Market Cycle Phases

Understanding the four main phases of market cycles and their characteristics.

Phase 1: Accumulation

The accumulation phase occurs when the market has bottomed and institutional investors begin to buy. Prices move within a range, and overall sentiment is still bearish.

Key Characteristics

  • • Price consolidation
  • • Low trading volume
  • • Bearish sentiment

Trading Strategy

  • • Look for support levels
  • • Monitor volume patterns
  • • Start building positions

Phase 2: Markup

During the markup phase, prices begin to rise steadily as more investors recognize the uptrend. This phase typically shows the longest duration and strongest price increases.

Key Characteristics

  • • Higher highs and lows
  • • Increasing volume
  • • Growing optimism

Trading Strategy

  • • Buy on pullbacks
  • • Trail stop losses
  • • Hold core positions

Knowledge Check

Which phase is characterized by institutional investors beginning to accumulate positions?