Trading Traps

Bear Trap

A false breakdown downward that quickly reverses

A bear trap occurs when price breaks below a key support level, triggering selling, only to reverse sharply upward. It traps short sellers and panicked sellers in losing positions.

How to Recognize

  • Price breaks below key support
  • Volume is low on the breakdown
  • Quick reversal within 1-3 candles
  • Failure to continue lower after initial drop

How to Avoid

  • Wait for confirmation candle close below support
  • Check if volume confirms the move
  • Look for retest of broken support as resistance
  • Avoid shorting at obvious support levels