fibonacci retracement

Technical Analysis: Fibonacci Retracement

Fibonacci Retracement: Definition, How It Works, Ratios, Trading

Fibonacci Retracement is a well-known indicator widely used by traders of all levels to identify support and resistance zones. Fibonacci levels added to the chart of any financial asset are used to identify possible retracement zones and support traders in making more informed trading decisions. Through this comprehensive guide, we have prepared for you, you can have detailed information about the definition of Fibonacci Retracement Levels, how they can be used in technical analysis and all the important elements to be considered!

 

What Is A Fibonacci Retracement?

First identified by the Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci in the 13th century, Fibonacci numbers are obtained by adding the number that comes before it in a number sequence starting from the desired number. The most important feature of the numbers obtained is that the numbers proportioned to the preceding number are always approaching the number 1.618, which is also expressed as the golden ratio. 

For example, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987

Fibonacci Retracement levels correspond to significant levels in the Fibonacci sequence of price movements in the market and are accepted as support or resistance by technical analysts.


How Does A Fibonacci Retracement Work Technical Analysis?

Fibonacci Retracement levels imported on the chart are expressed as horizontal lines showing possible support and resistance zones. Each of the horizontal Fibonacci levels corresponding to the prices of the analyzed financial assets is based on predetermined ratios. In this context, the Fibonacci ratios used in technical analysis can be expressed as 23.6%, 38.2%, 61.8%, and 78.6%. Although it is not an official Fibonacci ratio, the 50% level is often included in the Fibonacci retracement levels, considering its importance as an equilibrium. 

To determine the correct Fibonacci Retracement levels in technical analysis, the price points associated with it should be identified. Usually, one of these levels represents a top, while the other represents a bottom. To ensure that the results obtained can be used, observing the reactions of the price to the drawn Fibonacci levels in the historical price movements is important.


How To Determine The Sequence And Ratios In A Fibonacci Retracement?

Unlike other indicators, no special formula is used to calculate Fibonacci Retracement levels. Technical analysts only need to select correlated highs and lows to make the most accurate use of this indicator integrated into the chart. 

Fibonacci Retracement ratios correspond to the division ratios approaching 0.618 when a number is divided by the number to the right of it as the Fibonacci sequence progresses. The only exception, which stands out as an equilibrium level and cannot be calculated like other Fibonacci levels, is the 0.5 level.

For example, suppose the price of a financial asset rises from $100 to $150 and you want to utilize the Fibonacci Retracement indicator, which allows you to identify support/resistance levels based on these price ranges. The Fibonacci levels, drawn based on the top and bottom of the price, are calculated as follows.

23.6% level will be at $138.2 ($150 – ($50 × 0.236) = $138.2). 

50% level will be at $125 ($150 – ($50 × 0.5) = $125).

61.8% level will be at $119.1 ($150 – ($50 × 0.618) = $119.1).

78.6% level will be at $110.7 ($150 – ($50 × 0.786) = $110.7).


What Are The Advantages Of Using Fibonacci Retracement In Trading?

Static Levels: Unlike indicators such as Moving Averages (MA) or Relative Strength Index (RSI), Fibonacci Retracement levels are static and the retracement levels do not change unless the range being analyzed is changed. Thus, the important levels for performing the technical analysis can be easily distinguished and the charts can be easily interpreted by traders of all levels.

Accessibility: The most important factor for using the Fibonacci Retracement indicator for technical analysis is the presence of price movements. Regardless of the market (Cryptocurrencies, indices, stocks, Forex, etc.), all assets can move up or down in price, making it easy to use Fibonacci levels.

Risk Management: Fibonacci Retracement levels make it easier for traders to identify possible market reversal areas in advance. Traders performing trading activities from the right price zones can avoid possible losses and perform their risk management most accurately by determining the Stop Loss (SL) and Take Profit (TP) zones more consciously by using Fibonacci levels.


What Are The Limitations Of Using Fibonacci Retracement In Trading?

Uncertainty: Although the Fibonacci Retracement levels provide a comprehensive view of possible support and resistance zones, it should not be overlooked that the current data may not always be valid and prices may exceed the identified levels from time to time.

Subjectivity: To determine Fibonacci levels, traders are typically expected to pick a high and a low point on the asset. The points set for the use of the indicator are entirely subjective and may affect the consistency and accuracy of the data obtained.

Insufficient for Algorithmic Transactions: Traders’ strategies are always different. Since the data obtained through Fibonacci Retracement levels is static, traders who are interested in adaptive algorithmic trading strategies, especially through automated systems, cannot benefit from this indicator.


Why Is Fibonacci Retracement Important In Technical Analysis?

In technical analysis, support and resistance zones are known as important elements that allow traders to identify potential price and trend reversals, and the identification of potential support and resistance zones provides a great advantage in possible trading activities. With the Fibonacci Retracement indicator, which is very easy to use, traders can have an insight to detect these important price levels.


How Can Fibonacci Retracement Be Used To Set Stop-Loss Levels And Manage Risk?

To manage risk by identifying Stop Loss levels through Fibonacci Retracement, traders should pay attention to the Fibonacci level that the price is close to in the first place. For example, a trader who wants to carry out a trading activity in a bullish market and wants to identify the right point can wait for the price to retrace to 0.618. Given that the general trend direction is up, it is expected that the uptrend will continue bouncing off the 0.618 point. In such a case, setting stop-loss levels for a zone below 0.618 ensures risk management by protecting the trader from large losses incurred by a possible breakout of the golden ratio, which could send prices much lower.


What Are The Common Mistakes Traders Make When Using Fibonacci Retracement?

One of the most common mistakes made when using the Fibonacci Retracement indicator is taking a metric between unrelated points. Fibonacci levels drawn between unrelated points may not give accurate results, causing traders to suffer losses. For this reason, it should always be determined how effectively the detected Fibonacci Retracement levels have worked in historical price movements.

One of the other common mistakes traders make when using the Fibonacci Retracement indicator is to rely on only one indicator data. As with other indicators, Fibonacci Retracement is not always conclusive, so other indicators and market conditions should be examined and confirmed before engaging in any trading activity.


Do Professional Traders Use The Fibonacci Retracement?

Professional traders often integrate the Fibonacci Retracement into their trading strategies, as they can achieve logical results within a very short time frame. On the other hand, given their efforts to minimize the margin of error by achieving the most accurate results, professional traders always seek confirmation through other indicators and market conditions.


Is Fibonacci Retracement For Beginners?

Absolutely. While Fibonacci Retracement levels are very easy to detect, they also make it extremely easy for traders to follow static levels. In particular, beginners in technical analysis can get the most out of this indicator by pulling Fibonacci levels between the correct price ranges. For this reason, it is important for beginners who want to achieve more accurate results to practice by determining how historical price movements have reacted to the Fibonacci levels detected. 


Is Fibonacci Retracement A Good Strategy?

Yes. Fibonacci Retracement is a good strategy because it is easy to interpret, shows potential trend reversals, helps to identify possible support and resistance zones, and allows the entry and exit points of trading activities to be determined on a logical basis.


Does Fibonacci Retracement Work For Day Trading?

Yes, the Fibonacci Retracement indicator is available on all timeframes, and day traders can also identify entry and exit points for their trades. 

 

FAQ

How can I add the Fibonacci Retracement Levels to the charts?

The Fibonacci Retracement indicator is available in the indicators section of many trading platforms. If this indicator is selected as an indicator to be displayed, it will automatically appear on the chart.

 

Can the Fibonacci Retracement be used in any timeframe?

Yes, Fibonacci Retracement can be used in any timeframe based on the trader’s strategy.

 

Can the Fibanocci Retracement Levels be applied to all financial instruments?

Yes, the Fibonacci Retracement indicator can be used for all financial instruments.

 

Is the Fibonacci Retracement suitable for all traders?

Fibonacci Retracement is an indicator suitable for traders of all levels, as it does not involve complex formulas and is easy to understand.

 

What time frames are best for using Fibonacci retracement?

A better-predetermined time frame for the Fibonacci Retracement cannot be said to exist. The best timeframe is the one that suits traders’ strategies.

 

Disclaimer

Eurotrader doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current, or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information provided here, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product, or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. We advise any readers of this content to seek their advice.

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