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Difference Between Morning Star and Bullish Harami

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Morning Star vs Bullish Harami

Morning Star and Bullish Harami are bullish reversal candlestick patterns. Morning Star is a three-candle pattern with stronger confirmation, signaling a trend reversal. Bullish Harami is a two-candle pattern indicating weakening bearish momentum. Morning Star is generally a more reliable bullish reversal signal than Bullish Harami.

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Morning Star Meaning

The Morning Star is a three-candle bullish reversal pattern that appears after a downtrend. It consists of a large bearish candle, a small-bodied indecisive candle, and a strong bullish candle. This formation signals a potential shift from bearish to bullish momentum.

Traders view the Morning Star as a sign of trend reversal when it appears at key support levels. Confirmation is stronger if the bullish candle closes above the midpoint of the first candle and is supported by high trading volume, indicating growing buying pressure.

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Bullish Harami Meaning

The Bullish Harami is a two-candle pattern that signals a potential bullish reversal. It appears in a downtrend, where a large bearish candle is followed by a smaller bullish candle contained within the previous candle’s body, indicating reduced selling pressure.

This pattern suggests that bears are losing control, and bulls may take over. Confirmation is needed through a strong bullish move in the next sessions. Traders often look for increased volume and support levels to validate the pattern before making trading decisions.

Difference Between Morning Star and Bullish Harami

The main difference between the Morning Star and Bullish Harami lies in their structure and strength as reversal patterns. The Morning Star is a three-candle bullish reversal pattern, while the Bullish Harami is a two-candle pattern signaling a potential reversal with weaker confirmation.

CriteriaMorning StarBullish Harami
Pattern Type:Three-candle bullish reversal patternTwo-candle bullish reversal pattern
Formation:Large bearish candle, small indecisive candle, followed by a strong bullish candleLarge bearish candle followed by a smaller bullish candle within its body
Strength:Stronger reversal signal with clear confirmationWeaker signal needing additional confirmation
Best Confirmation:High volume, RSI divergence, support level breakoutBullish continuation after pattern, moving average crossover

Characteristics of Morning Star

The main characteristics of the Morning Star include its formation as a three-candle bullish reversal pattern that appears after a downtrend. It consists of a large bearish candle, a small indecisive candle, and a strong bullish candle, signaling a potential trend reversal.

  • Three-Candle Reversal: The Morning Star pattern consists of a strong bearish candle, a small indecisive candle (Doji or small-bodied), and a strong bullish candle, collectively indicating a transition from bearish to bullish sentiment.
  • Appears After a Downtrend: This pattern forms at the bottom of a downtrend, suggesting that bearish pressure is weakening, and a potential reversal is likely as buyers start to regain control.
  • Indecisive Middle Candle: The second candle is typically small, showing market uncertainty. It may be a Doji or a low-range candle, indicating hesitation before the trend shifts in favor of the bulls.
  • Strong Bullish Confirmation: The third candle is a large bullish candle that closes well above the midpoint of the first candle, confirming buying strength and a shift in market sentiment from bearish to bullish.

Characteristics of Bullish Harami

The main characteristics of the Bullish Harami include its formation as a two-candle bullish reversal pattern that appears after a downtrend. It consists of a large bearish candle followed by a smaller bullish candle within its body, indicating weakening bearish momentum and potential trend reversal.

  • Two-Candle Reversal: The Bullish Harami consists of a long bearish candle followed by a smaller bullish candle that is completely engulfed within the previous candle’s body, signaling hesitation in the downtrend and a possible shift to bullish sentiment.
  • Occurs After a Downtrend: This pattern emerges at the bottom of a bearish phase, suggesting that selling pressure is weakening. It indicates that buyers are slowly entering the market, creating the possibility of a price reversal.
  • Smaller Bullish Candle: The second candle is significantly smaller than the first, often resembling a Doji or a small-bodied candle. This shows uncertainty and a reduction in bearish dominance before a potential bullish move.
  • Needs Additional Confirmation: While the Bullish Harami suggests a trend reversal, it is more reliable when followed by a strong bullish candle, increased trading volume, or confirmation from indicators like RSI divergence or moving average support.

How to Identify a Morning Star Pattern?

To identify a Morning Star pattern, look for a three-candle formation at the end of a downtrend. The first candle is a large bearish candle, followed by a small-bodied candle (indicating indecision), and a third strong bullish candle closing above the midpoint of the first candle.

The small-bodied second candle can be a Doji or spinning top, showing market hesitation. The third candle confirms the reversal with strong bullish momentum. Traders look for high trading volume, RSI divergence, or moving average support to validate the pattern before making bullish trade decisions.

How to Identify a Bullish Harami Pattern?

To identify a Bullish Harami pattern, look for a two-candle formation during a downtrend. The first candle is a large bearish candle, followed by a smaller bullish candle that is completely within the body of the previous candle, signaling a potential reversal.

The second candle’s smaller size indicates reduced selling pressure and a possible shift toward bullish momentum. Confirmation comes if the next candle closes higher. Traders use volume analysis, RSI divergence, or support levels to strengthen the signal before entering a bullish trade.

Trading Strategies for Morning Star

The main strategy for trading the Morning Star pattern involves confirming the reversal signal with volume, support levels, and technical indicators. Since it’s a strong bullish reversal pattern, traders wait for additional confirmation before entering long positions to maximize success.

  • Confirmation with Volume: A higher volume on the third bullish candle strengthens the pattern’s reliability. Increased buying interest signals strong momentum, reducing the risk of false reversals and providing confidence in entering a long position.
  • Support Level Validation: The pattern gains strength when it forms near a key support level. A bounce from support confirms strong buying interest, making it a favorable entry point for traders looking to capitalize on the reversal.
  • Entry After Bullish Confirmation: Traders wait for the next candle after the Morning Star to close above the pattern. A strong close indicates continued bullish momentum, providing a safer entry point with reduced downside risk.
  • Stop-Loss and Target Setting: Setting a stop-loss below the low of the pattern minimizes risk. Profit targets are based on key resistance levels or Fibonacci retracements, ensuring a well-defined risk-to-reward ratio for effective trade management.

Trading Strategies for Bullish Harami

The main strategy for trading the Bullish Harami pattern involves confirming the reversal signal with technical indicators, volume, and market structure. Since it is a moderate bullish reversal pattern, traders seek additional confirmation before entering a trade to ensure a higher probability of success.

  • Confirmation with Technical Indicators: Traders use RSI, MACD, or moving averages to validate the pattern. If the RSI shows oversold conditions or MACD signals a bullish crossover, it strengthens the reversal signal, increasing confidence in entering a long position.
  • Entry After Bullish Breakout: A bullish candle closing above the Harami pattern confirms continued upward momentum. Traders wait for this confirmation before entering long positions to avoid false signals and ensure trend continuation.
  • Support Level Consideration: The pattern is more effective near key support zones. If it forms at a strong support level, it indicates a higher chance of a successful reversal, making it a favorable entry point for buyers.
  • Stop-Loss and Profit Target Placement: A stop-loss is placed below the low of the pattern to manage risk. Profit targets are set at key resistance levels or Fibonacci retracements, ensuring a strategic risk-to-reward ratio for effective trade execution.

Difference Between Morning Star and Bullish Harami – Quick Summary

  • The Morning Star is a three-candle bullish reversal pattern that appears after a downtrend. It consists of a large bearish candle, a small indecisive candle, and a strong bullish candle, signaling a shift in market sentiment.
  • The Bullish Harami is a two-candle bullish reversal pattern where a small bullish candle is completely contained within the previous bearish candle. It suggests weakening selling pressure and potential trend reversal if confirmed by further bullish movement.
  • The main difference is that the Morning Star is a stronger three-candle pattern with a clear reversal signal, while the Bullish Harami is a two-candle pattern that requires additional confirmation for a reliable bullish trend change.
  • The main characteristic of the Morning Star is its three-candle structure, where the middle candle represents indecision. The pattern suggests a shift from bearish to bullish momentum when supported by volume and follow-up confirmation.
  • The main characteristic of the Bullish Harami is its two-candle formation, where a small bullish candle is engulfed within a preceding bearish candle. It indicates reduced selling pressure and suggests a possible reversal when confirmed by subsequent bullish action.
  • A Morning Star is identified when a large bearish candle is followed by a small-bodied candle (doji or spinning top), and then a strong bullish candle closes above the midpoint of the first candle.
  • A Bullish Harami is identified when a small bullish candle forms within the body of a larger bearish candle. It signals hesitation in the downtrend and requires a bullish confirmation candle for higher reliability.
  • The main strategy for trading the Morning Star is to confirm it with high volume and bullish indicators. Traders enter after the breakout of the third candle’s high and set stop-losses below the pattern’s low.
  • The main strategy for trading the Bullish Harami is to wait for confirmation with a strong bullish candle or volume increase. Traders enter after confirmation and use stop-losses below the pattern to manage risk.
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Morning Star vs Bullish Harami – FAQs

What Is The Difference Between Morning Star and Bullish Harami?

A Morning Star is a three-candle pattern indicating a strong reversal, while a Bullish Harami is a two-candle pattern showing a potential reversal. The Morning Star has stronger confirmation, whereas the Bullish Harami requires additional validation through volume or follow-up bullish price action.

What Is Morning Star?

A Morning Star is a three-candle bullish reversal pattern. It consists of a large bearish candle, a small indecisive candle, and a strong bullish candle. This pattern signals a shift from selling to buying pressure and is more effective at key support levels.

What Is Bullish Harami?

A Bullish Harami is a two-candle pattern where a small bullish candle forms within the body of the previous bearish candle. It suggests weakening bearish momentum and potential reversal. However, it requires confirmation through a follow-up bullish candle or increased buying volume.

Is The Morning Star Pattern Reliable?

Yes, the Morning Star is a reliable bullish reversal pattern, especially when accompanied by high volume. It signals strong buying momentum and often leads to upward trends. However, traders look for confirmation through follow-up bullish candles and technical indicators for better accuracy.

What Happens After A Morning Star Pattern?

After a Morning Star pattern, prices often move higher, confirming a bullish reversal. If supported by strong volume and favorable market conditions, it can lead to sustained uptrends. Traders seek additional confirmation through moving averages or support-resistance levels for better decision-making.

What Happens After A Bullish Harami Pattern?

A Bullish Harami often leads to a short-term price increase. However, since it’s a weaker reversal signal, traders wait for confirmation through a follow-up bullish candle. If reinforced by volume and technical indicators, it may signal the start of an upward trend.

Is Morning Star A Stronger Signal Than Bullish Harami?

Yes, the Morning Star is a stronger bullish reversal signal than the Bullish Harami. Its three-candle structure provides better confirmation of trend reversal, whereas the Bullish Harami requires additional validation. The Morning Star is more effective when occurring at strong support levels.

What Does A Morning Star Pattern Indicate?

A Morning Star pattern indicates a transition from bearish to bullish sentiment. It suggests that sellers are losing control and buyers are gaining strength. This pattern is most effective at support levels and when confirmed by high volume or other bullish technical indicators.

What Is The Opposite Of The Bullish Harami Pattern?

The opposite of the Bullish Harami pattern is the Bearish Harami. It consists of a small bearish candle within the body of the previous bullish candle. This pattern suggests weakening bullish momentum and potential bearish reversal, especially when formed at resistance levels.

What Does A Bullish Harami Pattern Indicate?

A Bullish Harami pattern indicates weakening bearish momentum and a possible bullish reversal. It suggests that selling pressure is diminishing, and buyers may start gaining control. However, traders seek confirmation through increased volume or a strong follow-up bullish candle before making decisions. 

Disclaimer: The above article is written for educational purposes and the companies’ data mentioned in the article may change with respect to time. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not recommendatory.

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