Spotting the Double Bottom Pattern

Chart patterns enable traders to anticipate potential trend reversals and structure their trades accordingly. One of the most reliable bullish reversal patterns is the Double Bottom. Identifying this formation early can help traders prepare for upward price movements and avoid short positions near potential market bottoms.

A Double Bottom is a bullish reversal pattern that resembles the letter “W.” It usually forms after a prolonged downtrend, signaling that selling pressure is waning and buyers may soon take control, pushing prices higher.

Anatomy of the Double Bottom Pattern

First Trough: The pattern begins with a strong downward move that reaches a low (the first trough) before bouncing upward. This low represents a support level where buyers begin to show interest.

Second Trough: After the bounce, the price retraces but fails to break significantly below the first trough, forming a second bottom. This second failure to create a new low suggests diminishing bearish strength and growing buyer confidence.

Neckline and Breakout: The high point between the two bottoms is called the neckline. A breakout occurs when the price closes above this neckline with increased volume, confirming the Double Bottom pattern and signaling a potential reversal from bearish to bullish trend.

How to Trade the Double Bottom Pattern

Entry Point

• Enter a long position when the price breaks and closes above the neckline with notable volume.
• Alternatively, wait for a retest of the neckline after the breakout. Enter when the retest holds and the price begins to rise again.
  
• Furthermore, you can also split your position — for example, enter 50% on the breakout and the remaining 50% after a successful neckline retest.
  

Two common techniques are used to project a target:

Chart-Based Target:

• Measure the distance from the troughs to the neckline.
  
• Add this distance to the neckline level to project the upside target.
  
• Target = Neckline + (Neckline – Bottom)
  

• These tools can provide additional profit targets and help confirm resistance levels beyond the initial breakout.

Stop-Loss Placement

• Place the stop-loss just below the second trough to protect against failed breakouts.
• If entering after a retest, a tighter stop just below the neckline can be considered.
  
• Avoid overly tight stops in volatile markets to prevent getting stopped out by minor retracements.
  

Additional Tips

• Double Bottoms are most effective after a prolonged downtrend — in sideways markets, the pattern may lack reliability.
• Volume should typically decrease during the formation of the second trough and increase on the breakout above the neckline.
  
• Confirm the setup with indicators like RSI divergence (higher lows on RSI while price forms equal or lower lows) or a MACD bullish crossover.
  
• A rounded or flatter second bottom adds credibility, showing consistent buyer defence at support levels.
  

Charting Exercise: Switch to a daily chart and scan for potential Double Bottom formations. Clearly mark:

• First and second troughs
• Neckline (resistance between the two bottoms)
  
• Entry point (breakout candle)
  
• Target and stop-loss levels

Use horizontal lines for the troughs and neckline. Measure the vertical distance from trough to neckline and project it upwards to estimate a conservative target. Confirm the breakout with a volume surge.

Homework: Study the following stocks and check if a Double Bottom pattern is forming or has already played out:

1. Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd. (ABREL)

2. Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Ltd. (KIMS)

You may also add the stock to your watch list to understand further price action.

Disclaimer: This analysis is purely for educational purpose and does not contain any recommendation. Please consult your financial advisor before taking any financial decision.