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Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of rapid money loss due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Consider carefully whether you understand how CFDs work and if you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
Trend Reversal Patterns in Graphical Analysis
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Overview
  • Trend reversal patterns are graphical patterns that indicate a possible change in trend direction, from bullish to bearish or vice versa.
  • These patterns help traders identify potential entry and exit points and are often used to confirm that a current trend is ending.
  • Reversal patterns are typically observed at the top or bottom of a trend and can be used across various timeframes.
Common Trend Reversal Patterns
1. Head and Shoulders
  • A bearish reversal pattern that appears after an uptrend, resembling a "head" with two "shoulders" on either side.
  • Formation: Consists of three peaks, with the middle peak (head) being the highest, and the two side peaks (shoulders) being lower and roughly equal in height.
  • Neckline: A trendline drawn beneath the lows of the shoulders. A break below the neckline confirms the reversal.
  • Chart Interpretation: A head and shoulders pattern indicates a trend reversal from bullish to bearish.
2. Inverse Head and Shoulders
  • A bullish reversal pattern that appears after a downtrend, resembling an inverted "head" with two "shoulders" on either side.
  • Formation: Consists of three troughs, with the middle trough (head) being the lowest, and the two side troughs (shoulders) being higher and roughly equal in depth.
  • Neckline: A trendline drawn above the highs of the shoulders. A break above the neckline confirms the reversal.
  • Chart Interpretation: Indicates a trend reversal from bearish to bullish.
3. Double Top
  • A bearish reversal pattern characterized by two consecutive peaks at approximately the same price level, forming an "M" shape.
  • Formation: Occurs after an uptrend, where the price fails to break a previous high twice and then moves lower.
  • Neckline: The low point between the two peaks. A break below the neckline confirms the pattern and the reversal.
  • Chart Interpretation: Signals a trend reversal from bullish to bearish.
4. Double Bottom
  • A bullish reversal pattern characterized by two consecutive lows at approximately the same price level, forming a "W" shape.
  • Formation: Occurs after a downtrend, where the price fails to break a previous low twice and then moves higher.
  • Neckline: The high point between the two lows. A break above the neckline confirms the pattern and the reversal.
  • Chart Interpretation: Signals a trend reversal from bearish to bullish.
5. Rounding Bottom (Saucer Bottom)
  • A bullish reversal pattern that resembles a rounded bowl shape, often forming over an extended period.
  • Formation: The price gradually declines and then gradually rises, creating a rounded appearance.
  • Breakout Level: A breakout above the high preceding the rounded bottom confirms the reversal.
  • Chart Interpretation: Indicates a shift from a downtrend to an uptrend, often seen as a long-term reversal pattern.
6. Rounding Top
  • A bearish reversal pattern that resembles an inverted rounded bowl, typically forming over a long period.
  • Formation: The price gradually rises and then gradually declines, creating a rounded appearance at the top.
  • Breakdown Level: A breakdown below the low preceding the rounded top confirms the reversal.
  • Chart Interpretation: Indicates a shift from an uptrend to a downtrend and is often a long-term reversal pattern.
Benefits of Using Trend Reversal Patterns
  • Early Trend Identification: Helps traders identify potential trend reversals early, allowing for better timing in trade entries and exits.
  • Clear Entry and Exit Points: Reversal patterns provide precise levels (like the neckline) for setting entries, stop-losses, and take-profit targets.
  • Widely Recognized Patterns: These patterns are commonly used across markets, enhancing their reliability due to widespread trader recognition.
Limitations of Trend Reversal Patterns
  • Subject to False Signals: Reversal patterns may produce false signals, especially in volatile or choppy markets.
  • Requires Confirmation: Patterns like head and shoulders and double tops/bottoms often require confirmation through volume or other indicators.
  • Interpretation Challenges: Accurate pattern recognition requires skill, as patterns may not always form perfectly and can be open to subjective interpretation.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of rapid money loss due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Consider carefully whether you understand how CFDs work and if you can afford the high risk of losing your money.