Equal High Liquidity Sweep
Equal highs occur when price forms two or more swing highs at approximately the same level. On a chart, this appears as a horizontal resistance zone where price has previously failed to move higher. Because this level is clearly visible, many traders react to it in similar ways. Traders who have taken short positions often place their stop losses just above these highs to protect themselves. At the same time, breakout traders anticipate that if price breaks above the resistance, it will continue upward, so they place buy-stop orders above the level. This clustering of orders creates a pool of buy-side liquidity above the equal highs.
An equal high liquidity sweep happens when price moves upward, breaks above these equal highs, and triggers the cluster of buy-stop orders and short traders’ stop losses. This initial move often appears strong and convincing, leading many traders to believe that a bullish breakout is underway. However, instead of continuing higher, price frequently reverses shortly after the breakout. This reversal defines the “sweep,” where the market moves into the liquidity pool, activates orders, and then changes direction.