Chart patterns are one -- if not the oldest -- method of chart and price analysis traders use.  In fact, the popularity if chart patterns continues to rise and that's for one reason:  they work. 

As powerful an analysis tool as chart pattern analysis is, it can often be a a very time consuming and subjective task.  That's really where tools like Autochartist become a valuable asset to any trader.  However one of the challenges traders face is how to utilize any tool properly and chart patterns are no exception.  Simply identifying chart patterns is not enough -- although it certainly is the first step.

Historical tendencies can help a trader understand how and when to trade certain patterns.  If identifying the chart pattern is the first step, then the second step must be determining the type of pattern it is.   Autochartist results are accompanied by not only a chart image but specific chart quality readings.

Each of the headings on this pattern results gives us insight into not only the quality of the patterns but the type, size, and direction. This is exactly the type of information that is needed to determine the likelihood of any pattern triggers and the follow-through.  In this example you can see that the pattern type is a "Triangle".  So let's examine some of the historical tendencies of this pattern.  Autochartist identifies many different types of triangles:   symmetrical, descending, and ascending.  This pattern is a symmetrical pattern.  There are specific details and characteristics to each type so here we will discuss a few of those specifics as they relate to this symmetrical triangle result.

Autochartist has alerted us to the fact that the triangle pattern is typically a continuation pattern so there is a high likelihood that the trend will continue, but keep in mind that reversal entries from triangles are also possible.  We can also see that the "Uniformity" of the pattern is quite high and this further points to the balance of this symmetrical triangle.

The pattern result is also telling us the triangle is most likely to break upwards.  This is all valuable information that we can use to set up and confirm the trade as we build a trading plan.

The historical follow-through from a breakout or breakdown from symmetrical triangle is very high.  These are excellent congestion patterns that are found in sideways markets, which is also known as a distribution cycle.  It is vital that once Autochartist has identified this type of triangle that the it occur in a sideways market.  In fact notice that the low reading on the "Initial Trend" is not a primary concern.  Each pattern will have certain readings that should be high or low so do not fall into the trap of thinking that the reading must the high on all readings for a "better" pattern result as this is not the case.

Historically symmetrical triangles are  known to break in either direction.  It is best if the pattern is less than 20 trading days in length.  Since this pattern is occurring on a longer term intraday chart, this 20 day rule is valid.  Keep in mind though that shorter time frame patterns like those on a 15, 30, or 60 minute chart will not necessarily follow this 20 trading day rule.  For shorter time frames a five to ten trading rule is more applicable and on the 15 and 30 minute charts, these patterns can form and trigger in a much shorter amount of  time.  Larger symmetrical triangles, typically more than 20 trading days in length will often be referred to as a pennant.  The only difference being the duration of the pattern as it develops as both should be symmetrical in shape.

Another historical tendency of symmetrical triangles is the follow-through after the breakout or breakdown being equal to the height of the pattern itself.  Take the highest high and the lowest low from the pattern and the follow-through will most often be in this range.

Autochartist University was started with the Autochartist user in mind. 

Autochartist doesn't simply identify chart patterns, it does so across multiple time frames and also ranks these patterns across three main criteria.

You will be able to learn how to use these criteria with the Autochartist University INTRO video series.  You will learn about

1) How to  chart patterns with Autochartist.
2) Scanning the markets for set ups
3) Designing your own scans
4) Interpreting Autochartist column readings
5) Continuation v. Reversal patterns
6) Trends and Market Stages

These videos are the perfect compliment to you Autochartist program.  You are going to learn how to sort through the multiple pattern alerts and focus on the pattern that is appropriate for the current market direction.  The best chart patterns to trade in trending and non-trending markets.  How to "grade" the chart pattern results with Autochartist's column readings and much more.  And it's FREE.  We want you to benefit from the most powerful chart pattern tool available to traders and investors today.  You can sign up for it here.

Master Chart Patterns at Autochartist University.
We are proud to present a complete chart pattern educational program that allows traders to master chart patterns, confirm patterns for better entries, manage your trades, and much more.   Learn how to master chart patterns with a complete, time-tested trading plan.   LEARN MORE.