Trading Parabolic Arc Patterns by Suri Duddella Triangle patterns form when price reaches support and resistance levels in consolidation ranges. The triangle patterns can be either bullish or bearish as they also can be continuous or reversal patterns, based on the market trend. These patterns are primarily are classified as Ascending, Descending and Symmetric Triangles. In this article, we’ll present how to trade Symmetric Triangles. Symmetric Triangle is one of the most important chart patterns in technical analysis. These chart patterns form when the market is in an indecision mode where supply/demand is in a state of equilibrium. Even though it is hard to predict (up or downside) the price breakout from this consolidating pattern, they are generally considered to be continuous patterns and breaks out in the established trend direction prior to the pattern formation. Once the price breaks out of the pattern, they usually result in a large move in the direction of the breakout. Symmetric Triangles are also called as "coils" or "contracting wedge" patterns. Symmetric Triangles can be easily detected when prices make alternate lower highs and higher lows in upside and downside slopes were defining a clear symmetry. Symmetric Triangle patterns consist of two converging upward sloping (lower) and downward sloping (upper) trendlines connecting the lower-high pivots and higher low pivots bounding the pattern. The trend before the pattern usually signals the breakout direction from the pattern signifying a continuation pattern. The pattern consists of at least 2 price pivotal points on each of the upper and lower trendlines. Once price breaks out from either of the trendlines, the pattern is considered complete. Volume decreases within the pattern and increases at the point of breakout. Prices usually break out one side or other before reaching the 'Apex' of the triangle and may form weeks to months for it to be valid before a breakout. The optimal breakout point occurs between 50%-75% of the pattern width. Symmetric Triangles often produce "throwbacks" where price retraces back to the trendline. Some traders look for these "throwbacks" for potential entry points. Trading Symmetric Triangle Patterns Trade: Trades should be taken when price closes out of upper or lower trend line in a Symmetric Triangle after forming at least 2 pivots on each of the trendline. The optimal breakout point should be about 50% to 75% of the width from left. When a breakout is confirmed by price closing above breakout bar's high (in the case of upside) enter a long trade. When a breakdown is confirmed by price closing below the breakdown bars low, enter a short trade. Some traders employ a 2% higher price level above breakout or 2% lower price level below breakdown to qualify a 'true' breakout. Stop: Symmetric Triangle failures occur when market results in false breakouts. Stop below the last pivot level (4) of the trend line for a long setp and place a “stop” order above the high of the trend line for a short-setup. In large Symmetric Triangle patterns, an aggressive stop level could be placed at the "apex" level. Target: Symmetric Triangle targets are computed by adding the height of the entire triangle from breakout level in an upside triangle breakout. Protect targets by using trail stops.
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