CandlemindLog in

Indicators

Bollinger Bands squeeze

Bands drawn two standard deviations above and below a 20-period average. When they narrow, volatility is unusually low (a “squeeze”).

1.144941.147351.149761.152181.15459Upper bandLower bandDecision pointWhat happened next →
Real example: EUR/USD, 15-minute chart, 2026-03-30. Pattern detected automatically using only the candles before the decision point; on the right, what happened next.

Why it works

Low volatility does not last. A squeeze often comes right before an expansion: a strong move in one direction.

How to use it

When the bands are at their tightest, prepare for a breakout. Trade the first close outside the bands in the direction of the higher-timeframe trend.

The typical mistake

Selling every touch of the upper band: in a strong trend, price can ride the band for a long time.

FAQ

What is Bollinger Bands in trading?

Bands drawn two standard deviations above and below a 20-period average. When they narrow, volatility is unusually low (a “squeeze”).

How do you trade Bollinger Bands?

When the bands are at their tightest, prepare for a breakout. Trade the first close outside the bands in the direction of the higher-timeframe trend.