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Posted on  January 9, 2025 under  by Manas Bhaskar

Evening Star Pattern: Identify & Trade Bearish Reversals

Do you want to know how to spot when a market might reverse? The Evening Star Pattern is one of the most popular candlestick patterns used to predict a trend reversal from up to down. Whether you’re new to trading or already familiar with technical analysis, this pattern can be a great addition to your trading arsenal.

In this Blog we’ll break down the Evening Star Candlestick Pattern step by step, covering its structure, variations and how to trade it. If you want to know how this bearish reversal pattern works and how it can help you make better trading decisions then you’re in the right place.

What is the Evening Star Pattern?

The Evening Star is a bearish reversal pattern in technical analysis that traders use to spot potential downturns. It forms at the end of an uptrend, meaning the buying momentum is fading and selling pressure is taking over. This pattern is recognized in stocks and cryptocurrency so it’s a great tool for beginners and experienced traders.

The Evening Candlestick is 3 candles that tell a story of market psychology. It starts with a strong bullish candle showing buyers are optimistic. Then, a small-bodied candle (often called the “star”) shows market indecision. Finally, a long bearish candle shows sellers are in control and the price is decreasing. Understanding this pattern helps traders anticipate a reversal and prepare for short positions or risk management.

Components of the Evening Star Candlestick Pattern

The Evening candlestick star pattern is a 3 candle formation that visually shows a bearish reversal. Each candle in this pattern is important in showing the change in market sentiment from bullish to bearish. Here’s a breakdown:

Components of the Evening Star Candlestick Pattern

1. First Candle (Bullish Candle):

  • The first candle is a long green (bullish) candle which means strong buying momentum in an uptrend.
  • Buyers are in control of the market and confidently pushing the price up.

2. Second Candle (The Star):

  • The second candle, also called the “star”, has a small body which means the market is indecisive.
  • It can be green or red but has a gap up from the first candle’s body meaning its opening is higher than the close of the first candle.
  • This candle shows a pause in the bullish momentum; buyers are losing steam, and sellers are emerging.

3. Third Candle (Bearish Candle):

  • The third candle is a long red (bearish) candle which means sellers are in control.
  • Must close below the middle of the first bullish candle.
  • The longer the third candle the stronger the signal.

How to Trade the Evening Star Candlestick Pattern

Trading the Evening candlestick pattern requires identifying, confirming, and trading. Here’s a simple way to trade this bearish reversal pattern:

1. Spot the Evening Star Pattern

  • Look for the three-candle formation:
    1. First Candle: A long green candle (bullish) – buying momentum.
    2. Second Candle (Star): A small bodied candle that shows market indecision, often gaps up from the first candle.
    3. Third Candle: A long red (bearish) candle that closes below the midpoint of the first candle, confirming the reversal.
  • Make sure the pattern forms near resistance levels at the top of an uptrend.

2. Confirm the Signal

  • Use technical indicators like:
    • RSI (Relative Strength Index): Overbought levels (above 70) makes the Evening Star more reliable.
    • Volume Analysis: Higher volume on the third red candle confirms selling pressure.
  • Wait for the price to break below the low of the third candle.

3. Execute the Trade

  • Entry Point: Enter short when the price closes below the low of the third candle.
  • Stop-Loss Placement: Place stop-loss above the high of the second (star) candle to limit risk.
  • Take-Profit Levels: Target support zones or Fibonacci levels.

4. Manage Risk

  • Maintain a 1:2 or 1:3 risk-reward ratio to ensure favourable returns.
  • Adjust position size to risk 1-2% of your total capital.

What are Examples of an Evening Star Candlestick Pattern?

Examples of an Evening Star Candlestick Pattern

Let’s take an example of the Evening candlestick Star pattern in the XYZ Ltd. stock chart over 3 trading sessions. On the first day, a long green candle forms as buyers are in control, the price moves up from 800 to 850, and there is strong bullish momentum and optimism.

On the second day a smaller candle forms, indicating indecision in the market. The price opens at 855 and touches 860 but closes lower at 856. Buyer momentum is slowing down, and sellers are emerging.

Finally, a long red bearish candle forms on the third day as selling pressure increases. Price drops to 820 and closes below the midpoint of the first green candle, confirming the Evening Star pattern.

Traders and analysts use this pattern to indicate a bearish reversal. In this case, the Evening candlestick tells us the trend is losing momentum, so traders should either exit longs or short.

Morning Star vs Evening Star Patterns

Morning Star vs Evening Star Patterns

The morning star and evening star patterns​ are mirror images of each other, opposite market conditions and reversals. Morning Star is a bullish reversal candlestick pattern, the end of a downtrend and the start of an uptrend. Evening candlestick is a bearish reversal candlestick pattern, the end of an uptrend and the start of a downtrend.

To make it simpler, here’s a table comparing the Morning Star and Evening Star candlestick patterns:

FeatureMorning Star PatternEvening Star Pattern
Market ContextForms during a downtrendForms during an uptrend
Trend Reversal SignalSignals a bullish reversalSignals a bearish reversal
First CandleLong red (bearish) candleLong green (bullish) candle
Second CandleSmall-bodied candle (neutral, green, or red)Small-bodied candle (neutral, red, or green)
Third CandleLong green (bullish) candleLong red (bearish) candle
Closing Level of Third CandleCloses above the midpoint of the first candleCloses below the midpoint of the first candle

How Many Days Does an Evening Star Pattern Take to Develop on A Daily Chart?

Evening Star pattern takes exactly 3 trading days to fully form on a daily chart. Each day represents one of the 3 candles in the pattern—strong buying pressure, then indecision and finally bearish reversal.

This time frame is the same for all daily charts, as each candle represents one trading day. The pattern is only valid after the 3rd candle closes below the midpoint of the first bullish candle, so traders should wait for this confirmation before taking action to avoid false signals.

Advanced Techniques: Combining Indicators with the Evening Star

Combining Indicators with the Evening Star

The Evening candlestick star pattern is more powerful when combined with technical indicators. These additional tools provide confirmation and make the pattern more reliable so you can avoid false signals. Here are some advanced techniques:

  • RSI (Relative Strength Index): RSI helps you detect overbought conditions. If RSI is above 70 before the Evening candlestick forms, it will likely be a bearish reversal.
  • Moving Averages: Look for a bearish crossover (e.g. 20-day MA below 50-day MA) after the Evening Star pattern forms. MAs can also be dynamic resistance levels, adding to the pattern.
  • MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): Use MACD to confirm momentum changes. Bearish crossover in MACD lines or declining histogram supports the Evening candlestick signal.
  • Volume Analysis: High volume on the 3rd bearish candle makes the pattern more reliable & Low volume means it’s a weak reversal and need additional confirmation.
  • Fibonacci Levels: Combine the Evening candlestick with Fibonacci retracement levels to find strong resistance areas. If the pattern appears near a key Fibonacci level, it will likely be a reversal.

What are the Pros and Cons of Evening Star Candlestick?

Pros

  • Reliable Bearish Reversal Signal: It is a strong bearish reversal signal especially near resistance.
  • Easy to Identify: The 3 candle format makes it easy for beginners and pros.
  • Versatile Across Markets: Can be used in stocks and cryptocurrencies.
  • Better on Longer Timeframes: The pattern does work better on daily or weekly charts than on 5 minute or hourly charts where false signals are more common.

Cons

  • Requires Confirmation: Pattern alone may not be enough, needs volume analysis or other indicators to confirm.
  • Limited Use in Sideways Markets: Less reliable in choppy or range-bound markets.
  • False Signals: False reversals can be produced without strong resistance or other indicators.
  • Relatively Modest Outcome: While reliable, follow through may not be big.

What is the Success Rate of Evening Star Candlestick Patterns?

The Evening candlestick has a success rate of around 70% when used correctly. It’s even more accurate with additional tools like resistance levels or technical indicators like RSI or MACD.

For example, when the Evening Star forms near a resistance level, it attracts more sellers, and the price reversal is stronger. However, while the pattern is good at signalling reversals, the next move after the reversal may not always reach the price target. Studies show there’s only about a 50% chance of hitting the price target after the reversal, so use this pattern cautiously and always use risk management.

Is Evening Star Candlestick Bullish?

No, the Evening candlestick is not bullish, it’s a bearish reversal pattern. This pattern indicates a trend change from up to down, sellers are in control of the market. Traders use it to predict bearish prices, to short or get out of long positions.

What Is the Difference Between Evening Star and Hanging Man Candlestick?

Evening Star pattern is a bearish reversal pattern and Hanging Man is a bearish pattern but they are different in structure and context. Evening Star is a 3 candle-bearish reversal pattern that forms at the top of an uptrend. It’s a strong momentum shift from buyers to sellers, so it’s a good indicator of a downtrend.

Hanging Man is a single candle pattern that forms during an uptrend. Although it’s bearish, confirmation is needed from the next candles. Unlike Evening candle, Hanging Man’s effectiveness largely depends on its position in the trend and volume.

Conclusion

The Evening Star candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal pattern that helps you spot trend reversals and get short. The three-candle shape is clear when buyers lose control, and sellers take over. But it’s much more reliable with key resistance levels, volume and technical indicators like RSI or MACD. By learning the Evening candlestick Star pattern you can make better decisions and manage risk in a bear market. Always backtest and confirm before you trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Evening Star pattern in trading?

    The Evening Star candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal pattern that forms at the end of an uptrend. It consists of three candles: a long bullish candle, a small-bodied "star" candle indicating indecision, and a long bearish candle that closes below the midpoint of the first candle.

  2. How to trade the Evening Star candlestick pattern?

    To trade the Evening Star candlestick pattern, follow these steps:

    1. Identify the pattern at the end of an uptrend.
    2. Wait for confirmation, such as a break below the low of the third candle.
    3. Use technical indicators like RSI or MACD to validate the signal.
    4. Enter a short trade and place a stop-loss above the high of the second candle.
    5. Target nearby support levels or use a risk-reward ratio of 1:2 for take-profit.

  3. What is the difference between Morning Star and Evening Star patterns?

    The Morning Star pattern is a bullish reversal pattern that appears during a downtrend, while the Evening Star pattern is a bearish reversal pattern that forms during an uptrend. Both patterns consist of three candles, but their market implications are opposite.

  4. Does the Evening Star pattern always work?

    No, the Evening Star pattern does not always work. Its reliability depends on market conditions and the presence of confirmation signals, such as resistance levels or volume spikes. While the pattern has an approximate success rate of 70%, traders should use it alongside other technical tools and risk management strategies to minimise false signals.

  5. Can the Evening Star pattern be used for intraday trading?

    Yes, the Evening Star candlestick pattern can be used for intraday trading, but it is more reliable on higher timeframes like daily or weekly charts. If intraday is used, traders should confirm the pattern with additional indicators like RSI or volume and focus on key intraday resistance levels to improve accuracy.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Written by Manas Bhaskar

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