Characteristics checklist for the Cup and Handle chart pattern:
- prior to the formation of the cup and handle, the price needs to have been in an uptrend of at least 30%. This was the case, since on 17 januari LTC reached a low of 106 EUR. At the start of the pattern formation on 18 jan, price had risen 64%! CHECK
- the cup and handle construction duration time (start to finish) must regularly be a minimum of 7 weeks. In this case its 38 days, but since crypto's are 24/7, we can divide 38 by 5, which is >7 weeks. CHECK
- The handle must take at least 5 days. In this case it took 7 days. CHECK
- The downward slope of the handle should not exceed the low of the cup. Ideally the decline of the handle should be around 8-12%. In this case it is 21%, which is not ideal, but since it doesn't exceed the decline in the cup (high-low: 56%), plus we were in a bear market, and that is acceptable. CHECK
- The handle must be on the upper part of the cup. Simple check: pick highest price and lowest price within the handle and divide by 2. This should be higher than the midpoint of the cup. CHECK
- Last but not least: a good cup with handle should truly resemble a nicely formed tea cup. With the shading that I added, it does like it, but to be honest: I have seen better examples. It looks like a bruised and battered tin cup. One that after many adventurous years of backpacking - accidentally fell out of a backpack and unluckily found its way into a ravine. The choppy shape of the cup shows that that we are in a volatile market, where the price isn't set in stone. It could go the moon or go down to hell. Its exemplary for the emotional state this market is in. CHECK
- Volume should normally be low in the base and handle of the cup. This is not really the case, but again exemplary of this market. CHECK
- The breakout should occur above the MA50. CHECK
- Now the big question: when to buy? A general rule of thumb is 10% above the highest point of the handle. In this case that would be 224 EUR (275 USD). That is safe. Since I choose to accept the risk of a failed breakout, I go for 10% above the breakout of the handle. However, pay close attention to volume. Daily volume should be >40% than the MA50.
Always keep in mind that each trading idea, is just a personal interpretation of the market and never offer guarantees of a positive outcome. The price is the only thing that is real. Therefore, this idea is intended merely educational and is not a recommendation to buy or sell.
If you are risk averse, I would not advise to invest money in something as volatile as cryptocurrencies. Each investor must always consciously determine his/her personal risk profile and act accordingly. It is all about finding a balance between the potential costs involved in the calculated risk and the costs of avoiding it. Most importantly: never invest money that you can not miss.
Anyway the unsuspecting owners wonder where their cup is, and hey: we found it! Now lets restore it to its former glory and bring it back!
AP