Case Study 0023: Dark Cloud Cover and Spinning Tops (Natural Gas)

In this article, we will examine the performance of the natural gas market after the emergence of a dark cloud cover and a long black real body.

Case Study 0023: Dark Cloud Cover and Spinning Tops (Natural Gas)

Data Sheet

  • Reference: CS0023
  • Security: Natural Gas
  • Timeframe: Hourly Chart (October 31, 2023)
  • Patterns:
    • Dark Cloud Cover (Variation)
    • Long Red Real Body
    • Upthrust
    • Spinning Tops

1. Signal Formation

Following a vertical ascent, the natural gas market displayed a variation of the dark cloud cover pattern. Because the closing price of the second session exceeds the lows of the first candle, this formation should be considered a variation of this pattern.

Another important aspect of the dark cloud cover is the fact that this pattern was also an upthrust (false breakout to the upside).

We'll add here that the second candle of the dark cloud cover can also be viewed as a long red real body at a high price area.

Natural Gas: Variation of a Dark Cloud Cover on October 31, 2023 (Hourly Chart)
Natural Gas: Variation of a Dark Cloud Cover on October 31, 2023 (Hourly Chart)

2. Early Market Transition

Typically, a long black/red real body acts as resistance. The following image illustrates how prices, attempting to rise, were halted near the 50% mark of the previous red body, as evidenced by the formation of a series of spinning tops near this level.

Natural Gas: A Series of Spinning Tops Confirms Resistance in October 2023 (Hourly Chart)
Natural Gas: A Series of Spinning Tops Confirms Resistance in October 2023 (Hourly Chart)

3. Resolution

Observe how the combination of patterns described earlier led to a slight downturn.

Natural Gas: Slight Downturn After the Peak (Hourly Chart)
Natural Gas: Slight Downturn After the Peak (Hourly Chart)

4. Conclusion and Subjective Review

While the confluence of a series of bearish patterns in a relatively short timeframe warrants serious consideration as an indicator of caution, they do not always predict a major downtrend. A scenario like may be simply followed by a minor reversal in price and time.