Rounding Top Pattern
📉 Rounding Top Pattern – Long-Term Bearish Reversal
The Rounding Top, also known as a Saucer Top, is a long-term bearish reversal pattern. It shows a gradual transition from an uptrend to a downtrend and indicates distribution by sellers.
Illustration: Rounding Top with gradual price rise and breakdown
📘 What Is the Rounding Top Pattern?
The Rounding Top is a smooth, inverted U-shaped formation that occurs after a prolonged uptrend. It reflects a period where buyers gradually lose control and sellers slowly dominate, leading to a bearish breakdown.
- Appears after a long-term uptrend.
- Shape resembles an inverted "U" or saucer.
- Volume usually declines during the rise phase and increases on the breakdown.
- Breakdown below support confirms the start of a new downtrend.
Example Chart: Rounding Top showing gradual distribution and bearish breakdown
💡 Market Psychology
- Advance Phase: Buyers dominate initially but gradually lose momentum. - Top Formation: Price stabilizes and selling gradually increases. - Breakdown Phase: Strong selling pressure pushes the price below support, confirming a bearish reversal.
✅ Pro Tip: Watch for increased volume on the breakdown to confirm the start of a new downtrend.
⚙️ How to Trade Rounding Top
- Identify a prolonged uptrend followed by an inverted U-shaped formation.
- Wait for the price to break below the support formed at the bottom of the rounding top.
- Enter a sell (short) position after breakdown confirmation.
- Place a stop-loss above the highest point of the rounding top.
- Set a target using the height of the pattern projected downward.
Example: Breakdown below support confirms bearish trend — short entry opportunity
🏁 Conclusion
The Rounding Top pattern is a reliable long-term bearish reversal indicator. Recognizing it early and confirming with volume can help traders and investors identify the start of a new downtrend.
“When the Rounding Top forms — distribution completes, and the bears take control gradually.”

