In the context of trading and financial markets, "whiskers" refer to the lines or extensions that appear above and below the main body of a candlestick chart. These whiskers are also known as "shadows" or "wicks." Candlestick charts are widely used in technical analysis to track price movements and patterns.
Here are some key points about whiskers in candlestick charts:
1. Upper Whisker: The upper whisker extends from the top of the candlestick's body and represents the highest price reached during a specific time period. It indicates the highest point that the price reached before reversing or retracing.
2. Lower Whisker: The lower whisker extends from the bottom of the candlestick's body and represents the lowest price reached during a specific time period. It indicates the lowest point that the price reached before bouncing back or reversing.
3. Length of Whiskers: The length of the whiskers provides valuable information about the price volatility during the time period represented by the candlestick. Longer whiskers indicate greater price volatility, while shorter whiskers suggest relatively stable price movements.
4. Candlestick Body: The body of the candlestick, which is typically rectangular in shape, represents the difference between the opening and closing prices during the time period. It is often colored or filled to indicate whether the closing price was higher (bullish) or lower (bearish) than the opening price.
5. Interpretation: Whiskers, along with the candlestick body, can provide insights into market sentiment and potential price reversals. For example, a long upper whisker and a short lower whisker on a bearish candlestick may indicate selling pressure and a potential reversal to the downside.
It's important to analyze whiskers in the context of other candlestick patterns, trend lines, and indicators to make informed trading decisions. Candlestick charting techniques can be useful in identifying price patterns, support and resistance levels, and potential trend reversals in various financial markets.