Bars vs Candlesticks in forex trading

Bars and candlesticks are both popular charting styles used by global forex traders. They both offer similar data such as opening and closing prices, the high and low prices, and the trading range. However, there are some differences between bars and candlesticks that may make one more suitable for certain trading strategies than the other.

Barres

Bars are a type of chart comprised of a vertical line and two horizontal lines on either side of the vertical line. The vertical line represents the price range for that period. The horizontal lines on either side represent the opening and closing prices. If the closing price is higher than the opening price, the bar is usually coloured green. If the closing price is lower than the opening price, the bar is usually coloured red.

Candlesticks

While similar to bars, candlesticks usually offer a more visual representation of price movements. Each candlestick consists of a body and two wicks. The body represents the price range between the opening and closing prices, and the wicks signify the high and low prices. The candlestick is usually coloured green if the closing price is higher than the opening price. It is typically coloured red if the closing price is lower than the opening price.

Candlesticks may also have different shapes suggesting different market sentiments. For example, a long green candlestick with a small wick on the top and bottom may indicate that buyers are in control, while a long red candlestick with a small wick on the top and bottom may indicate that sellers are in control. Candlesticks are often used in analyse technique. This is because they provide more data about price movements, like trends, support and resistance levels, trend lines, etc.

Different types of candlesticks

A variety of candlestick patterns exist which inform trading decisions.

• Bullish candlestick patterns include the hammer, inverse hammer, bullish engulfing, piercing line, morning star, and three white soldiers.
• Bearish candlestick patterns include a hanging man, a shooting star, bearish engulfing, an evening star, three black crows, and a dark cloud cover.
• Four continuation candlestick patterns include doji, spinning top, falling three methods and rising three methods.

While candlestick patterns can provide fast insights into trends, they are typically used in conjunction with other technical analysis techniques to ensure accuracy. Traders commonly use candlesticks with other technical indicators like moving averages, oscillators, and trend lines. In this way, traders can get a better understanding of market movements to make more informed trading decisions.

Choosing between bars and candlesticks

Traders will typically choose between bars or candlesticks based on personal preference and trading style. Some traders prefer the simplicity of bars, while others prefer the visual representation of candlesticks.

Why candlestick charts are a popular charting method

• Candlestick charts are considered easy to read and understand and offer traders a fast and visual representation of price fluctuations.

• They provide an easy way for traders to identify trends in the way they display price fluctuations over a particular period.

• Candlestick charts deliver detailed price data. This includes opening and closing prices, highs, and lows, allowing for more detailed insights into the market.

• Traders use candlestick charts to get a better feel for market sentiment and make more informed trading decisions.

• Candlestick charts enable traders to use chart patterns to identify potential trading opportunities, for e.g., doji, hammer, and hanging man.

Overall, candlestick charts are a powerful tool for forex traders. Integrating their use into any trading plan can help improve trading decisions by providing a more comprehensive and accurate view of market fluctuations.

Benefits of using a bar chart in Forex trading

• Bar charts simplify the process of identifying forex market trends, for e.g. if a currency pair is in an uptrend, downtrend or trading sideways.

• Bar charts offer an in-depth analysis of the price movements of a currency pair. Traders can view opening and closing prices for a specific period, the highest and lowest price levels, etc.

• Bar charts can be used by all types of traders, regardless of experience, due to their ease of use.

• Bar charts can be used to manage trading risk based on the information they provide.

• Bar charts are considered reliable being they are based on actual price data.

In summary, both bars and candlesticks are useful charts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Traders are recommended to experiment with both styles and choose the one that best fits their trading strategy and style. Additionally, traders should always use proper risk management techniques and only trade with money they can afford to lose.

Open a demo trading account to practice using bar and candlestick charts

Using a demo trading account is a great way to acquire the skills required to use bar and candlestick charts. A demo account offers a risk-free, simulated trading environment in which you can practice your trades and analyse trading outcomes. With no risk of losing your money, a demo trading account gives you the opportunity to learn how to read candlestick or bar patterns and then open or close trades based on the signals they provide. Once you have acquired the necessary knowledge and confidence, consider moving over to a live account to start your trading journey. Remember however that all trading comes with risk, so have a robust risk management plan in place to mitigate massive losses.

Get a comprehensive forex education with IronFX

Whether you’re a new trader or one that has been trading for a significant period of time, broadening the scope of your trading knowledge is key to achieving potential success. Acquiring an ongoing education in the forex space is essential to trade in the financial markets that oftentimes exhibit volatile behaviours. The École IronFX offers traders worldwide a comprehensive pool of educational forex resources from which to gain useful tips and insights. Traders can also enjoy a variety of informative webinars, podcasts and trading videos, as well as learn from a mix of blogs, articles, FAQ pages, economic announcements and/or geopolitical events.

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