I have yet to see someone state a clear distinction between the two. Here is the way I view and regard them:
Pullback â
Following a breakout (penetration of resistance) and breakdown (penetration of support) remorse will set in, the result is a pullback. The pullback is âcompleteâ retest of the previous break out/down.
i.e. if the price breaks down below support of 28, proceeds to drop lower to 27, and then trades back up to 28. I see that as a pullback.
Retracement â
A somewhat âincompleteâ pullback that occurs on a break out /down. The incomplete pullbacks become more significant when they occur after a âgapâ. You may have heard of 40, 50 and 60% retracements.
i.e. using the example above, after the price has dropped below support of 28, proceeds to drop lower to 27, and then trades backup to 27.50. I see that as a 50% retracement.
I have never heard anyone refer to a 100% retracement, and for that reason this is how I make the distinction.
Hope that helps, and I look forward to any other feedback.