A bear trap is a technical analysis pattern that occurs when a downward trend in a security’s price is expected to continue, but instead the price starts to rise. The pattern gets its name from the idea that the downward trend is “trapping” investors who are betting on a continuation of the trend, much like a bear trap captures its prey.
Here’s how a bear trap might play out:
- The price of a security starts to trend downward, indicating a bearish market sentiment.
- Investors and traders who believe the downward trend will continue start to short the security or sell their long positions.
- The downward trend starts to weaken, and the price of the security begins to rise.
- The investors and traders who were betting on a continuation of the downward trend are “trapped” as the price starts to rise, resulting in losses.
A bear trap can be difficult to identify in real-time, as it relies on the expectation of a certain price trend that doesn’t materialize. It’s important to monitor the market and use technical analysis tools, such as trend lines and chart patterns, to help identify potential bear traps.
It’s also important to remember that a bear trap is just one pattern among many and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for investment decisions. It’s always a good idea to consider a variety of factors and consult with a financial professional before making any investment decisions.