Price Gap Examples - Bitcoin FuturesSharing for educational purposes only.
█ Three Types of Gaps
There are three general types of gaps:
Breakaway Gap
Runaway (or Measuring) Gap
Exhaustion Gap
█ 1 — The Breakaway Gap
The breakaway gap usually occurs:
At the completion of an important price pattern.
At the beginning of a significant market move
Examples:
After a market completes a major basing pattern, the breaking of resistance often involves a breakaway gap.
Breaking major trendlines signaling a reversal of trend may also involve this type of gap
Key Characteristics:
Heavy volume often accompanies breakaway gaps.
They are typically not filled (or only partially filled).
In an uptrend, upside gaps act as support areas on subsequent corrections.
A close below the gap is a sign of weakness.
█ 2 — The Runaway or Measuring Gap
The runaway gap forms:
Midway through a trend (uptrend or downtrend).
Indicates the market is moving effortlessly, usually on moderate volume.
Key Characteristics:
In an uptrend, it signals strength.
In a downtrend, it signals weakness.
Acts as support or resistance during subsequent corrections.
Why "Measuring" Gap?
It often occurs at the halfway point of a trend.
By measuring the distance the trend has already traveled, the probable extent of the remaining move can be estimated by doubling the amount already achieved.
█ 3 — The Exhaustion Gap
The exhaustion gap appears:
Near the end of a market move.
Key Characteristics:
Occurs after objectives have been achieved and other gap types (breakaway and runaway) have been identified.
In an uptrend, prices leap forward in a final push but quickly fade.
Within a couple of days or a week, prices turn lower.
█ Conclusion
By understanding the types of gaps and their characteristics, traders can better interpret market signals and anticipate potential trends or reversals.
█ Source:
Murphy, John J. Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading Methods and Applications. New York Institute of Finance, 1999. Chapter 4, "Price Gaps," pp. 94-98.
