Price Location

Invalidation Point

The level where the current trend is negated if broken

The invalidation point is the boundary of a structural range that, if broken, signals the current trend is no longer valid. In a bullish structural range, the invalidation point is the swing low. In a bearish structural range, it is the swing high. A break and close beyond this level suggests a potential trend reversal.

How to Recognize

  • Swing low in a bullish range (if broken, bullish trend invalidated)
  • Swing high in a bearish range (if broken, bearish trend invalidated)
  • Opposite boundary of the structural range from the continuation point
  • Key level for stop loss placement

How to Avoid

  • Placing stops exactly at the invalidation point (give room for wicks)
  • Ignoring the invalidation point during complex pullbacks
  • Changing trend bias without the invalidation point being broken
  • Confusing internal pullback lows with the actual invalidation level