Technical analysis
How do I read a standard candlestick chart and identify open, high, low, and close?
By Easy Money Scanner · Educational reference · Not investment advice
The short answer
A candlestick shows four prices per period: open (top/bottom of the body depending on color), close (opposite body end), and high/low marked by the upper and lower wicks extending from the body.
How it works
A filled (often red/black) candle typically shows the close below the open, while a hollow (green/white) candle shows the close above the open; wick length reflects intraperiod price extremes beyond the body.
An example
A long upper wick with a small body suggests buyers pushed price up during the session, but sellers drove it back down before the close.
Risk & limitations
Interpreting a single candlestick in isolation without broader trend and volume context can lead to misreading market sentiment.
Examples are hypothetical, not trade recommendations. US contract and regulatory references do not automatically apply in Canada. Rules, margin requirements and broker policies can change; confirm them with the relevant authority and your broker.