Master chart pattern trading by recognizing the four market stages

Chart patterns and market stages are pieces of the same puzzle.  Trying to use one without the other will only lead to an incomplete picture.  The patterns identified by Autochartist and the results do incorporate trend and direction.   It is for this reason that any trader who uses charts and chart patterns must learn how to identify market stages.  All traders would benefit from this analysis, however, chart pattern traders can capitalize on trends and shifts in trends more effectively.  There are four stages in any market.  This applies equally to forex, stocks, and futures.  Any market that you can chart can be analyzed with cycles.  The reason is because all of natural moves in cycles and the market is just one reflection of human nature:  fear and greed.  Each stage reflects psychological reactions to the market.  It reflects the overall opinion of price and news.  Chartists believe that the fundamentals of the market are reflected in the price.  For this reason understanding whether the "crowd" is fearful, greedy or simply without an opinion is key to setting up any trade.  All studies, patterns, strategies -- in fact every aspect of trading! -- is most effective when applied to the correct cycle.

There are only two types of markets:  trending and sideways.  The four stages are mark up, mark down, accumulation and distribution.  These are the generally accepted names for the four stages and apply to everything from the stock market to the real estate market. 

Each stage represents market momentum or lack thereof.    The mark up and mark down stages are more commonly known as uptrends and downtrends.  Accumulation and distribution are the two sideways stages.  There are distinct differences between the two stages.  Accumulation (stage 1) develops as a narrow price range with a solid support and resistance level.  Accumulation typically occurs with low volume and precedes a move higher although a move lower can also occur.  Distribution (stage 3) is a more volatile stage with less defined support and resistance levels it typically occurs at the end of a move higher or "mark up" (again this is not always the case as distribution can develop after a move lower) and can develop triangle, pennant, double tops/bottoms, triple tops/bottoms.

There are certain patterns that develop within specific stages.  Understanding which stage is most suited for wedges, triangle, channels, rectangles and understand all the patterns Autochartist identifies is key to effective chart pattern analysis and trading.

Market stages can also help measure and trade trending patterns and reversals.  These types of entries are considered "corrective" or "contrarian" entries because they capitalize on pullbacks or bounces to trigger trade.