Classic Pattern
Learn how to navigate market dynamics
Pattern recognition functions are commonly used in technical analysis to identify trends and potential trading opportunities. These functions analyze historical price data and search for patterns that may indicate a future price movement. Common patterns include head and shoulders, triangles, and double tops. QuantBe currently offers support for 18 of the most common stock chart patterns, and those tools can assist investors in making more informed trading decisions and potentially increase their profits.
1. Ascending Triangle
The ascending triangle pattern is identified by a flat upper trend line acting as resistance and a rising lower trend line forming higher lows, creating a triangle shape.
The ascending triangle pattern indicates a bullish trend. Traders can profit from this pattern by buying when the price breaks above the upper resistance, indicating an upward move and a bullish opportunity.
2. Descending Triangle
The descending triangle pattern is identified by a flat lower trend line acting as support and a descending upper trend line forming lower highs, creating a triangle.
The descending triangle pattern typically suggests a potential bearish trend. Traders see a breakdown below the lower support as a sign for a potential downward move, allowing them to take short positions and profit from the expected bearish momentum.
3. Symmetrical Triangle Pattern
The symmetrical triangle pattern is identified by converging trend lines, with both the upper resistance and lower support meeting at a point, creating a triangle.
The symmetrical triangle pattern suggests a period of indecision and potential breakout. Traders observe converging trend lines as a sign of balance between buying and selling pressure. A breakout in either direction presents a chance to profit from a possible trend change or continuation.
4. Pennant Pattern
The pennant pattern is identified by a small symmetrical triangle, or flag, formed after a strong price movement, with converging trend lines.
The pennant pattern shows a short consolidation phase after a big price move, which suggests that the current trend might continue. Traders look for a breakout beyond the pennant boundaries to decide when to enter positions that align with the expected trend direction.
5. Flag Pattern
The flag pattern is identified by a rectangular-shaped consolidation, resembling a flagpole.
The flag pattern shows a short pause after a big price increase, suggesting that the current trend may continue. Traders can take advantage of a breakout from the flag’s boundaries to make smart decisions about buying positions that align with the market’s momentum.
6. Rising Wedge Pattern
The rising wedge pattern is identified by converging trend lines that slope upward, forming a shape resembling an ascending triangle.
The rising wedge pattern usually indicates a possible downward trend. When the converging trend lines form a narrowing shape, traders expect a break below the lower trend line. This break is a signal to sell and a chance to make money from a potential decrease in stock prices.
7. Falling Wedge Pattern
The falling wedge pattern is identified by converging trend lines that slope downward, forming a shape resembling a triangle.
The falling wedge pattern typically indicates a potential bullish reversal. Traders anticipate a breakout above the upper trend line, providing a signal to enter long positions and capitalize on the expected upward movement in stock prices.
8. Double Bottom Pattern
The double bottom pattern is identified by two consecutive troughs at approximately the same price level, forming a “W” shape.
The double bottom pattern suggests a bullish reversal. It occurs when the price tests a support level twice and fails, then rebounds. Traders use this pattern to enter long positions, anticipating a price increase after the second bounce from the support level.
9. Double Top Pattern: Bearish
The double top pattern is identified by two consecutive peaks at approximately the same price level, forming an “M” shape.
The double top pattern signifies a potential bearish reversal, as it suggests that the price has faced resistance at a certain level twice before declining. Traders often interpret this pattern as a signal to consider short positions, anticipating a downward trend following the second peak.
10. Head and Shoulders Pattern: Bearish
The head and shoulders pattern is identified by three peaks, with the central peak (head) higher than the other two (shoulders), forming a reversal pattern.
The head and shoulders pattern indicates a potential trend reversal from bullish to bearish. Traders often interpret this pattern as a signal to consider selling positions, anticipating a downward trend following the completion of the right shoulder.
11. Inverse Head and Shoulders Pattern
The inverse head and shoulders pattern is identified by three troughs, with the central trough (head) lower than the other two (shoulders), forming a reversal pattern.
The inverse head and shoulders pattern suggests a possible change in the market direction from negative to positive. Traders often see this pattern as a sign to think about buying, expecting a rise in prices after the right shoulder is formed.
12. Rounding Top Pattern
The rounding top pattern is identified by a gentle, upward-sloping curve in the price chart, resembling an arch.
The rounding top pattern suggests a shift in trend from positive to negative. It is identified by a gradual upward curve, indicating a decrease in buying momentum and a potential transition to a downward trend.
13. Rounding Bottom Pattern
The rounding bottom pattern is identified by a gentle, downward-sloping curve in the price chart, resembling a bowl.
The rounding bottom pattern indicates a potential trend reversal from bearish to bullish. It suggests diminishing selling pressure and a possible shift towards an uptrend. Traders often see this pattern as a signal to consider buying positions, expecting a rise in stock prices.
14. Cup and Handle Pattern: Bullish
The cup and handle pattern is identified by a rounded bottom (cup) followed by a consolidation period and a subsequent upward move resembling a small dip (handle).
The cup and handle pattern suggests a potential bullish continuation. Traders often interpret this pattern as a signal to consider buying positions in anticipation of a sustained uptrend.
15. Bump and Run Pattern: Bearish
The bump and run pattern is identified by a steep upward price trend (the bump), followed by a brief consolidation and a subsequent rapid decline (the run).
The bump and run pattern indicates a potential reversal from bullish to bearish trend. This pattern suggests a shift in market sentiment and is often interpreted by traders as a signal to sell positions and prepare for a possible downturn in stock prices.
16. Triple Top Reversal Pattern: Bearish
The triple top reversal pattern is identified by three consecutive peaks at nearly the same price level, forming a resistance zone.
The triple top reversal pattern suggests a potential shift from bullish to bearish, as three consecutive peaks at the same price level create a strong resistance zone. Traders see this as a signal to sell positions, expecting a possible decline in stock prices.
17. Triple Bottom Reversal Pattern: Bullish
The triple bottom reversal pattern is identified by three consecutive troughs at nearly the same price level, forming a support zone.
The triple bottom reversal pattern suggests a shift from bearish to bullish trend. It is identified by three consecutive troughs at the same price level, creating a strong support zone. Traders often interpret this pattern as a signal to buy, anticipating a potential rise in stock prices.
18. Rectangle Pattern
The rectangle pattern is identified by parallel horizontal lines representing consistent levels of support and resistance, forming a rectangular shape.
The rectangle pattern indicates consolidation, with support and resistance levels forming parallel lines. Traders see a breakout from this pattern as a potential signal for a significant price movement, offering an opportunity to profit from the expected trend.
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