ICT & SMC glossary · Structure

Change of character (CHoCH)

Also called CHoCH, CHOCH. What it means, how it looks on a gold (XAUUSD) chart, and the mistake most traders make with it.

Change of character: Change of character is the Smart Money Concepts name for the first break of structure against the trend. It warns that the trend may be ending.

CHoCH: close above the last lower highLower lows$4,104$4,117$4,130$4,143$4,156
Change of character: the first close above the last lower high in a downtrend (schematic; prices are illustrative XAUUSD levels)

Change of character on a gold chart

After a run of lower highs from $4,170 to $4,100, gold closes above the last lower high at $4,121. That close is a bullish CHoCH. Traders now watch for a pullback and a higher low to confirm the new uptrend.

How traders use it

A CHoCH on the lower timeframe at a higher-timeframe level (an order block, a fair value gap, the previous day's low) is a common trigger. Without that level, it is weaker.

Common mistake

Reversing positions on a CHoCH alone. A single break doesn't make a new trend; many fail and price resumes the original direction.

Questions

What does change of character mean in trading?

Change of character is the Smart Money Concepts name for the first break of structure against the trend. It warns that the trend may be ending.

How is change of character used on gold (XAUUSD)?

A CHoCH on the lower timeframe at a higher-timeframe level (an order block, a fair value gap, the previous day's low) is a common trigger. Without that level, it is weaker.

Educational content, not financial advice. Every concept here is a probability, not a guarantee.

Related terms

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