Definition
Candlestick
A chart element that summarizes one interval of trading in a single shape: the body spans the open and close, the wicks reach the interval's high and low. A candle compresses the interval's whole price path into four numbers — what it hides (the path between them) matters as much as what it shows.
Body = Open → Close · Upper wick = High − max(Open, Close) · Lower wick = min(Open, Close) − Low
- Interval
- the same day looks different as one daily candle vs 78 five-minute candles — the interval IS the summary level.
- Open/close placement
- where trading started vs ended the interval sets the body; the convention colors it by that direction.
- Range (volatility)
- wick length is the interval's full traded range beyond the body — wide wicks mean the price traveled far from where it settled.
Market data construct (not a filing concept). Built from the interval's traded prices: first print (open), last print (close), extremes (high/low). Echelon charts label the interval, source, and adjustment basis on every view.
- Thinly-traded tickers produce gap-heavy candles where open/close say little — read volume alongside.
Educational use only — not investment advice. Figures come from public SEC filings; Echelon teaches you to analyze data, it never recommends buying or selling any security.