How to Use Bearish Harami Candlestick Pattern Effectively in Day Trading

Technical analysis cannot be complete without price action, which is the ultimate result of candlestick patterns. The bearish harami is one of these patterns, signaling a potential shift in market sentiment. The pattern is recognized by its distinctive two-candle setup and often indicates a looming reversal from bullish to bearish, providing an early signal to traders for a potential downturn. In this deep exploration, we'll cover each aspect of the pattern in depth, starting from fundamentals such as what the pattern is, how it forms, and how to identify it accurately, to the psychology driving the pattern's formation, along with practical approaches and proven strategies to trade it with optimal efficiency. Following this, traders will get to know the factors differentiating the bearish harami from the bullish harami and the market scenarios that limit the pattern's performance. By the end, you'll be skilled in recognizing and utilising this pattern for profitable trades.

Table of Content


What is Bearish Harami Candlestick Pattern?

How to Use Bearish Harami Candlestick Pattern Effectively in Day Trading

In order to assess the bearish harami candlestick pattern, it is essential to be closely familiar with the technical structure and market implications of the pattern. The pattern forms over two consecutive trading sessions, containing two candlesticks. Out of these two candles, the first, part of upward momentum, indicates that the formation is supported by buying pressure, while the second, which is comparatively smaller in size, contributes as the initiating part of a downtrend, backed by either initial selling momentum or a pause in buying strength. The word "harami," in Japanese, refers to a pregnant woman, as the pattern structurally appears similar to a pregnant woman, where the first bullish candlestick serves as the mother while the second bearish candle is assumed to be the baby. The primary application of the pattern is to reflect the reversal and shift in market sentiment from bullish to bearish; the ideal position for its formation is at the peak of an uptrend.

How Bearish Harami Candlestick Pattern forms?

The bearish harami candlestick pattern forms in response to certain market conditions where an existing uptrend faces increasing uncertainty and resistance. Initially, as the session begins, buyers dominate, leading the price to rise to new highs, forming a significantly bodied candlestick. However, when it is about to form the second candle, the price faces resistance and begins to follow a bearish track, resulting in a small-bodied bearish candle. The size of the primary candlestick is comparatively high because its formation is backed by the enthusiasm of bulls, while in the next session, due to seller opposition, buyers' enthusiasm and confidence start to decline, leading to an indecisive outcome. Another reason that drives the shift in sentiment arises when buyers, who once had confidence in higher prices, begin to question the strength of the trend due to external factors—perhaps resistance levels, overbought signals, or broader economic shifts triggering caution. The smaller candle size in relation to the previous bullish candle and the reversal in direction capture this indecision, which could be the outcome of sellers' increasing command over price.

How to identify a proper Bearish Harami candlestick pattern?

The process to identify an accurate bearish harami candlestick pattern is quite simple if traders focus on several key conditions and factors that need to be satisfied in order to validate the strength of the pattern and avoid misinterpretation. Since the pattern's key application is to reflect a reversal, it must form within a well-established uptrend. Structurally, the pattern should appear just like a pregnant woman carrying her baby, where the first candle, comparatively bigger in size, serves as the mother candle while the second stands as the baby. Alongside these structural cues, look for other indicators, such as declining trading volume over the second candle, which often accompanies weakening buyer interest. Additional parameters that need to be navigated include pairing the pattern with other technical signals, like the appearance of the pattern at resistance levels or oscillators (RSI), to validate whether the pattern is supported by genuine buyer exhaustion and seller participation. With the pattern satisfying these basic conditions, traders are capable of capitalizing on the reversal more efficiently.

Psychology of Bearish Harami candlestick pattern?

The psychology behind the pattern reflects a subtle but significant shift in market sentiment from optimism to hesitation. The session contributing to the first candlestick results from bulls' activity, expecting continuity in upward momentum; however, as it turns to form the second candle, buyers' confidence and enthusiasm soften. This shift captures the psychological pause among buyers who are starting to question the trend's sustainability. This may be due to an approaching resistance level, economic news, or overextended price levels. Sellers see it as a good opportunity to establish new short positions at the right spot, sensing a potential slowdown. The moment of equilibrium, where bullish confidence wanes and bearish sentiment starts to rise, indicates the crux of the pattern's formation. The pattern, therefore, embodies a psychological tug-of-war, where initial bullish enthusiasm gives way to uncertainty and hints at an impending reversal.

How to use Bearish Harami candlestick pattern in day trading?

To make efficient use of the bearish harami in day trading, traders should consider not only the pattern itself but also whether the broader market context supports the pattern's formation. Ideally, the pattern appears within an uptrend or rally where the market shows signs of exhaustion, such as a slowing advance and decreasing volume, which clarify that the bullish efforts are now diminishing. Market conditions that add more credibility to the pattern's formation may also reflect either approaching resistance levels or an overbought sentiment, where buyers may be more cautious and sellers begin to step in. The pattern holds significant importance not only for retail traders but also helps institutional-level traders as a preliminary sign of reversal. The pattern's efficiency multiplies particularly when combined with other sophisticated indicators like volume profile or order flow analysis. These advanced insights into price activity help traders identify whether the harami pattern signals genuine market hesitation or just a temporary pause, thereby allowing for higher precision in entries and exits.

Here are few uncommon but effective strategies for trading the bearish harami pattern that are utilised by sophisticated market participants, such as hedge funds and institutional traders.

1. Contrarian Volume Reversal Strategy

In this strategy, traders leverage volume data to confirm whether the pattern marks a significant shift in market sentiment. Large market participants often look for declining volume over the first session forming a bullish candle, as this clearly indicates reduced enthusiasm from buyers, followed by increased volume on the second candle to validate sellers' interest. While capitalizing on this strategy, the ideal entry point is slightly below the low of the second candle because this level often represents a trigger for momentum traders looking to capitalize on potential reversals, with a stop-loss just above the high of the first bullish candlestick to ensure minimal loss if the reversal fails to confirm. For the target, traders may expect the price to move until it reaches the next support level plotted by the volume profile indicator. This approach of having entry and exit points is particularly profitable whenever the market has high liquidity, as large volume in such a market provides clear directional clues.

2. Liquidity Trap Exploitation

The liquidity trap exploitation focuses on the positioning of retail traders versus institutional players. Large market participants sometimes entice retail traders to buy the asset, leading them to expect that the market is about to continue upward before triggering a reversal. This strategy relies on tools like the Commitment of Traders (COT) report to understand where the big long (buy) orders are positioned, which is often above the range of the harami pattern. Institutions wait for retail traders to place stop-loss orders around these levels and then accordingly reverse the market direction, triggering a sell-off that captures the liquidity. This strategy suggests entering only after the confirmation of a reversal, ideally once the price falls below the second candle. The strategy performs best in highly volatile markets, as the liquidation of retail positions amplifies the downward momentum. For effective risk management, stop-loss orders are placed above the high of the harami pattern at uncommon levels to protect against smaller pullbacks and false breakouts, while traders may aim for nearby support zones as a target.

3. Institutional Sentiment Divergence Strategy

The basis of this strategy is to capitalize on the bearish harami candlestick pattern by assessing the sentiment divergence between institutional and retail traders. The process involves the utilization of tools like the Relative Strength Index combined with institutional positioning reports, allowing traders to examine when there is a divergence in retail and institutional sentiments. If retail remains bullish despite the bearish outlook from institutions, it signals that the market is about to follow a bearish track, with a potential reversal underway that is being underestimated by retail traders. The entry for this strategy occurs when the pattern is confirmed by additional bearish indicators, such as a divergence in the RSI, with the stop-loss placed just above the high of the pattern at unusual levels, while the targets are set at nearby support zones determined by historical institutional buying patterns. The efficiency of this setup is high, particularly in trending markets. Traders will encounter comparatively fewer but higher-quality setups in this trading strategy.

4. Volume Profile Zone Reversal

The Volume Profile Zone Reversal strategy operates with volume profile analysis to identify optimal entries and exits around the bearish harami candlestick pattern. High-volume nodes, which represent significant transactions, are often considered areas of support and resistance. Whenever the pattern forms near a high-volume node, it suggests that the ongoing uptrend is approaching a resistance level where large market participants may start to unwind their positions. Traders utilizing this strategy should consider entering short (selling) positions once the price dips below the volume node after the completion of the pattern. As the next volume node is approached, traders should close their trades where demand might re-emerge. The strategy works well in markets with distinct volume nodes and is commonly used by institutions looking for precise entries based on price acceptance levels. For effective risk management, the stop-loss should be placed above the high of the pattern, again at an uncommon level.

These strategies leverage advanced tools and insights that large market participants, like institutions, typically use to validate the strength of the bearish harami candlestick pattern. By aligning this pattern with contrarian volume analysis, liquidity traps, sentiment divergences, and volume profile reversals, traders can efficiently utilize the potential of the bearish harami candlestick pattern to increase the profitability of their trading approach.

Difference between Dark Cloud Cover and Bearish Harami candlestick pattern

Difference between Dark Cloud Cover and Bearish Harami candlestick pattern

There are two common candlestick patterns: the dark cloud cover and the bearish harami candlestick pattern, which have similarities in their structure and application to some extent. To differentiate between these two patterns, it is essential to understand their unique structures, similarities, and functional applications in trading. Although the patterns are structurally similar and have bearish natures, both represent that a reversal is underway, signaling downturns; their appearance and the market sentiments they convey differentiate them from each other.

Dark Cover Candlestick Pattern

The dark cloud cover candlestick pattern is a powerful bearish reversal indication, popular for its aggressive implication of buyer exhaustion. The pattern forms over two successive trading sessions, with the first candle reflecting buyer enthusiasm, as its size is significant and it fuels buyers' confidence regarding the continuation of the uptrend. The second candle of the pattern opens with a gap-up, further strengthening their optimism, but as the session progresses, the candle turns bearish and closes well into the body of the previous bullish candle, covering at least 50% of it. This structural element reflects the intensity of rejection; in the case of this pattern, the price initially attempted to continue the momentum, as reflected by the gap-up, but due to sudden and heavy selling pressure, bulls couldn't manage to maintain control any longer, resulting in the formation of a bearish candlestick with a significant body size. The pattern usually appears in highly volatile market situations. It is a bit difficult to enter the pattern without significant confirmation, as the reversal may be artificial rather than genuine.

Bearish Harami Candlestick Pattern

The bearish harami candlestick pattern, on the other hand, also reflects a bearish sentiment shift in the market. The pattern typically forms at the peak of a sustained uptrend; however, structurally, it is different from the dark cloud cover. The bearish harami pattern is also the result of two successive trading sessions, but the psychology of buyers and sellers leading to the formation of the patterns is different. The first candlestick of this pattern is bullish with a significant body size, reflecting buyers' interest in maintaining the momentum in their favor. However, as the next trading session initiates, a gap-down opening occurs, which indicates that buyers from recent sessions are in doubt about the strength of the trend, and sellers are waiting for a good opportunity to enter the market. Once they get that opportunity, they execute heavy orders, and at the same moment, buyers who are in doubt also start to square off their positions, resulting in a sudden price drop and thereby forming the bearish candlestick, which, although comparatively smaller in size, indicates heavy seller participation.

In essence, while both patterns indicate that a reversal is about to happen in the ongoing trend, the dark cloud cover is a more immediate, aggressive indicator, often forming and working well in volatile market conditions. In contrast, the bearish harami is less aggressive; it usually reflects a cautious market sentiment. Understanding these distinctions allows traders to analyze the asset representing either or both patterns more effectively.

Where Bearish Harami candlestick pattern performs the best?

The accuracy and reliability of the pattern can improve significantly if the appearance of the pattern satisfies certain market conditions.

Here are a few considerable market conditions where the pattern's performance is optimal:

1. Established Uptrend with Overbought Conditions

The bearish harami candlestick pattern is designed to indicate potential reversals in an uptrend, which it does when it appears to form at the peak of a well-sustained uptrend. The pattern may form during the continuation of the uptrend or as a result of smaller pullbacks in momentum, but it doesn't hold as much significance as the pattern formed after a well-established uptrend. The well-established uptrend better suits the situation, clearly indicating that the buyers have already experienced a potential trend ride and are now about to exhaust. Thus, the pattern's formation at the peak signals a more reliable reversal.

2. Near Significant Resistance Levels

Whenever the bearish harami appears to form near key resistance levels, such as historical highs or Fibonacci retracement levels, it gains additional credibility in predicting more accurate reversals. The resistance levels act as psychological barriers where traders expect a potential pullback. The formation of the pattern around such levels visually represents that buyers are genuinely struggling to surpass resistance, and at that moment, sellers are beginning to gain control, making the pattern more suitable for reversals.

3. Declining Volume on the Second Candle


Volume, being an important parameter in identifying the strength of the bearish harami candlestick pattern, plays a crucial role here. As the bearish harami candlestick pattern constitutes two candles, the first being bullish in nature highlights buyers' interest over the period, which gradually decreases during the session in which the second candlestick forms. Since the second candlestick is bearish in nature, opposite to buyers' expectations, they tend to square off their positions, resulting in declining volume on the second candlestick of the pattern. Sellers planning to enter the market based on the pattern wait for its completion, and for more conservative trades, they also look for at least one to two bearish follow-through candlesticks after the second candlestick of the pattern to confirm that the reversal is genuine rather than a temporary pullback.

4. Broad Market Downturn or Bearish Sentiment

If the bearish harami candlestick pattern forms in a favorable overall broader market context, such as during corrections or bear markets, it significantly amplifies its performance. The overall market sentiment signals a potential downturn; for instance, if there is any unfortunate news from regulatory bodies that could affect participants' activity or any government policy that binds participants to certain rules and regulations, such situations usually lead to decreased activity among participants and may sometimes result in a decline in the underlying asset's price. The formation of the pattern around such levels, where the market changes its context, makes the pattern more reliable and likely to indicate a reversal.

5. Confirmation from Complementary Indicators

Traders are well aware of the importance of technical indicators in analysis, as they are key components that help identify potential market dynamics through various indications that manual efforts cannot easily achieve. There are certain types of indications that we need to assess to predict the probable moves of the market; for instance, moving average crossovers or MACD divergence. If these indications are supported by the pattern's formation, they strengthen the confidence of sellers planning to participate in the pattern.

With careful analysis of these specific market conditions, traders can more effectively leverage the bearish harami candlestick pattern as an optimal market reversal signal, applying the pattern more strategically in a day trading context.

How Bearish Harami Candlestick Pattern may fails?

Here are a few notable conditions where the pattern lacks its strength:

1. High-Volatility Market Spikes

Markets with extreme volatility, perhaps due to sudden economic events, news releases, or central bank announcements, may not reflect significant patterns—not only the bearish harami but also other patterns. In such market situations, price movements are frequently erratic, with large swings on either side. During these environments, the second candle of the pattern might reflect short-term indecision rather than a true reversal. Traders may enter expecting a reversal, but right after the entry, the pattern may quickly become invalidated by subsequent price surges.

2. Consolidation Phases or Sideways Markets

One major reason behind the pattern's failure is the consolidation move of the market without following a clear trend. The bearish harami's bearish signal may not carry much weight during consolidation phases, as frequent up and down movements often result in multiple ambiguous patterns that don't correlate with a genuine reversal; the price fluctuation remains within a particular range. The formation of the pattern in such markets may not result in a genuine reversal; rather, it may be the outcome of short-term hesitation within a larger range-bound structure, leading to false signals.

3. Thinly-Traded Assets or Low Liquidity Markets

Whenever the pattern appears to be formed in low-volume assets or in markets with low liquidity, it may form but not hold as much significance. Low liquidity markets are more susceptible to sudden price moves, which may be easily driven by a few participants with large orders rather than genuine market sentiment. The occurrence of the pattern under such conditions may be due to erratic moves or irregular price action and not a result of an actual shift in market sentiment from buyers to sellers. As a result, even if the appropriate pattern occurs, satisfying the necessary conditions, it may not have enough strength or depth to trigger a sustainable reversal.

4. Strong, Overwhelming Macro Trend

The ultimate factor determining the pattern's overall strength is the current market condition in which it is formed. If the pattern appears to be formed within a broader, powerful, sustained macro-level uptrend—especially one backed by solid fundamentals—the pattern may have strength but not enough to counteract the trend. In such situations, the pattern may be the result of minor market fluctuations, but the ultimate move of the market is likely to be positive. Thus, the probability of reversal under these conditions may not be as reliable for capitalizing on the pattern.

Being familiar with these conditions can help traders improve their interpretation of the pattern and avoid pitfalls that may result in potential losses. It becomes quite difficult to trade in these market conditions; therefore, it is advised either to stay untouched or use additional confirmations with more conservative approaches. Experts also recommend aiming for lower risk and rewards in such market conditions.

Need to Know

Ultimately, the pattern can serve as a good opportunity for sellers to enter and for buyers in long positions to exit at the right spot. However, it is necessary to accurately spot a pattern that satisfies the required conditions; if these are ignored, it may not result in the expected outcomes. By understanding not only the technical aspects of the pattern but also the underlying psychology of shifting market sentiments, traders can make more precise entries and exits. Typically, it reflects a good probability on its own, but when combined with certain market conditions, its accuracy and performance multiply. Additionally, there are a few drawbacks to this pattern that can make it inefficient. To overcome these limitations, traders often consider capitalizing on the pattern only after firm confirmations, such as volume analysis, validation by technical indicators, and suitable price action around the pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a bearish harami indicate?

- A bearish harami indicates a potential reversal from an uptrend to a downtrend, showing that buying momentum may be weakening as sellers start to gain control.

2. Is the bearish harami reliable?

- The bearish harami can be reliable, especially when confirmed by additional indicators like volume decline or resistance levels; however, it’s generally considered a moderate-strength signal and should be used alongside other analysis tools for higher accuracy.

3. What happens after bearish harami?

- After a bearish harami, the price often experiences a downtrend or consolidation as selling pressure increases, but the actual movement depends on factors like market conditions and additional confirmation signals.

4. What is the success rate of the harami candle?

- The success rate of the harami candle varies, but it’s generally moderate, with effectiveness improving when paired with other indicators or used in specific market conditions, such as near resistance levels in an uptrend.

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