Read values before colours

The body connects opening and closing prices; wicks extend to the period's high and low. Colour conventions vary by platform. Check the numerical relationship instead of assuming red or green always has the same meaning.

A candle hides the route

A bar with open 100, high 106, low 97 and close 104 does not reveal whether the high or low came first. Questions about intrabar order execution may require more detailed data.

Use completed, comparable bars

An unfinished candle can change shape. A long wick needs market context, including liquidity and events. Compare completed bars on matching time frames before drawing conclusions.

Sketch two possible paths

Draw two intraday paths with identical opening, high, low and closing prices. One can visit the low before the high; the other can reverse that order. Both fit the same candle, demonstrating why daily bars cannot settle every question about intraday execution.

Source and reading notes

This is an independently written educational overview based on the ATFX reading linked below. Examples are illustrative, not live quotes or forecasts. It does not reproduce the original article or imply endorsement by its author.