A falling knife describes a stock or other asset undergoing a sharp and sudden downward price movement. The price may drop sharply within a short time along with increased trading volume, creating a panicked atmosphere in the markets. As the price drops, some investors may see the potential for buying a bargain, but it is often difficult to predict when the stock or asset will bottom out and, ultimately, bottom-fishing can be a risky endeavor.

To avoid sudden losses, experienced investors instead focus on technical analysis and craft savvy trading strategies when facing a falling knife. A trading strategy should focus on capital preservation rather than a desire to capture the bottom of the stock. Knowing the right time to enter or exit a position is key. That's why investors often use technical analysis for guidance.

Technical analysts look for patterns in the stock price to make predictions about future prices using indicators like Bollinger Bands, Moving Averages, and Volume Pattern Recognition. When a stock is trending downward, investors may look for a pattern reversal as a sign that the stock has bottomed out and is ready to make a recovery. This type of indicator allows investors to enter into a position at the lowest possible price with relative confidence.

It's important for novice investors to understand the concept of a “falling knife” and exercise extreme caution when trading on the falling knife. Even experienced traders can make mistakes and suffer significant losses if they don’t heed the warnings of a falling knife. If a trader or investor has a long position in a stock and is not sure as to when or how to exit the position, they may want to consider consulting a financial advisor or a trading professional who can provide insight and guidance to help determine how to approach the situation.