing these Fibonacci ratios will result in either 0.618 or 0.382:

How Fibonacci retracement works

In trading, these ratios are also known as retracement levels. Traders analyse Fibonacci charts to identify when prices approach these critical levels, integrating Fibonacci retracement into their trading strategies.

Usually, they look for a reversal signal on these widely watched retracement levels before opening their positions. The most commonly used of the three levels is the 0.618 – the inverse of the golden ratio (1.618), denoted in mathematics by the Greek letter φ.

How to draw Fibonacci retracement levels

Learning how to draw Fibonacci retracement levels in forex trading involves a simple three-step process:

Drawing in an uptrend:

1. Identify the direction of the market: Confirm the market is in an uptrend
2. Place the Fibonacci retracement tool: Start at the bottom and drag to the peak
3. Monitor potential support levels: Key levels include 0.236, 0.382, and 0.618

Drawing in an downtrend:

1. Identify the direction of the market: Confirm the market is in an dowbntrend
2. Place the Fibonacci retracement tool: Begin at the top and pull down to the trough
3. Monitor potential support levels: Key levels to watch are 0.236, 0.382, and 0.618

Trading using Fibonacci retracements

Many traders, particularly beginners, aspire to master Fibonacci trading. Using Fibonacci retracement, traders identify potential support and resistance levels on Fibonacci charts, which often indicate likely price reversals.

Many enter the market just because the price has reached one of the Fibonacci ratios on the chart. That is not enough! It is better to look for more signals before entering the market, such as reversal Japanese Candlestick formations or Oscillators crossing the base line or even a Moving Average confirming your decision.

Of course, it is more reliable to look for a confluence of signals (i.e. more reasons to take action on a position). Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that just because the price reached a Fibonacci level the market will automatically reverse.

Combining Fibonacci with other tools

Combine Fibonacci levels with Japanese Candlestick patterns, Oscillators and Indicators for a stronger signal. As you can see in the chart below, the “Three White Soldiers” pattern is confirmed by the fact that prices are trading above the Moving Average line, and additionally that the MACD (Moving Average/Convergence Divergence) is above the zero line.

Using Japanese candlestick patterns

By combining Fibonacci retracement levels with Japanese Candlestick patterns, traders can enhance their ability to identify potential market reversals or continuations. This synergy between the two methods provides a more comprehensive approach to technical analysis, enabling traders to make more informed decisions.

When Fibonacci retracement levels intersect with significant Japanese Candlestick patterns, it often signals stronger potential for market reversals or continuations. Here's how traders can combine these tools:

1. Identifying Key Levels with Fibonacci Retracement: Begin by plotting Fibonacci retracement levels on a trending market. For instance, in an uptrend, draw the retracement levels from the swing low to the swing high. In a downtrend, draw from the swing high to the swing low.
2. Looking for Candlestick Patterns at Fibonacci Levels: Once the Fibonacci levels are established, monitor these areas for key Japanese Candlestick patterns. The presence of certain patterns at these levels can validate the strength of the support or resistance.

Examples of combining Fibonacci and Japanese candlestick patterns

Imagine a stock in an uptrend that begins to pull back. You plot the Fibonacci retracement levels from the recent low to the high. As the price approaches the 61.8% retracement level, you notice a Hammer candlestick forming. The Hammer pattern, with its small body and long lower wick, indicates potential buying pressure. The convergence of the 61.8% level and the Hammer pattern suggests a strong likelihood of price reversal back to the upside.

Consider a market in a downtrend that experiences a corrective rally. You draw the Fibonacci retracement from the high to the recent low. As the price reaches the 38.2% retracement level, a Bearish Engulfing pattern forms. This pattern consists of a small bullish candle followed by a larger bearish candle that engulfs the previous one, indicating strong selling pressure. The alignment of the 38.2% retracement level and the Bearish Engulfing pattern signals a potential resumption of the downtrend.

A Doji candlestick, which signifies market indecision, appears at the 50% retracement level during a pullback in an uptrend. The 50% level is often considered a psychological level of support or resistance. The Doji indicates that neither buyers nor sellers are in control. However, given the overall uptrend and the support of the 50% retracement level, this setup could suggest a potential continuation of the upward movement once the indecision resolves.

Using oscillators and indicators

When Fibonacci retracement levels are combined with MACD and RSI, traders can gain a more comprehensive view of potential market movements. Here's how these tools can be used together:

1. Identifying Retracement Levels with Fibonacci: Plot Fibonacci retracement levels on a trending market. For an uptrend, draw the levels from the swing low to the swing high. For a downtrend, draw from the swing high to the swing low.
2. Using MACD to Confirm Trend Reversals: Monitor the MACD line and signal line for crossovers. A bullish crossover (MACD line crossing above the signal line) at a Fibonacci support level can validate a potential upward reversal. Conversely, a bearish crossover (MACD line crossing below the signal line) at a Fibonacci resistance level can confirm a potential downward reversal.
3. Using RSI to Identify Overbought or Oversold Conditions: Check the RSI value when the price approaches a Fibonacci level. An oversold RSI (below 30) at a Fibonacci support level can indicate a potential buying opportunity. An overbought RSI (above 70) at a Fibonacci resistance level can signal a potential selling opportunity.

Examples of combining Fibonacci with MACD and RSI

Imagine a stock in an uptrend that starts to pull back. You plot the Fibonacci retracement levels from the recent low to the high. As the price approaches the 61.8% retracement level, the MACD line crosses above the signal line, indicating a bullish signal. Simultaneously, the RSI is around 30, suggesting oversold conditions. The convergence of these signals at the 61.8% level indicates a strong likelihood of a price reversal back to the upside.

Consider a market in a downtrend that experiences a corrective rally. You draw the Fibonacci retracement from the high to the recent low. As the price nears the 38.2% retracement level, the MACD line crosses below the signal line, indicating a bearish signal. At the same time, the RSI is around 70, suggesting overbought conditions. The alignment of these signals at the 38.2% level suggests a potential resumption of the downtrend.

During a pullback in an uptrend, the price reaches the 50% retracement level. The MACD line remains above the signal line, indicating continued bullish momentum. The RSI is around 50, showing neither overbought nor oversold conditions. This setup suggests that the uptrend is likely to continue after the temporary pullback.

Learn to trade with FXTM

Discover how to make the right trading decisions for your style and goals with our comprehensive range of educational resources. Learn from home when and how it suits you with our educational videos or sign up for a remote webinar. We also host on-location, interactive forex seminars and workshops around the world – there might be one coming to your area soon!

• Ebooks
• Glossary
• Videos
• Return to Articles

Disclaimer: This written/visual material is comprised of personal opinions and ideas. The content should not be construed as containing any type of investment advice and/or a solicitation for any transactions. It does not imply an obligation to purchase investment services, nor does it guarantee or predict future performance. FXTM, its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness of any information or data made available and assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment based on the same.