Switching hardware wallets? Migrate to Ledger safely in a few steps.

Learn more

Upgrade your digital life

Ledger Wallet: Free from compromise

Download now Learn more

Breakout Meaning

Oct 9, 2023 | Updated Oct 9, 2023
A breakout is when an asset’s price moves below a support level or above a resistance level. Breakouts are used to identify potential trends and trading opportunities.

What is a Breakout in Cryptocurrency?

In cryptocurrency, a breakout is when the price of a specific cryptocurrency goes above a predefined resistance level or below a support level. Breakouts are used in technical analysis. They are often sudden and accompanied by high trading volumes and increased volatility.

Breakouts can either be bullish or bearish.

A bullish or upward breakout occurs when a crypto’s price moves above the resistance level. The resistance level is the price point where the upward movement of a cryptocurrency’s price stops due to significant selling pressure.

A bearish breakout (also called a downward breakout or breakdown) occurs when the price of a cryptocurrency falls below the support level. The support level is a specific price point where the downward movement of a cryptocurrency’s price stops due to significant buying pressure. 

However, if a breakout doesn’t sustain the trend of its direction, it becomes a fakeout, also called a false or failed breakout. This occurs when the price moves beyond the resistance or support area but quickly reverses.

A bullish breakout is a technical sign that the buying pressure is stronger than ever, while a bearish one indicates an intensified selling pressure. As such, bullish breakouts may signal a new upward price trend. Bearish breakouts may signal the start of a new downward trend with the potential to reach new lows.

How Do You Identify Crypto Breakouts?

Breakouts are used in technical analysis to identify potential price movements beyond key support or resistance levels. Traders recognize breakouts by studying historical price movements or analyzing chart patterns and line charts.

Investors can also gain insight into price trends by identifying the existing resistance and support areas. This can be achieved by observing crypto trading columns, or using technical indicators such as Moving Averages, Bollinger Bands, or Relative Strength Index (RSI).

Paper Trading

Paper trading is the practice of simulating trades in cryptocurrencies or other financial instruments, like stocks, without investing real money. Paper trading helps users practice trading strategies before investing with actual funds.

Full definition

Digital Gold

Digital Gold is a term for Bitcoin, reflecting its use as a store of value due to its scarcity and decentralization much like physical gold.

Full definition

ETF Inflows

ETF inflows refer to the net capital flowing into an exchange-traded fund over a given period, when investor purchases exceed redemptions.

Full definition

Own your crypto future

Stay informed with security tips, updates, and exclusive offers from Ledger

Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter, as well as updates and offers. You can unsubscribe at any time. Learn more

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.