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Intermediate

Thrusting Pattern – Bullish Continuation

Learn about the Thrusting candlestick pattern, a bullish continuation signal, including identification, trading strategies, and common mistakes.

Mark · Trader & Founder, Social Forex

Thrusting Pattern – Bullish Continuation

Definition

The Thrusting Pattern (Thrusting Line) is a two-candle pattern that often appears in an uptrend and signals a continuation of the trend. The first candle is a strong bullish candle with a long body. The second candle is a bearish candle that opens above the close of the first candle, then declines but closes within the upper body of the first candle (usually in the upper 1/3 to 1/2 range).

How to Identify

  • Two consecutive candles within an uptrend.
  • Candle 1: Bullish, long body.
  • Candle 2: Bearish, opens above the close of candle 1 (may gap slightly) and closes within the body of candle 1, not lower than the open of candle 1. Candle 2's body is typically smaller.
  • Do not confuse with Bullish Harami (candle 2 opens inside candle 1's body) or other continuation patterns.
    • Price Action — reading candlestick patterns in context

    How to Trade

  • Enter a buy when price breaks above the high of candle 2 (or candle 1) after confirmation.
  • Place a stop loss below the low of candle 2 or below the low of candle 1.
  • Take profit at a prior resistance area or with a risk:reward ratio of 1:2 or 1:3.
  • Combine with indicators like RSI or MACD for higher probability.

    • Real Example

    Assume EUR/USD in an uptrend. Day 1: strong bullish candle (candle 1). Day 2: price opens slightly higher, then declines but closes within candle 1's body, forming a small bearish candle (candle 2). When price breaks above candle 2's high, a trader buys. Stop loss below candle 2's low, target nearest resistance.

    Common Mistakes

  • Confusing with Bullish Harami (second candle fully inside first candle, signals reversal).
  • Not checking the main trend: pattern only valid in uptrend.
  • Entering too early before a breakout confirmation.
  • Not using a stop loss or placing it too tight.

    • Summary

    Thrusting is a reliable continuation signal in technical analysis. Always confirm it with the overall trend and manage risk carefully.

    Content is for reference only, not investment advice. Forex trading carries high risk.

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