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What is a Dead Cat Bounce?
A Dead Cat Bounce is a short-lived, temporary recovery in the price of a declining asset, followed by a continuation of the downtrend. It often misleads investors into believing the market has reversed.
Definition
Dead Cat Bounce is a brief, deceptive price rally during a prolonged downtrend, typically caused by short covering or speculative buying, after which the asset resumes its downward trajectory.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary rally during an overall downtrend.
- Can trap investors expecting a sustained recovery.
- Common in stock markets, crypto, commodities, and forex.
- Often driven by technical factors rather than fundamentals.
Understanding Dead Cat Bounce
The term comes from the idea that even a dead cat will bounce if it falls from a great height. In markets, it describes a misleading price increase that quickly reverses.
Characteristics include:
- Occurs after a sharp decline.
- Short-lived upward movement.
- Followed by a continued drop.
- Often accompanied by low volume or weak fundamentals.
Technical traders watch for confirmation signals (such as volume strength, trend indicators, or support/resistance tests) to distinguish a true reversal from a Dead Cat Bounce.
Importance in Business or Economics
- Helps investors avoid false market signals.
- Significant for risk management and timing trades.
- Used in analyzing recession cycles, earnings reactions, and crisis markets.
- Critical in volatile sectors such as tech, crypto, and commodities.
Types or Variations
- Technical Bounce – Caused by short covering.
- Sentiment Bounce – Triggered by market psychology.
- News-Driven Bounce – Prompted by temporary positive news.
Related Terms
- Market Correction
- Bear Market Rally
- Trend Reversal
- Short Covering
Sources and Further Reading
- Investopedia: Dead Cat Bounce
- CFA Institute Market Dynamics Guides
- Bloomberg Technical Analysis Reports
Quick Reference
- Short-lived price rebound
- Misleading signal during a downtrend
- Followed by continued decline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I identify a Dead Cat Bounce?
Look for weak volume, lack of strong fundamentals, and failure to break resistance.
Is a Dead Cat Bounce common?
Yes, especially during bear markets.
Can traders profit from it?
Experienced traders may short the bounce when the reversal is confirmed.
