What are bars and candlesticks?

A chart is a graphical representation of historical prices. The most common chart types are bar charts and candlestick charts. Although these two chart types look quite different, they are very similar in the information they provide.

Bar and candlestick charts are separated into different timeframes. Each bar or candlesticks represent the high, low open and close price for a specific period of time.

When looking at a daily chart, each bar/candle represents one day of trading activity; when looking at a 15min chart, each bar/candle represents a 15 min period, or session, of trading activity.

Why are bars and candlesticks important?

Technical Analysis includes the study and mapping of trends and price patterns through various technical indicators, or studies. This relationship between price and time can help traders not only see and interpret more data, but can also help pinpoint areas of indecision or reversal of sentiment. (This will be discussed in more detail within the Understanding Candlesticks section of the course) As a result, technical analysis is used to help determine the probabilities entries and exits in order to develop a strategy, or methodology.

Bearish candles are typically red. It means the opening price was higher than the closing price for the specified time interval. Bullish candles are typically green. It means the opening price was lower than the closing price for the specified time interval.

Bearish bars are typically red. It means the opening price was higher than the closing price for the specified time interval. Bullish bars are typically green. It means the opening price was lower than the closing price for the specified time interval.