ICT & SMC glossary · Entries (PD arrays)

Consequent encroachment (CE)

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

Consequent encroachment: Consequent encroachment is the 50% level of a fair value gap. ICT treats it as the most important point inside the gap: a strong gap usually holds it on a candle close.

Fair value gapCE (50%)$4,090$4,108$4,125$4,142$4,160
Consequent encroachment: the midpoint of a fair value gap (schematic; prices are illustrative XAUUSD levels)

Consequent encroachment on a gold chart

If a bullish gap on gold spans $4,110–$4,122, the CE is $4,116. Price dipping to $4,115 and closing at $4,119 respects the gap; a close at $4,108 says the gap has failed.

How traders use it

Entries are often placed at CE, and a close beyond it is used as a reason to exit early.

Common mistake

Using CE on tiny gaps on the 1-minute chart where the 50% is a few cents away from the edge.

Questions

What does consequent encroachment mean in trading?

Consequent encroachment is the 50% level of a fair value gap. ICT treats it as the most important point inside the gap: a strong gap usually holds it on a candle close.

How is consequent encroachment used on gold (XAUUSD)?

Entries are often placed at CE, and a close beyond it is used as a reason to exit early.

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

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