Chart Patterns

Long-Term Patterns

  • Chart Patterns
    Chart Patterns are formed by support and resistance levels and by trend lines.
  • Cup and Handle
    The cup and handle is a longer term continuation pattern, similar to an ascending triangle.
  • Double Bottoms
    Double Bottom Patterns are useful reversal patterns in a downtrend. They are identified by measuring from the lowest trough to the level of the intervening peak.
  • Double Tops
    Double tops are useful reversal patterns in an uptrend, identified by two peaks of similar height, followed by a break below the intervening trough.
  • Head & Shoulders
    A powerful reversal signal, the head and shoulders pattern is completed by a lower peak followed by a break below the neckline.
  • Support & Resistance
    Support and resistance are the foundation stone of all technical analysis.
  • Trading Ranges
    Trading Ranges are formed by support and resistance lines in close proximity. Price fluctuates in a narrow band with no clear trend.
  • Triangles & Wedges
    Triangles and wedges can be powerful continuation or reversal patterns, depending on their shape.
  • Triple Tops
    Triple tops are similar to double tops and comprise three peaks of similar height.

Short-Term Patterns

  • Short-Term Support & Resistance
    Support, resistance and trading ranges.
  • Flags & Pennants
    Flags and pennants are short-term congestion patterns that form in trends and are reliable continuation signals.
  • Rectangles
    Rectangles are of the most reliable chart patterns when they appear in close proximity to support or resistance during an up-trend.
  • Volume Patterns
    Volume activity provides powerful confirmation of price signals and often gives advance warning.

Daily Chart Patterns

  • Bar/OHLC Charts
    How to identify trends, control, commitment, uncertainty, inside and outside days.
  • Gaps
    Gaps are often found at breakouts or during a strong trend.
  • Wide Ranging Days
    A powerful signal, especially after big volume changes or a strong trend.
  • Spikes
    A spike is identified by a high sharply above the days on either side, a close near the day's low, and a strong preceding trend.
  • Volume Spikes
    Volume spikes above the normal range highlight unusual trading activity, as do volume dips with lower than normal volume.

Candlestick Patterns

Reversal Days

  • Reversal Days
    Every trend change is signaled by a reversal day. The secret is to identify their potency.
  • Closing Price Reversal
    A powerful reversal signal, especially with a large spike after a strong advance...
  • Hook Reversal
    An inside day that signals a fairly weak reversal...
  • Island Reversal
    Island reversals are powerful signals, identified by gaps between the signal day and the days on either side...
  • Key Reversal
    Key reversal signals do not occur very often but are definitely worth the wait...
  • Open-Close Reversal
    Open-Close reversals are potent reversal signals when they follow a strong trend.
  • Pivot Point Reversal
    Pivot point reversals are the simplest and most commonly encountered of all reversal signals.

Point & Figure Patterns

  • Basic Point & Figure Patterns
    Basic Point and Figure chart patterns: Support and resistance, trendlines, breakouts, bullish and bearish signals.
  • Bull & Bear Traps
    One of the most reliable Point and Figure chart patterns, Bull Traps occur when an upward breakout retreats back below the new support level.
  • Cup & Handle
    Identify the cup and handle pattern on Point and Figure charts. Popularized by William J O'Neill (How To Make Money In Stocks).
  • False Breaks
    Similar to Point and Figure bull and bear traps, false (or marginal) breaks occur at minor support levels (from a previous low) or minor resistance.
  • Bull & Bear Traps - Primary Index
    Upward breakouts in a primary down-trend are notoriously unreliable.
  • Retracements
    Retracements (or corrections), during a Point and Figure trend, tell us about the strength of the trend.
  • Spikes
    An upward Point and Figure spike is where a rally exceeds the previous column of Xs by at least 10 boxes.
  • Trend Reversals
    After a Point and Figure up-trend, marginal new highs (especially where accompanied by equal or lower lows) indicate a loss of momentum.
  • Triangles
    For a valid Point and Figure triangle there must be at least two retracements counter to the prevailing trend.