Dec 9, 2008 - Pause Before The Storm?

“Show and Tell” on Chart Patterns

Lot’s of Chart Patterns are Currently Forming on the Currencies - A brief discussion and then a look at some good examples of Triangle Patterns all setting up at the same time on different time frames.  

Furst -  let me give you my “two Ameros” on chart patterns. I consider them all to be “consolidation patterns” and have no bias that - for example,  an “ascending triangle”  is a “bullish pattern” - to me,  it could go in any direction. What I look for is the strength of a well formed pattern.

Is it well formed? 

If I can show people a chart and everyone quickly recognizes a Head and Shoulder Pattern, that’s a strong signal. If there is lot’s of debate - then it’s weak.  Chart Pattern recognition gets fun when you see a pattern forming at the right edge, but not yet completed. Aggressive traders can take a position that the pattern will first form - and then if it does, prepare for the potential price targets.

Don’t Get Bogged Down In Statistics

I debate the statistics some apply to chart patterns. For example: Maybe someone tested 1085 head and shoulder patterns and determined that  83.7% have a probability of completion in a certain circumstance.  So what! The 16.3% chance is just another “50-50″ coin flip if you are only looking at statistics. Well - let’s just say that I can disprove anything with statistics..

US Dollar - Canadian - Dec 9, 2008 - 4 Hour Chart

USD-CADVery Strong Triangle Pattern forming on the Dollar - Loonie. Note the multiple areas where the upward trend Channel has held - and the Resistance forming a classic Triple Top. (click to enlarge)

Euro - US Dollar Daily Chart - Dec 9, 2008

EUR-USD: No Shortage of Chart Patterns Here as we have a pretty good triangle pattern, with a consolidation zone inside. Note the Upward Trend Channel that will be brought into focus on a 30 Min chart Below

EUR-USD: 30 Minute Chart of EUR-USD Shows the Upward Trend Channel and Resistance Levels  (Click to enlarge)

US Dollar - Swiss

USD-CHF: 2 Hour Chart Dec 9, 2008 - Nice Triangle to complement the Euro-USD Pattern (Click to enlarge)

Aussie - US Dollar - Dec 9, 2008 4 Hour Chart

AUD-USD - 4 Hour Chart - Yet Another Triangle! - (Click to enlarge)

The Week Ahead - Calendar and Webinars

 Summarized Scheduled Economic Calendar - Click Here

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Jerry Furst  is an active trader, educator, and Founder of Investors Education Network (IEN), He is a Mentor and Trading Coach to Select Clients  Click Here for a Free Self Evaluation Survey.