Evening Star Pattern

It is represented by a three candlesticks formation that is - a large green candle, a Doji, and, finally, a red candlestick

Author: Tanishk Rathore
Tanishk Rathore
Tanishk Rathore
My undergraduate experience and internships are to thank for my skills in areas like research, analysis, communication, critical thinking, technical proficiency, time management, attention to detail, and adaptability. As a student majoring in civil engineering, I have developed a solid foundation in its specialisations. I worked as an intern for the DRDO at the University of Cambridge.
Reviewed By: Himanshu Singh
Himanshu Singh
Himanshu Singh
Investment Banking | Private Equity

Prior to joining UBS as an Investment Banker, Himanshu worked as an Investment Associate for Exin Capital Partners Limited, participating in all aspects of the investment process, including identifying new investment opportunities, detailed due diligence, financial modeling & LBO valuation and presenting investment recommendations internally.

Himanshu holds an MBA in Finance from the Indian Institute of Management and a Bachelor of Engineering from Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology.

Last Updated:November 15, 2023

What is the Evening Star Pattern?

An evening star is represented by three candlesticks: a large green candle, a Doji, and, finally, a red candlestick.

It is a bearish candlestick pattern. This pattern is seen in a candlestick chart of an asset price. It is one of the reliable indicators used in technical analysis and gives strong trend reversals in the market.

It is a pattern of three candlesticks that evolved during three trading sessions (days). It is usually observed at the top of an uptrend which further results in reversals in the market and leads to a downtrend/bearish trend.   

It is a common technical indicator widely used by analysts in forex trading. Unfortunately, it is scarce to find this pattern, and If a trader observes this at the very start of a trend, they can have a profitable trade.  

Characteristics of the Evening Star

The characteristics are:

  • This pattern is easy to identify
  • Entry and exit points can be easily interpreted
  • One of the common candlestick patterns used in technical analysis
  • Generally used in forex trading

Evening Star Components

As discussed above, it is created by the formation of three candlesticks: 

1. Long green candlestick 

On the first day, a long green candlestick, also known as a bullish candlestick, is created. The long candle represents high positive momentum, which increases prices. This candle is closed near the day's high point.  

2. Doji 

The second candle formation is a Doji, also an indecisive candlestick. It should be a gap from the first candlestick formed, which means the current day's opening price should be greater than the previous day's closing price. 

A small body represents a Doji, and its closing price and opening price are very close. It means a modest price increase slows down previous days' bullish/positive momentum.

3. Red Candlestick 

This candle formed on the third dayit is also known as a bearish candlestick. It is generally a gap down from the previous day's candle. Therefore, its closing price is lower than the opening price.

After the formation of this candlestick, an evening star pattern is created, which gives selling signals.

Typically, reversals are seen in the market once this pattern is confirmed, which further results in a downtrend. 

Generally, less attention is given to candle shadows while interpreting this pattern. The size of the candle shadow, also known as the wick of a candle, doesn't matter. Traders pay more attention to the body than a candle's shadow. 

When to take a trade call 

Let's understand when we can take a trade call:

1) There should be the formation of a pattern during three trading sessions

Day 1 - A long blue/green candle 

Day 2 - A doji or a spinning top with a gap-up opening  

Day 3 - A red candle with a gap-down opening. 

2) Trade can be executed on the closing time of day 3 

3) Some traders wait till the 4th day, as the formation of the red candle on the 4th day can increase the chances of the market going bearish.

4) Stop loss is generally set at the highest high on day 1, day 2, or day 3.

Representation Of Evening Star

Here, an evening star pattern in this chart is represented by three candles - a long green candle, a Doji/ spinning top, and a red candlestick. After the formation of this pattern, there are reversals in the markets, and a downtrend is seen after that. 

Source: Tradingview 

A long green candle indicates high purchasing pressure/positive momentum, resulting in the rising security price. A Doji represents indecision in the market, as no particular trend/signals can be interpreted after a Doji formation. It slows down the previous day's momentum.

A long red candlestick represents selling pressure/negative momentum is high, resulting in a fall in the price of a security. There is an expectation that bulls will continue to panic, and negative momentum will prevail for the next few days. Therefore, one should look for selling opportunities.

For more information, you can refer to this YouTube video. 

Evening star, morning star, and Forex

The evening star is one of the common patterns used in forex trading. It helps to recognize entry-exit positions while trading. Generally, traders use a combination of candlestick patterns and indicators to get better profits. 

For a better understanding, you can refer to this YouTube video. 

The evening star pattern is used not only in forex but also in intraday and swing trading. Therefore, it should be assessed with current trends and supporting evidence like RSI and MACD indicators.

Evening star and morning star pattern: The morning star is represented by three candlesticks - a red candle, a Doji, and a green candle - formed during three trading sessions. It is observed at the end of a downtrend. It is a bullish candlestick pattern. After this pattern's formation, reversals are generally seen, leading to an uptrend in the asset pricing chart. 

While on the other hand, the evening star is a bearish candlestick pattern that leads to a downtrend.

Evening Star Pattern FAQs

Researched & authored by Tanishq | LinkedIn

Reviewed and edited by James Fazeli-Sinaki | LinkedIn

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