Gaps in Stock Market: Meaning & Types

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Summary:


Gaps in the stock exchange market show abrupt price changes between the trading periods. They capture the sentimental shift due to news, outcomes or overall market factors. The types of gaps are an indication of various market conditions. There are also some gaps that reflect continuity in trends and some which are indicative of reversal. Gaps are analysed to gain a better understanding of the short-term price behaviour.

What Are Gaps In Stock Market?

Gaps in stock market usually happen when a news or event triggers a surge of buyers or sellers into the security. It makes the price open much higher or lower than the previous day’s closing price. Depending on the type of gap, it could signal either the beginning of a new trend or the end of a previous trend. Gapping means that the price of a security or asset opens far above or below the previous day’s close with no trading activity in between. Partial gapping means that the opening price is higher or lower than the previous day’s close but still within the previous day’s price range. Full gapping means that the open is outside of the previous day’s range. Gapping, especially a full gap, shows a strong change in sentiment happened overnight. Some traders use it as a strategy to make money from playing the gap when such a situation happens.

Also Read: Defensive Stocks

Types Of Gaps In Stock Market

  • Common Gap: Normal gaps are created when the market is in a normal condition without any significant news. They tend to be traded in lateral markets and are frequently filled in a short period of time as the prices revert to past levels.

  • Breakaway Gap: Breakaway gaps are observed when the price is moving out of a trading range or chart pattern. They signify the beginning of a new trend and usually demonstrate a high level of volume support.

  • Runaway Gap: During an existing trend, runaway gaps are formed. They indicate great impetus in the existing direction and usually take place halfway during a movement in price.

  • Exhaustion Gap: Fatigue breaks are identified towards the termination of a trend. They are indicators of declining momentum and can be a sign of reversal of an upward or downward trend following vigorous price action.

Risks Associated with Gap Trading 

  • Gaps reverse fast, causing instant losses. The movement of price may not be as predicted, particularly in unstable market environments.

  • Liquidity scarcity in the opening hours of the markets may enhance price volatility. This can impact the execution of orders and raise the risk of slippage.

  • A gap that is caused by news can also be short-term sentiment and thus more difficult to predict.

Also Read: Adjusted Closing Price

Observations Related to Gaps

  • Gap trading involves price behaviour right after the opening of the market. The traders look at the volume and the trend of the price so as to understand whether the gap will be persistent or reversed.

  • Other strategies monitor the gap filling whereby the prices revert to the past closing prices. Another one is concerned with the continuity of the momentum after high-volume confirmation.

  • The issue of risk management is significant because the gaps may result in a fast change of prices. Position sizing and stop-loss placement are frequently thought over.

Some Tips for Trading Gaps in Stock Market:

  • When a stock starts to fill the gap, it usually won’t stop, because there is no support or resistance nearby.

  • Exhaustion gaps and continuation gaps mean the price will move in opposite directions—make sure you know what kind of gap you are dealing with.

  • Retail investors often get too excited or scared; however, institutional investors and algorithmic systems may join them to help their portfolios, so be careful when using this indicator and wait for the price to break before taking a position.

  • Pay attention to the volume. Breakaway gaps should have high volume, while exhaustion gaps should have low volume.

Also Read: Stock Symbol

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Published Date : 23 Sep 2023

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Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.


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Content Partner - Dalal Street Investment Journal Wealth Advisory Private Limited



This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market investments are subject to risks. DSIJ Wealth Advisory Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Reg. No: INH000006396) and Investment Adviser (Reg. No: INA000001142). Please consult your financial adviser before investing. 

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