Bullish Harami Cross
Bullish Harami Cross
A large red candle followed by a doji contained within the first body, showing a sharp rise in indecision after a downtrend.
30-second summary
What does it signal?
A Bullish Harami Cross at the end of a downtrend is a potential reversal signal: sellers pushed price lower, but buyers pulled it back into balance.
When is it reliable?
More reliable at a strong support level, with above-average volume and a confirming green candle in the next period.
When to avoid it?
Avoid it in sideways markets and on short time frames such as 1-minute or 5-minute charts, where noise is too high and the signal has little statistical value.
Pattern in chart context
The chart shows the typical appearance of the Bullish Harami Cross pattern within a price action context. The highlighted area marks the pattern itself. Data is illustrative.
Market psychology — in 3 steps
Downtrend continues
Several candles print lower highs and lower lows. Sellers control the market, and sentiment remains negative.
Bullish Harami Cross forms
Selling pressure fades and buyers return. Price is pulled back near the starting point, creating the possibility of a reversal.
Confirmation arrives
The next candle closes with a green body, ideally on higher volume. Sentiment has shifted, and a new uptrend may begin.
Description
The Bullish Harami Cross is a stronger version of the standard Bullish Harami: the second candle is not just a small green body, but a full doji. The open and close are nearly identical, showing a temporary balance between buyers and sellers. Near the end of a downtrend, it signals that selling pressure has stalled, and the next candle often points to the direction of the potential reversal.
Context of appearance
Most relevant near the end of a downtrend, especially in oversold market conditions. Without confirmation, the signal is unreliable.
Identification rules
- ✓ Appears after a downtrend
- ✓ The first body is at least 5 times larger than the doji’s body
- ✓ The doji is fully positioned inside the first candle’s body
- ✓ The doji body is no more than 5% of the total range
- ✓ A confirming bullish candle is required before entry
Trading strategy
Wait for a confirming bullish candle. Enter after that candle closes. Place the stop-loss below the first candle. Target a 2:1 risk/reward ratio.
⚠️ For educational purposes only. Trading based solely on candlestick patterns is not recommended — always combine them with other technical analysis tools, support/resistance levels, and money management.
Candle anatomy
- 01 First candle: large red body within a downtrend
- 02 Second candle: doji, with the open and close nearly identical
- 03 The doji is fully contained within the first candle’s body
- 04 Ideally, the doji’s wicks also remain within the first candle’s body
Same shape, opposite meaning
The Bullish Harami Cross and the Bearish Harami Cross look visually identical. The difference lies in context — if you mistake one for the other, you enter in the opposite direction.
Bullish Harami Cross
Bullish Harami Cross
Bearish Harami Cross
Bearish Harami Cross
💡 The lesson: the candle shape alone is never enough — always read the trend first, then the pattern.
Most common mistakes
Ignoring context
A Bullish Harami Cross only has clear meaning near the end of a downtrend. In a sideways market or an uptrend, the same pattern carries a different message, so assess the trend first.
Entering as soon as the pattern closes
The pattern itself is not an entry trigger. Wait for the confirming green candle to close; patience reduces false signals.
Using too short a time frame
On 5-minute candles, most reversal patterns are noise. Daily and 4-hour charts tend to produce higher-quality signals.
Ignoring volume
A Bullish Harami Cross on low volume is a weak signal. With above-average volume, the reversal is more likely. Always check the volume bar.
Quick self-test
Which one is the Bullish Harami Cross?
A reversal signal near the end of a downtrend.
