The whole technical analysis on Forex is based on the statement that the history on the market repeats, therefore, a trader observes the same type of events of similar trading situations from time to time. Forex chart pattern is a graphic template that makes it possible to predict further price movement on the market. That is why it’s important to be able to recognize them in time.
In this article, we will focus on what are reversal patterns and the most popular, reliable and relevant reversal chart patterns in the Forex market.
What is a reversal pattern?
Reversal chart pattern means that the currency pair (or any other financial instrument) is already at its peak, followed by a reversal. In the future, the price will move in the opposite direction and this is the right time to make deals.
Thus, when a continuation pattern of the trend appears, it is necessary to open orders in the direction of the old trend, and when a reversal pattern appears, open orders against it, in a new trend.
Head and Shoulders Pattern
“Head and Shoulders” is one of the most common reversal patterns of technical analysis.
It is important to remember that Head and Shoulders are formed after the uptrend and turns the price around, creating a new downtrend.
The left and right shoulders are not always symmetrical; they may have different widths, highs or lows.
This pattern consists of several components:
- Left Shoulder
- Head
- Right Shoulder
- Neсkline
- Main trend line
So the Head and Shoulders reversal pattern is formed of three peaks, the average of which is higher than two others. It should be noted that the right minimum of the “head” should be slightly higher, in relation to the left minimum of the top. Thus, the neckline of our Head and Shoulders pattern should be slightly raised from left to right on the top. Although this condition idealizes the model, there are cases when the neckline is located horizontally and even slightly tilted from left to right … These models also work but they have a slightly higher probability of failure than the classical patterns.
More About It!
Usually, all newbies see or at least try to find this model on the charts, because it is described in almost any book about the Forex market, all lecturers and Forex courses. But despite the fact that this model is quite popular, most traders identify it completely incorrectly and do not know how to apply it in trading.
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To correctly identify this pattern, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Strongly marked downtrend, which will be the completion of this pattern, must precede the inverted head and shoulders.
- When forming the left shoulder, the trend reaches a new historical minimum, followed by a correction. The maximum correction point, as a rule, does not break through the resistance line of the downtrend and is the first point for building the so-called neckline. At this point, it is still not possible to assume a trend reversal, since the achievement of a new minimum and the absence of a break through the resistance line rather speaks of its continuation.
- The price correction, which completes the formation of the left shoulder, is followed by a recession, which reaches a new minimum. The subsequent price correction completes the formation of the head, and its maximum is the second point through which the neckline is drawn. The maximum of this correction, as a rule, breaks through the resistance line of the trend, giving a signal of its weakening and decrease in the pressure of bears on the market.
- The minimum reached in the formation of the right shoulder will be higher than the minimum of the head, and in the classical case on the same level as the left shoulder. However, in practice, this situation is quite rare, so some asymmetry is allowed both in height and width of shoulders.
These Points as Well!
- The neckline is built through the highs of price corrections after the left shoulder and the head. The classic inverted head and shoulders suggest that the neckline will be almost horizontal. However, the practice of technical analysis assumes that the neckline may have a certain slope, the direction of which is also an additional signal. If it is tilted up, the mood of bulls is more resolute than when it is tilted down.
- The final confirmation of the formation of inverted head and shoulders, and, consequently, the reversal of the bearish trend, occurs at the neckline breaking point. A required condition for this is a sharp increase in trading volumes. From the moment of breaking through, the neckline from the resistance line turns into a support line for subsequent possible price corrections. They can be used as a last chance to open or strengthen long positions.
- To estimate the potential of the price movement, it is necessary to measure the distance from a price minimum from a head to a neckline and put it up from the breaking point. This level is a rough guide and may be revised subsequently, taking into account other factors.
Double Top and Bottoms Pattern
To determine Double Top, a trader should closely monitor the price behaviour.
Double Top is formed at the moment when the rate of a financial instrument rises to a strong resistance level on the uptrend but does not break through it for the second time, turns around and begins to decline. Many conservative traders expect the moment when the formation of a “Double Top” will be completed. The price must break through the local minimum that is located between two tops.
Of course, in those cases when the local maximum is located “very high” from bottoms, there is no point in waiting for the breakdown of the local maximum.
Triple Top and Bottoms Pattern
As practice shows, the Triple Top figure is formed much less frequently than the Double Top or Head and Shoulders patterns and in some way, it is something average between these patterns. Triple tops, respectively, have three maxima, which makes it look like the Head and Shoulders figure, and the relative equality of the data of both maxima gives a similarity to the Double top’s pattern. This figure is traded and calculated in a manner similar to the Head and shoulders pattern.
The growing trend develops forming the next maximum point with increasing volumes. After that, the market forms its intermediate minimum (point B) and one more maximum (point C) on volumes. These are lower than the previously reached maximum (point A). The market forms another minimum (point D) which is at the same level as previously recorded (point B). The last attempt (point E) is carried out with smaller volumes than previous two (A and C points).
More About It!
In case of success, a line connecting minima (B and D points) breaks through. The price falls below any of them. The uptrend can be considered inconclusive and broken. This is as sufficient conditions contributed to this and a new minimum will soon be formed.
The main line breaks due to traders who come out of the outdated trend. The trading volumes are increased and the movement is accelerated.
The price often comes back to the past level of support. Such conditions are considered to be almost perfect for selling and opening short positions. This is as it becomes possible to place fairly close stop orders.
The determination of price targets is as follows. A pessimistic assessment of the market movement becomes equal to the distance between the minimum point and the support lin. The optimistic estimate will be identical to the distance between the maximum point and the support level.
It should be noted that the Triple Bottom pattern is a mirror-like, as well as the rules for this pattern.
Rising Wedge Pattern
There are two types of wedge figure:
- rising wedge (bearish model)
- downward wedge (bullish pattern)
Rising wedge is formed when price increase slows down and a narrowing pattern is being formed. Prices are unable to continue to grow, but at the same time, they continue to slightly update local maxima. This is a signal that the pressure of traders is gradually increasing.
A sell signal is formed at the moment when prices break through the bottom line of the wedge.
Downward wedge is formed when the price reduction slows down and a narrowing pattern is being formed. Prices are unable to continue to decline, but at the same time, they continue to slightly update local minima. This is the signal that the pressure of traders is gradually increasing on the market.
A sell signal is formed at the moment when prices break through the top line of the wedge.
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Every pattern on Forex which is time-tested is a template for trading assistance. A trader will see a situation on the market is similar to one of the patterns. He will then immediately apply the rules for constructing the actual figure. If you can really apply the rules of one of the patterns, this will be a signal to action.
Some life hacking tips when using reversal chart patterns:
- Technical analysis figures are better performed on higher timeframes (H4-D1). This is as the market “noise” is much lower at these time intervals. If you notice the formation of the reversal chart patterns on higher timeframes, we recommend paying attention to these formations. There may be good opportunities for profit in the near future.
- It is better to look for confirmations and entry points into the market on lower timeframes. Reversal chart patterns can also be combined with other methods of market analysis, such as Price Action patterns.
Example 1
At the end of September, the reversal pattern of Triple Top was formed on the EUR/USD pair.
Several good signals that confirmed the development of the downward trend appeared on the timeframe. A number of patterns of the Price Action, Inside Bar and Bearish Engulfing were formed. This was after the breakdown and price fixing below the key support of 1.17300. A steady downward trend was observed on the EUR/USD currency pair for several days.
3) Technical indicators can make trading with reversal chart patterns to be more efficient. Trend indicators and oscillators can help you get additional confirmations and signals for a quick reversal of the current trend. I would like to separately note the effectiveness of the reversal chart patterns with MACD Divergence.
Example 2
In the first half of November, Rising Wedge (H1 timeframe) was formed on the USD/CHF currency pair. This signaled a correction in quotations after a protracted rally.
There was the price and MACD histogram divergence on the 30-minute chart. It also indicated the development of the bearish sentiment. After a few days, we could see aggressive USD/CHF sales.
Bottom Line
You should always remember that Forex is essentially a trade in probability and expectations. There are profitable and unprofitable transactions. The most important thing is to follow the rules of your trading system and adhere to competent risk management.
