What is CHoCH? CHoCH (Change of Character) is a concept from Smart Money Concept (SMC) used in technical analysis. It signals a shift in market behavior and often marks the beginning of a new trend phase, whether a trend reversal or consolidation.
Unlike Break of Structure (BoS), which confirms trend continuation, CHoCH indicates a potential change in direction.
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How to Identify CHoCH?
1. In an Uptrend:
Price forms Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL).
If the price breaks the last HL but fails to create a new HH, this is CHoCH, signaling a potential bearish reversal.
2. In a Downtrend:
Price forms Lower Lows (LL) and Lower Highs (LH).
If the price breaks the last LH but does not form a new LL, this is CHoCH, suggesting a bullish reversal.
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How to Trade CHoCH?
CHoCH is a powerful tool for spotting trend weakness and entering trades early.
1. Spotting Trend Weakness:
In an uptrend, if the price fails to make a new HH and breaks the last HL, a trend shift might be occurring.
In a downtrend, if the price fails to form a new LL and breaks the last LH, expect bullish momentum.
2. Entry Strategies After CHoCH:
Wait for confirmation with a retest of the key level.
Use volume indicators to check if the breakout is significant.
Enter the trade after the retest of the broken support/resistance level.
3. Combining CHoCH with Other Tools:
CHoCH works well with Order Blocks, Liquidity Zones, and Fair Value Gaps (FVG).
Volume analysis helps confirm institutional activity in the trend change.
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CHoCH Trading Example
Imagine an uptrend where price forms Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL). Suddenly, the price fails to create a new HH and breaks the last HL. This is CHoCH, suggesting a potential shift from bullish to bearish.
💡 Traders can use this signal to exit long positions and prepare for short setups.