Introduction to Fibonacci in Trading
- Fibonacci tools in trading are based on a sequence of numbers discovered by Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci in the 13th century. The sequence is:
- 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, and so on, where each number is the sum of the two before it.
- The magic lies in the ratios derived from this sequence, which appear frequently in nature, architecture, and — interestingly — financial markets.
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| Draw Chart Fibonacci Retracement |
The key Fibonacci ratios used in trading are:
- 23.6%
- 38.2%
- 50% (not a true Fibonacci ratio but used widely)
- 61.8% (the golden ratio)
- 78.6%
- 100%
Traders use these ratios to identify potential support, resistance, entry points, stop losses, and targets.
Types of Fibonacci Tools in Trading Platforms
Most platforms like TradingView, MT4, and Zerodha Kite offer several Fibonacci-based tools:
- Fibonacci Retracement – Most popular; used to find pullback levels during a trend.
- Fibonacci Extension – Projects possible target levels after a breakout.
- Fibonacci Projection – Similar to extensions but calculated differently.
- Fibonacci Fan – Diagonal lines showing possible dynamic support/resistance.
- Fibonacci Arc – Curved lines indicating potential retracement zones.
- Fibonacci Time Zones – Vertical lines predicting possible reversal times.
In practice, retracement and extension are the most commonly used by traders.
Fibonacci Retracement – Core Concept (Purpose)
- A retracement happens when the price temporarily moves against the prevailing trend before continuing in the same direction. Fibonacci retracement levels help predict how deep this pullback might go before resuming the trend.
How to Draw Fibonacci Retracement
- Identify a clear trend – Either an uptrend (higher highs & higher lows) or a downtrend (lower highs & lower lows).
- Select swing points –In an uptrend, click the swing low and drag to the swing high.
- In a downtrend, click the swing high and drag to the swing low.
- Your chart will show horizontal lines at key retracement levels (23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, 78.6%).
Example in an Uptrend
- Suppose Nifty moves from 18,000 to 18,800.
- Using the retracement tool from 18,000 (low) to 18,800 (high):
- 23.6% = 18,610
- 38.2% = 18,505
- 50% = 18,400
- 61.8% = 18,295
If Nifty retraces to 18,400 and bounces, that’s the 50% level acting as support.
Trading Strategy with Retracement
- Trend Identification – Never use Fibonacci blindly in sideways markets.
- Entry Zone – Look for reversal signs (candlestick patterns, RSI divergence) near 38.2%, 50%, or 61.8%.
- Stop Loss – Slightly below the next retracement level.
- Targets – You can use Fibonacci extension levels (explained next) for profit booking.
- Targets – You can use Fibonacci extension levels (explained next) for profit booking.
Fibonacci Extension – Target Projection Tool
- While retracements tell us where the pullback might stop, extensions tell us where the price might go next.
How to Draw Fibonacci Extension
Select the three points:
- Swing Low (Point A)
- Swing High (Point B)
- Retracement Low (Point C)
The tool will plot extension levels such as 127.2%, 161.8%, 200%, 261.8%.
Example:
- Nifty moves from 18,000 to 18,800 (A to B), retraces to 18,400 (C).
- Extension levels will be:
- 127.2% ≈ 19,118
- 161.8% ≈ 19,360
These are possible future resistances and profit targets.
Strategy with Extensions
- Use them to book profits.
- For aggressive traders, they can also serve as breakout targets after consolidation.
Combining Fibonacci with Price Action
Fibonacci tools work best when confirmed by other signals:
- Support/Resistance Zones – If a Fibonacci level matches a horizontal S/R zone, it’s more reliable.
- Trendlines – If a retracement level coincides with a trendline, stronger reaction expected.
- Candlestick Patterns – Pin bars, engulfing candles near Fibonacci levels indicate possible reversals.
- Indicators – RSI oversold/overbought, MACD crossovers near Fib levels can confirm setups.
Example: Confluence Trading
Suppose Bank Nifty is in an uptrend:
- 61.8% retracement aligns with a previous breakout zone and RSI is at 40.
- A bullish engulfing candle forms.
- This triple confluence increases the probability of a bounce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Drawing from wrong points – Always take the most significant recent swing high/low
- Using in choppy markets – Works best in clear trends.
- Relying solely on Fibonacci – Always confirm with other tools.
- Forcing the tool – If the price movement is small, Fibonacci levels won’t be meaningful.
- Ignoring higher timeframes – Always check weekly/daily charts for stronger levels.
Advanced Fibonacci Combinations
A). Fibonacci Cluster Zones
- Draw Fibonacci retracements from multiple swings.
- If two or more retracement levels overlap, it’s a high-probability reversal zone.
B) Fibonacci + Elliott Wave
- Elliott Wave Theory often aligns wave 2 retracements with 50%–61.8% levels.
- Wave 3 extensions often reach 161.8% of wave 1.
C) Fibonacci Fan & Arcs
- These give dynamic support/resistance based on angle and curvature.
- Less popular but useful for visual traders.
Risk Management with Fibonacci
- Entry: At retracement levels with confirmation signals.
- Stop Loss: Slightly beyond the next Fibonacci level.
- Target: Use extension levels or next major Fibonacci zone.
- Position Sizing: Never risk more than 1–2% of capital on a single trade.
Fibonacci in Different Markets
- Stocks – Works well in trending stocks after breakout.
- Forex – Popular due to smooth trending nature of currency pairs.
- Indices (Nifty/Bank Nifty) – Great for intraday swing levels.
- Commodities – Gold, Crude Oil often respect Fibonacci levels due to liquidity.
- Practical Intraday Example (Bank Nifty)
- Bank Nifty moves from 45,000 to 45,600 in morning session.
- Pulls back to 45,300.
- 61.8% retracement (≈ 45,270) holds with bullish engulfing candle.
- Entry: Buy at 45,300.
- Stop Loss: 45,250 (below 61.8%).
- Target: 45,700 (127.2% extension).
This trade uses both retracement (for entry) and extension (for target).
Final Tips for Mastery
- Always combine Fibonacci with trend analysis & confluence factors.
- The 61.8% retracement and 161.8% extension are often the most powerful.
- Practice on historical charts to develop confidence.
- Don’t clutter charts with too many lines — focus on the most relevant swings.
- In volatile instruments like Bank Nifty, use slightly wider stops beyond the Fibonacci level to avoid being stopped out by wicks.
Summary Table
Tool
Purpose
Key Levels
When to Use
Fibonacci Retracement
Find pullback zones in a trend
23.6–78.6%
Entry zones
Fibonacci Extension
Project future price targets
127.2%, 161.8%+
Exit zones
Fibonacci Fan
Dynamic diagonal support/resistance lines
Fan lines
Trend guide
Fibonacci Time Zones
Predict timing of reversals
Vertical lines
Timing aid
Understand the Purpose
Fibonacci tools help you find:- Retracement levels → where price might pull back and reverse.
- Extension levels → where price might reach after a breakout.
Identify the Trend
- In an uptrend, you’ll draw from swing low to swing high.
- In a downtrend, you’ll draw from swing high to swing low.
- The key is to pick clear and significant points, not minor wiggles.
Drawing Fibonacci Retracement
- Select the Fibonacci Retracement tool on your charting platform (TradingView, MT4, etc.).
- Click the first point (low in an uptrend, high in a downtrend).
- Drag to the second point (high in an uptrend, low in a downtrend).
- Levels like 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, 78.6% will appear.
This trade uses both retracement (for entry) and extension (for target).
Final Tips for Mastery
- Always combine Fibonacci with trend analysis & confluence factors.
- The 61.8% retracement and 161.8% extension are often the most powerful.
- Practice on historical charts to develop confidence.
- Don’t clutter charts with too many lines — focus on the most relevant swings.
- In volatile instruments like Bank Nifty, use slightly wider stops beyond the Fibonacci level to avoid being stopped out by wicks.
Summary Table
| Tool | Purpose | Key Levels | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibonacci Retracement | Find pullback zones in a trend | 23.6–78.6% | Entry zones |
| Fibonacci Extension | Project future price targets | 127.2%, 161.8%+ | Exit zones |
| Fibonacci Fan | Dynamic diagonal support/resistance lines | Fan lines | Trend guide |
| Fibonacci Time Zones | Predict timing of reversals | Vertical lines | Timing aid |
Understand the Purpose
Fibonacci tools help you find:
- Retracement levels → where price might pull back and reverse.
- Extension levels → where price might reach after a breakout.
Identify the Trend
- In an uptrend, you’ll draw from swing low to swing high.
- In a downtrend, you’ll draw from swing high to swing low.
- The key is to pick clear and significant points, not minor wiggles.
Drawing Fibonacci Retracement
- Select the Fibonacci Retracement tool on your charting platform (TradingView, MT4, etc.).
- Click the first point (low in an uptrend, high in a downtrend).
- Drag to the second point (high in an uptrend, low in a downtrend).
- Levels like 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, 78.6% will appear.
How to Trade Retracements
- Wait for price to reach one of the retracement levels.
- Look for confirmation (candlestick reversal pattern, RSI divergence, or trendline support).
- Enter in the direction of the main trend.
- Stop loss: Just beyond the next retracement level.
- Target: Use Fibonacci extension levels or recent swing highs/lows.
Drawing Fibonacci Extension (Targets)
Pick three points:
- A = Swing Low
- B = Swing High
- C = Retracement Low

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