When You Learn Technical Analysis, Don't Forget The Ascending Continuation Triangle

By Chris Blanchet

Although we have already looked at a Classic Pattern in the Learn Technical Analysis Free series, another important pattern to understand early on is the Ascending Continuation Triangle. This pattern is formed by two converging trendlines -- a horizontal upper line that scrapes along two steady "highs" of a trading range and an increasing lower line that follows two higher lows of the same range.

For investors who want to learn technical analysis, the Ascending Continuation Triangle is an important pattern as it provides us with a Bullish trading signal. Since the pattern is normally a short-term pattern that takes shape over one to three months, investors are able to quickly lock in gains and reverse their position without much loss.

For investors who are just starting to learn technical analysis, remaining patient as the pattern takes shape is often more difficult than spotting the pattern itself. To confirm the pattern, here are a few things one should look for.

Volume

This is probably the most important confirming factor when it comes to this pattern. As the pattern takes shape, volume should be diminishing. When the pattern is confirmed and there is a breakout, volume should spike. Lacking this volume spike at breakout, investors should no consider the pattern reliable and should steer away from making trade decisions based on it.

Moving Average

The Moving Average should also be taken into consideration. If the pattern's prices touch or come close to the 200-day moving average, then the pattern is considered strong.

Duration

Duration is also an important consideration. Many people who are just starting to learn technical analysis will forget this. Ideally, the break-out should occur long before the pattern reaches the right tip of the triangle. In fact, investors should expect break-out to occur roughly three-quarters to two-thirds of the way along that upper line.

In terms of explaining, in fundamental terms, how the Ascending Continuation Pattern evolves, consider a large institutional investor who wants to unload a large quantity of stock at a certain price. The order is placed. Once that price is reached, buyers will draw on the large supply and consequently, for other sellers to fill their orders, the price will need to drop. This will create a resistance line. However, once that large supply of stock is exhausted, the price will continue to climb as it normally would, providing the breakout that investors who want to learn technical analysis are waiting to see. - 23199

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