How to Profit from Kicker Signal Candlestick Pattern

KICKER SIGNAL

KICKER Description

The Kicker Signal in Figure 2.43 is the most powerful signal of all. It works equally well in both directions. Its relevance is magnified when occurring in the overbought or oversold area. It is formed by two candles. The first candle opens and moves in the direction of the current trend. The second candle opens at the same open of the previous day, a gap open, and heads in the opposite direction of the previous day's candle. The bodies of the candles are opposite colors. This formation is indicative of a dramatic change in investor sentiment. The Candlesticks visually depict the magnitude of the change.

Criteria

• The first day's open and the second day's open are the same. The price movement is in opposite directions from the opening price.
• The trend has no relevance in a kicker situation.
• The signal is usually formed by surprise news before or after market hours.
• The price never retraces into the previous days trading range.

Signal Enhancements

• The longer the candles, the more dramatic the price reversal.
• Opening from yesterday's close to yesterday's open already is a gap. However, gapping away from the previous day's open further enhances the reversal.

Pattern Psychology

The Kicker Signal demonstrates a dramatic change in the investor sentiment. Something has occurred to violently change the direction of the price. Usually a surprise news item is the cause of this type of move. The signal illustrates such a change in the current direction that the new direction will persist with strength for a good while.

There is one caveat to this signal. If the next day prices gap back the other way, liquidate the trade immediately. This does not happen often, but when it does, get out immediately. (See Figure 2.44.)