Fibonacci retracement levels are horizontal lines that indicate where support and resistance are likely to occur, based on the Fibonacci number sequence discovered by Leonardo Fibonacci in the 13th century. These ratios (23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, 78.6%) appear repeatedly in nature, mathematics, and remarkably, in financial markets. The 61.8% level (the 'golden ratio') is the most important level in all of Fibonacci analysis.
Key points
Example — NIFTY rallied from 23,500 (swing low) to 24,580 (swing high). The 50% retracement is at 24,040, and the 61.8% retracement is at 23,912. If NIFTY pulls back to the 24,040-23,912 zone and forms a bullish pattern, it's a high-probability buying zone with stop-loss at 23,700 (below 78.6% at 23,731).
Pro tip — The highest-probability Fibonacci trade: Wait for price to retrace to the 50-61.8% zone AND show a bullish candlestick reversal pattern (Hammer, Engulfing) at that level. This combination of Fibonacci support + candlestick confirmation gives you a defined entry, a clear stop-loss (below 78.6%), and a logical target (previous high or 161.8% extension).