What Is a Break of Structure (BOS)?
A break of structure (BOS) is when price breaks a previous swing point in the direction of the current trend — a new higher high in an uptrend, or a new lower low in a downtrend. It confirms the trend is still in control and momentum is continuing.
How to spot a BOS
- Identify the current trend and its last swing high/low.
- In an uptrend, a close above the prior swing high = bullish BOS.
- In a downtrend, a close below the prior swing low = bearish BOS.
- Wait for a candle close, not just a wick, to avoid fakeouts.
How traders use it
A BOS confirms you're trading with the trend. Many traders wait for a BOS, then enter on the pullback into the resulting FVG or order block in the trend direction.
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Is a BOS bullish or bearish?
Either — it just confirms the existing trend. A bullish BOS continues an uptrend; a bearish BOS continues a downtrend.
BOS vs CHoCH?
BOS is with-trend continuation; CHoCH is the first counter-trend break signaling a possible reversal.
Educational content only, not financial advice. Trading futures carries substantial risk of loss.