Top 10 Candlestick Patterns

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of candlestick patterns that have been identified and used by investors to enhance trading performance. Candlestick indicators are best used in conjunction with other analytical tools in order to produce optimum performance.  10 candlestick patterns which should be considered by all traders for their investment activities are the following:

Dark Cloud Cover:  This is a two-day formation which arises when the candlestick formed on the first day has a long white body followed by an opposite colored candlestick, which opened at a new high only to close below is the midpoint of the previous day's trading.  This pattern is considered a bearish reversal signal.
Doji:  When the opening and closing price are essentially the same, the candlestick formed resembles a plus sign, cross, or inverted cross and is referred to as Doji.  It represents indecision on the part of the market, and is interpreted by traders that a turning point is imminent.
Engulfing Pattern: This is a two-day pattern where the first day's body is smaller than the subsequent candlestick, and they are both of opposite colors.  This pattern is considered bearish when it appears at the end of an uptrend and bullish when it occurs in a down trending market.
Evening Star: Commonly regarded as a bearish reversal pattern, this three-day pattern consists of a long white body, followed by a smaller gap up candlestick, with the third and final day closing below the midpoint of the first day.
Hammer: When trading occurs significantly below the open, but ends well above the low and closes as its high, the candlestick formed has only one tail below its body.  When this formation occurs during a downtrend, it often signals a reversal.
Hanging Man:  Identical to the Hammer, this candlestick pattern occurs during an uptrend, and signals a continuation of the price movement.
Harami: This is a simple two day candlestick pattern that has a relatively small body on the second day that is completely surpassed on both sides by the previous day’s candlestick and is always of the opposite color. It usually occurs during a minor correction in a bear or bull market and signals that this temporary uptrend or downtrend is reaching an end, and the underlying trend will continue.  It is especially considered a strong indicator when it appears together with low trading volume.
Morning Star: This formation is considered a three day bullish reversal pattern that consists of a long bodied black first day, a short gap down second day, followed by a third long white bodied candle, which closes above the midpoint of the first day.
Piercing Line: This is a two-day formation considered to be a bullish reversal.  The first is a continuation of a downtrend with a long black body.  The second day opens at a new low, but closes above the midpoint of the previous day's trading.
Shooting Star: The opposite of the Hammer, this is a one-day formation and occurs in an uptrend.  Trading opens higher and trades much higher but prices end near the low.  This pattern is viewed as a bearish reversal.