"Of course, if you know how to identify the bottom, that's much better. Anybody?

--Aalan"

Bottoms and tops are usually process's, rather than events.   A true bottom is developed over time and is usually marked by abject disinterest in whatever is bottoming out.  The rise from the bottom can be like a new awakening or a new generation taking charge. 

The events that trigger spikes up or down are just temporary moves within the dominant trend.  These usually present contrarian trading opportunities and are frequently heralded as a change in direction.  They are not a change in direction, but are a part of the process.

uh