Knowledge Center Technical Analysis
Buying a stock or security at support is a tried and tested trading strategy where investors or traders initiate a buy position when the price of a financial asset approaches or reaches a historically established support level. Here's a detailed explanation of this strategy.
Executing purchases at a support level involves recognizing moments when buyers or bullish traders are considered to be in control at a particular price level following a minor retracement into a well-defined support area.
Identifying Support Area:
A support area is a price level where an asset has historically shown resilience against falling further. Traders identify these areas by analyzing price charts, looking for instances where the price has bounced back or consolidated in the past.
Technical Analysis Tools:
Traders use various technical analysis tools such as trendlines, horizontal support zones, moving averages, or Fibonacci retracement levels to pinpoint potential support areas. These tools help in visually identifying levels where buying interest has historically emerged.
Confirmation of Support:
Before initiating a buy order, traders seek confirmation that the price is respecting the identified support level. This confirmation may involve observing price reactions, looking for candlestick patterns (like doji or hammer), or using additional technical indicators for validation.
Risk Management:
Effective risk management is crucial. Setting a stop-loss order just below the identified support level helps mitigate potential losses if the price breaks below the expected support. This defines the acceptable risk for the trade.
Execution:
Once the support level is confirmed, and risk management is in place, the trader executes a buy order with the expectation that the price will rebound from the support, creating a favourable trading opportunity.
Monitoring and Adjusting:
Traders continuously monitor the trade, adjusting their strategy based on how the price behaves around the support area. If the price starts to break below the support, it might trigger the stop-loss, limiting potential losses.
Finding the support place
Engaging in trading based on support or resistance involves utilizing support levels to initiate long positions. As depicted below, a support level is evident, indicating a potential area where the price might rebound. Taking advantage of these support levels, traders may consider entering new long positions, with stop-loss orders positioned just beneath the established support level.
1. Support Level Identified
2. Price Establishes Support at this Level
3. Long buy Entry order can be placed Once Price Confirms Support
4. Stop Loss Positioned Below the Support Level
Inference
At the support level in stock market, there exists a sufficient number of buyers to prevent further price declines and initiate an upward reversal. Similarly, at the resistance in stock market, there are ample sellers to impede further price increases and trigger a downward reversal. To identify these levels, a horizontal line is marked on the chart where the price has consistently halted its movement. Once this methodology is established, either the candlestick wicks or bodies to delineate support and resistance levels can be utilized. It's important to note that share market support and resistance can transition into each other, and vice versa. Caution is warranted to avoid false breakouts, where the price appears to breach support or resistance temporarily but ultimately reverses course in the opposite direction
Buying on a support area is a part of technical analysis and requires a comprehensive understanding of market conditions, trend analysis, and potential catalysts that may impact the asset's price movement. This strategy aims to capitalize on the potential for a price bounce at established support levels.
What does "buying on support" mean?
Buying on support refers to the strategy of purchasing a financial asset when its price reaches a level of support, which is typically a historical low or a significant price level where buyers are expected to enter the market.
How do I identify support levels?
Support levels can be identified by analyzing historical price data and looking for areas where the price has previously bounced back after declining. These levels often coincide with previous lows, trendlines, moving averages, or psychological price levels.
When is the best time to buy on support?
The best time to buy on support is when the price reaches the support level and shows signs of bouncing back, such as bullish candlestick patterns, increased buying volume, or a shift in momentum indicators.
Where should I place my stop-loss when buying on support?
Stop-loss orders are typically placed slightly below the support level to account for potential false breakouts or extended declines. This helps limit potential losses if the trade goes against you.
Can support levels become resistance levels, and vice versa?
Yes, support levels can become resistance levels if the price breaks below the support and then retests it from below. Similarly, resistance levels can become support levels if the price breaks above the resistance and then retests it from above.