How to trade using the doji candlestick pattern

What is the doji candlestick chart pattern?

The doji candlestick chart pattern is a formation that occurs when a market’s open price and close price are almost exactly the same. There are different variations of the pattern, namely the common doji, gravestone doji, dragonfly doji and long-legged doji.

The vertical line of the doji pattern is called the wick, while the horizontal line is the body. The wick can vary in length, as the top represents the highest price, and the bottom represents the low. The body represents the difference between the opening and closing price. This element can vary in height, but not in width.

How is a doji candlestick formed?

A doji candlestick is formed when the market opens and bullish traders push prices up while bearish traders reject the higher price and push it back down. It could also be that bearish traders try to push prices as low as possible, and bulls fight back and get the price back up. In other words, the market has explored upward and downward options but then ‘rests’ without committing to either direction.

The upward and downward movements that happen between open and close form the wick. The body is formed when the price closes at more or less the same level as it opened.

Read more about what causes an asset’s price to change

What does a doji tell traders?

When looked at in isolation, a doji tells traders that neither buyers or sellers are gaining – it’s a sign of indecision, or neutrality. Some traders believe that the doji indicates an upcoming price reversal when viewed alongside other candlestick patterns, but this may not always be the case . It could be a sign that buyers or sellers are gaining momentum for a continuation trend.

It’s important to remember that the doji candlestick does not provide as much information as one would need to make a decision. Before acting on any signals, including the doji candlestick chart pattern, always consider other patterns and indicators, and make sure you stick to your trading plan and risk management strategy.

Doji chart pattern example

Let’s assume you’re following Microsoft’s share price, which opens the trading day at $104.50. As buyers and sellers enter the market, the share price starts moving, hitting a low of $102.00 and a high of $107.00 before closing at $104.20. This creates a long-legged doji, as pictured below.

Learn how to buy, sell and trade Microsoft shares

How to trade when you see the doji candlestick pattern

There are many ways to trade when you see the doji candlestick pattern. First, look for signals that complement what the doji pattern is suggesting. Most traders use momentum indicators to confirm the possibility of a doji signalling reversal, because these indicators can help to determine the strength of a trend.

For example, if you think that a common doji at the bottom of a downtrend means possible reversal, you can test the bullish bias using the stochastic oscillator. This indicator follows the speed and momentum of the market over a specific timeframe, predicting price movements. If the signal is confirmed, you may want to go long (buy).

When you see the doji candlestick pattern and you want to place a trade, you can do so via derivatives such as CFDs or spread bets . Derivatives enable you to trade rising as well as declining prices. So, depending on what you think will happen with the asset’s price when one of the doji patterns appears, you can open a long position or a short position.

Follow these steps to trade when you see the doji candlestick chart pattern:

1. Log in to your IG trading account
2. Search the asset you want to trade in the ‘finder’ panel
3. Enter your position size
4. Select ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ in the deal ticket
5. Confirm the trade

If you don’t have a live trading account , you can open one quickly and easily. If you prefer, you can also look for the doji chart pattern and practise trading using a risk-free demo account.

Doji candlestick pattern summed up

• The doji candlestick chart pattern occurs when a market’s open price and close price are almost exactly the same – it is a sign of indecision and neutrality
• The four variations of the doji pattern include the common doji, gravestone doji, dragonfly doji and long-legged doji
• A doji candlestick forms when the market opens and bullish traders push prices up while bearish traders push it back down, or vice versa
• One of the limitations of the doji candlestick pattern relates to the amount of price information it provides
• When you spot the doji candlestick chart pattern, you can trade using derivatives such as CFDs or spread bets
• With derivatives, you can go long or short because you do not own the underlying asset

Ready to start trading? You can open a live IG account in just a few minutes. Alternatively, sign up for a demo account and practise your trades with free virtual funds.