Teaching sketch. It shows the shape, not a live quote and not a trade signal.
Definition
The harami cross is a harami with a doji as the inside candle. The second period opened and closed at nearly the same price, and that price sits inside the prior body. It is a stronger statement of indecision than a small-bodied harami, because the inside bar itself has no direction.
How to identify it
Large candle, then a doji whose line body is inside the prior body. If the doji is outside the prior range entirely, it is not a harami.
Bullish reading
After a down candle, a doji inside the body can be the stall before a turn. Still wait for a close above the large candle's high.
Bearish reading
After an up candle, a doji inside the body can be the stall before a turn down. A close under the large candle's low is the confirmation.
Common mistakes
Seeing a cross in every small candle. The second bar needs an open and close that are essentially equal.
Limitations
Doji inside a range happen often on intraday charts. Require the first candle to be a real expansion, not just the previous ordinary bar.
This note explains the term. A sketch shows the shape of the idea. Neither is a recommendation, a signal, or a comment on any security. Indicator settings and exchange conventions differ. Check the live chart and the contract specification before you use a number.