The 13 Best Chart Patterns & Chart Formations In Trading

In the world of trading, information and its interpretation are the two keys to success. Traders use a variety of tools and techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the movements of the assets they are trading. They want to identify trends, recognize resistance, and find suitable trading setups. One of these tools is trading patterns or chart formations.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at this topic and introduce you to the 13 most important trading patterns and chart formations. We will explain each formation using an example so that you can immediately understand which options such a trading pattern opens up for you. In addition, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such chart formations, show you which types there are and the importance of time units.

The 13 best chart patterns and formations (click for a detailed explanation):

1. Head and shoulders
2. Double top / bottom
3. Rising / falling wedge
4. Triangles
5. V top / bottom formation
6. Triple bottom / triple top
7. Trend channel
8. Cross resistance
9. Golden cross / death cross
10. Broadening top / bottom
11. Cup and handle
12. Flag (bull flag / bear flag)
13. Rectangle (range as continuation)

Definition: What is a trading pattern?

A trading pattern, also known as a chart pattern, formation or chart formation, is a recognizable structure on a chart that arises from historical price movements and is interpreted accordingly by traders. It is used to predict possible future price movements and chart trends. Such trading patterns and chart patterns can occur on any chart – regardless of whether it is stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, or indices.

Trading patterns are a fundamental part of technical analysis. As an overarching term, this encompasses all efforts, tools, indicators and analyzes that aim to predict future price movements through the analysis of historical data (you could use data from the ITA for example) and patterns. They provide a virtual visual representation of what is happening in the market and can help you both understand market sentiment and, most importantly for you as a trader, identify potential entry and exit points for your trades.

Before we get to 13 of the best trading patterns and chart formations for your everyday trading, we will look at both the advantages and disadvantages of trading with chart formations and trading patterns as well as the different types of trading patterns. This gives you a comprehensive understanding of the topic – this is important in order to be able to recognize the individual patterns in the chart and apply them to your own trading strategy.

Advantages and disadvantages of chart formations and trading patterns

Trading with chart formations and trading patterns has both advantages and disadvantages – just like every tool in trading. As with any tool, the value ultimately depends on your ability to interpret it. This means that the clearest chart formations are of no use to you if you do not interpret them correctly.

Advantages of Trading Patterns / Chart Formations

1. Visual representation of trends and movements of the asset
2. Forecasting future price movements
3. Different time periods and markets possible
4. Good addition to any trading strategy

Disadvantages of Trading Patterns / Chart Formations

1. False signals possible
2. Interpretation can be subjective
3. No guarantee

Trading Patterns: Advantages

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of trading patterns :

1. Visual representation of trends and movements of the asset: Trading patterns and chart formations provide a visual representation of chart performance, allowing you to grasp important information at a glance. The best example is trend channels.
2. Forecasting future price movements: They can be used to predict future price movements based on historical data. They can signal possible entry and exit points for your trades, acting as a kind of indicator to help you make better trading decisions.
3. Different time periods and markets possible: Trading patterns and chart formations can be applied in different time frames (from seconds to minutes to daily and weekly charts) and on different markets (stocks, forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, etc.). We’ll go into more detail about this in a separate section.
4. Good addition to any trading strategy: Trading patterns can be used as a component of various trading strategies – whether in scalping, day trading, swing trading or for long-term investors.

Trading Patterns: Cons

As always, there are also drawbacks to trading patterns. However, it should be mentioned at this point: If you learn trading from scratch and develop a clear strategy with sophisticated risk management and money management, you should not feel any disadvantages. Of course – there are always misinterpretations, but they are part of trading. So if you use the trading patterns correctly, you should only benefit from them.

1. Interpretation can be subjective: Trading patterns and chart formations can easily be misinterpreted, especially by inexperienced traders. It takes time, practice, and experience to read and interpret them correctly. It is best to train with a demo account so that you do not lose a lot of money at the beginning of your “trading career”.
2. False signals possible: Not all identified patterns lead to successful trades – this is quite normal. There are instances where the chart formations give false signals, even though it initially looks like exactly this pattern, which can lead to potential losses.
3. No guarantee: Although chart patterns and trading patterns can be helpful tools, there is no guarantee of success. They are only part of the equation and should be used in conjunction with other technical and fundamental analysis.

Types of Trading Patterns explained:

Trading patterns can be broadly divided into two categories: trend following and trend reversal chart formations or patterns. These differ mainly in their informative value about future price development – as the two names already suggest. Both types of trading patterns have their strengths and can be used in different market situations. We will introduce you to both of them in detail.

Trend following Chart Patterns

Trend following chart formations, also known as continuation chart patterns, signal that the current trend is likely to continue. In this case, trend means that the price of the underlying asset tends to move in a clear direction, either up or down, over the period under consideration.

These patterns usually emerge during a “consolidation” phase, where the market pauses before resuming the previous trend. Examples of such patterns include flags, triangles, and rectangles, which we’ll look at in more detail later.

Trend reversal Chart Patterns

Trend reversal chart formations signal a possible change in the current price direction, so they are the exact opposite of trend following chart formations. They occur when supply and demand in the market return to equilibrium after a bull or bear phase – i.e. there are roughly equal numbers of buyers and sellers again.

This makes a change in market direction (e.g. previously rising, now falling) likely. Examples of reversal chart formations are patterns such as the double top, double bottom, and head and shoulders formations, which we will introduce to you with examples later in the article.

It is important to note that recognizing these patterns and trading patterns requires a lot of experience and understanding of the market – it is not uncommon for beginners to fall for fake breakouts and implied patterns. The trick is to interpret a trading pattern correctly. And: A pattern that is identified on a chart should therefore always be considered in the context of the market as a whole – never in isolation.

Overview: List of the 13 best trading patterns and chart formations:

Now that you know the basics of trading patterns and chart formations, it’s time for us to focus on the specific patterns and how to interpret them. There are many different patterns that you can use as a trader. Choosing the right one can sometimes be challenging. One thing you should also be aware of: Our selection is by no means complete. Rather, it covers the most well-known, popular, and useful trading patterns. The more you know and internalize, the easier it will be for you to perform technical analysis on the chart.

In the next sections, we will present the 13 best trading patterns and formations. These patterns are widely used by traders around the world to analyze trading setups and make decisions. You will see: Some trading patterns are trend reversal formations, others trend continuation formations.

Important:

It’s always about the context in which a chart pattern occurs. For example, a pattern that occurs in a strong upward trend may have a different meaning than the same pattern in a downward trend. Also, as mentioned above, it is important to know that trading patterns should not be viewed in isolation. They are only a single element of technical analysis – so always use other tools and indicators, even of a fundamental nature, if in doubt.

1. Head and shoulders

The head and shoulders pattern is one of the most well-known and reliable trend reversal patterns in technical analysis. Even beginners in trading have heard of it – it is one of the basics of technical analysis with double tops / bottoms and triangles as well as trend channels.

It is characterized by three consecutive peaks on a chart, with the middle peak (the “head”) being higher than the two peaks (the “shoulders”) on the right and left, which are roughly at the same level. A line connecting the lows between the peaks is called the “neckline.”

Interpretation of the head and shoulders pattern

This pattern usually indicates a potential reversal of a pre-existing upwards trend. A confirmed head and shoulders pattern is signaled by a downwards breakthrough of the neckline. Often, after the neckline breakthrough, a pullback move back to this line is observed before the price resumes its downward trend.

Example of a head and shoulders pattern

Imagine that you observe a strong upward trend on the daily chart of a stock, such as the chart of Brent Crude Oil. You’ll notice that the price forms three spikes, with the middle one being higher than the two surrounding ones – as in the screenshot. The neckline connecting the lows between the peaks is broken downwards.

This signals a possible reversal of the commodity’s upward trend. In this case, you would normally choose to go short and liquidate any existing long positions. After all, past experience shows that a head and shoulders pattern is usually followed by falling prices.

2. Double top / bottom

The double top and double bottom pattern is also one of the classic reversal chart formations and is another favorite among traders. There is hardly a trader who has not recognized and used this trading pattern in a chart at some point. Compared to the head and shoulders pattern, there are two forms.

A double top pattern consists of two consecutive peaks on the chart at similar levels, separated by a valley – but the price falls after the formation of the second top. This pattern suggests that the market is failing to reach a higher high. As a result, there is a potential trend reversal from an upward trend to a downward trend.

Conversely, a double bottom pattern consists of two consecutive lows on the chart at similar levels, separated by a peak, with the price rising again after the second low is formed. This signals a potential trend reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend.

Interpretation of the double top / bottom

The interpretation of the double top and double bottom pattern is relatively simple. If you see a double top pattern on the trading chart, it could be a signal that buyers are running out of steam and sellers are starting to gain the upper hand. In this case, you would close long positions and open a short.

On the other hand, if you see a double bottom pattern on the chart, it could be an indication that sellers are “getting tired” and buyers are back in control and taking control. Then a long trade is suitable.

Example of double top / bottom

Imagine watching the stock market, more specifically Mitsubishi’s stock, which is in a strong bullish trend. You notice that the price reverses twice at similar levels before falling, with the two highs separated by a valley.

They interpret this as a double top pattern and see it as a signal that the upward trend is coming to a halt and a reversal could be imminent. You then decide to enter a short trade to profit from the trend reversal.

3. Rising / falling wedge

The rising wedge and falling wedge patterns are two other important chart patterns used in technical analysis. They can be interpreted as both trend reversal and trend continuation patterns – the context in which they occur is always decisive.

A rising wedge pattern occurs when the price forms higher highs and higher lows within a narrowing range of the chart. This results in a wedge-shaped structure that is directed upwards. Despite the higher highs and lows, the rising wedge pattern can signal possible weakness in an upward trend and indicate an imminent trend reversal.

On the other hand, a falling wedge pattern forms lower lows and lower highs within a narrowing chart area. This then looks like a wedge-shaped structure that is directed downwards. Despite the lower lows and highs, the falling wedge pattern can signal possible weakness in a downward trend and indicate an imminent trend reversal.

Interpretation of the wedge patterns

The interpretation of the rising wedge and falling wedge pattern depends heavily on the context (upward or downward trend) in which it occurs. If an ascending wedge occurs in an upward trend, it could be a signal of an imminent trend reversal. However, if the same pattern occurs in a downward trend, it could be interpreted as a sign of a continuation of the downward trend.

Example of a wedge pattern

Let’s say you’re looking at a market (for example, forex, more specifically EUR/USD) that is in a strong upward trend. You notice that the price is starting to form an upward, wedge-shaped pattern. You’ll see a whole series of higher highs and higher lows in your timeframe, getting tighter and tighter.

You could interpret this as a sign of weakness, the upward trend, and consider going short.

4. Triangles

Triangle formations are another common pattern in technical analysis – as a trader, you can’t avoid these types of trading patterns. Triangles can be classified as symmetrical, ascending, or descending triangles, so there’s a lot to explain.

A symmetrical triangle (pictured) is formed when the highs and lows of a chart move towards each other, forming a series of lower highs and higher lows. This indicates a decrease in volatility and often indicates an imminent price movement, although the direction of this movement is not clear.

Ascending triangles are formed when the price hits a resistance level, forming a series of higher lows in the process. This signals stronger demand at lower levels and may indicate an imminent upward move.

Lastly, descending triangles remain as a counterpart to ascending triangle formations. These occur when the price hits a support level, forming a series of lower highs in the process. This signals stronger supply at higher prices and may indicate an imminent downward movement.

Interpretation of the triangles

The interpretation of the triangle formations naturally depends on the type of triangle in question. Symmetrical triangles are the most difficult in trading, as they can break out in either direction. So, with a symmetrical triangle, you should continue to monitor the price and asset.

Ascending triangles tend to break out upwards, signaling a possible upward movement, while descending triangles, on the contrary, tend to break out downwards, signaling a possible downward movement.

Example of triangles

Let’s say you’re watching Apple stock in the NASDAQ index and notice that it’s forming a series of lower highs and higher lows that move towards each other to form a symmetrical triangle. Although the triangle itself does not indicate in which direction the price will break out, you are making a decision – as a relaxed interest rate policy in the US can be interpreted as an additional positive sign for the tech stocks in the NASDAQ.

Therefore, you see the triangle as a sign that a bigger push in Apple could be imminent. So, you decide to enter a long position. However, you make sure to invest relatively little of your capital – the keyword here is risk management.

5. V top pattern / V bottom pattern

V top and V bottom patterns are other chart patterns that traders often use to identify potential reversal points in the trend. These patterns are known for their clearly visible price movements and can often signal a quick reversal of the prevailing trend. They are easy to spot compared to many other patterns.

A V top pattern occurs when the price rises rapidly, reaches a high level, and then falls again just as quickly. This pattern forms a V-shape on the chart and indicates a strong sell-off at high levels, which may indicate a possible trend reversal.

A V bottom pattern, on the other hand, occurs when the price falls rapidly, reaches a low level, and then rises again just as quickly. This pattern forms an upside-down V on the chart, signaling a strong rejection of the market at lower levels – which in turn indicates a trend reversal in the other direction.

Interpretation of the V top / bottom formation

The interpretation of the V top and V bottom formations is fairly simple. In most cases, when you see a V top pattern, it’s a sign that buyers have run out of steam and sellers and short sellers are ready to take control. Conversely, a V-bottom pattern means that buyers are pushing sellers into the background.

Example of V top / bottom formation

Imagine watching the Nvidia share, which is in a strong upward trend – this happens again and again, especially with such volatile stocks. Suddenly, you notice that the price falls quickly and then rises again just as quickly, creating a V top pattern .

You interpret this as a strong sign that buyers are losing short-term confidence and short sellers are gaining the upper hand. Therefore, you might consider entering a short position.

6. Triple bottom / triple top

The triple top and triple bottom are other important patterns in technical analysis – and are very popular with traders. These patterns are formed when the price hits a certain support or resistance level three times and then turns in the opposite direction.

A triple top is a bearish pattern that occurs when the price reaches and bounces off a certain resistance area three times before making a breakout downwards. This signals that buyers are out of strength and selling pressure is starting to dominate.

A triple bottom, on the other hand, is conversely a bullish pattern that is created when the price hits a certain support level three times and breaks out upwards from there. Contrary to the triple top, the sellers now have no more power and the buyers dominate again.

Interpretation of the triple bottom / triple tops

The interpretation of these trading patterns is relatively simple, as with the previous one. If you see a triple top, it is usually a sign that the price could break out to the downside – consequently, the entire trend could also be reversed. Conversely, if  you see a triple bottom, it is again a sign that the price of the underlying asset (whether it’s CFD, stocks, forex, options, or something else) is ready to break out upwards. Here, too, the trend is usually reversed.

Example of triple bottom / triple top

Imagine you are trading forex and specifically the EUR/USD exchange rate. You will then notice in your analysis that the EUR/USD price hits the same support level three times and bounces off each time. You can also see that the price is starting to break out upwards.

This is a clear triple bottom – a clear sign for you that the price is breaking out to the upside. You therefore enter a long trade and close any shorts.

7. Trend channel

Trend channels are one of the most basic and at the same time most useful tools in technical analysis, which can often be identified without much interpretation and analysis. A trend channel occurs when the price fluctuates within two parallel trendlines that serve as support and resistance levels. Trend channels can be either ascending, descending, or sideways (or horizontal):

1. Ascending channel: Price forms higher highs and higher lows. The upper line of the channel acts as resistance and the lower line acts as support.
2. Descending channel: Price forms lower highs and lower lows. Here, the upper line of the channel acts as resistance and the lower line acts as support.
3. Sideways channel (or horizontal channel): Price fluctuates between two horizontal lines, with the upper line acting as resistance and the lower line as support.

Interpretation of the trend channel

As a trader, you can use trend channels as chart patterns to identify possible entry and exit points for your trades. For example, in an ascending trend channel, you could enter a long position near the lower line (support) and a short position near the upper line (resistance).

Example of trend channel

You’re a big tech fan and have been watching Microsoft shares for quite some time. You see that the price is fluctuating within a clear, ascending trend channel. It is clear to you that if the price reaches the lower line of the trend channel, it signals a buying opportunity for you. This happens and you open a long position.

8. Cross resistance

Cross resistance is a technical chart pattern that occurs when the price of a stock or other asset reaches or breaks through a level where both the horizontal and diagonal resistance lines cross. It is often seen by traders as a strong signal when the price breaks through this level.

Such a pattern usually arises in a downward trend when the price encounters resistance and then consolidates below it before breaking through the resistance. The point where the horizontal and diagonal resistance lines cross is often referred to as the point of “cross resistance.”

Interpretation of the cross resistance

A break through the cross resistance is often seen as a strong buy signal. It indicates that the price has enough momentum to break through the resistance level. A pullback to the cross resistance level after a breakout can provide a second buying opportunity as this level could now act as support.

Example of cross resistance

Imagine watching the DAX that is in a downward trend. The price hits a level crossed by both a horizontal and a diagonal line. After a period of consolidation below this level, the price breaks through and resumes its upward trend. You interpret this as a buying opportunity as the price has enough momentum to break through the resistance.

In the image, you can see a cross resistance that has held – here the upward movement has bounced off the strong mark.

9. Golden cross / death cross

The golden cross and the death cross are technical indicators based on the concept of moving averages. They are among the most commonly used technical analysis tools and provide important impulses and signals for you as a trader.

1. A golden cross is formed when the short-term moving average (e.g., the GD50, the  50-day moving average) rises above the long-term moving average (e.g., the GD200, the 200-day moving average). This signals a possible upward trend and is considered a bullish sign.
2. The death cross, on the other hand, occurs when the short-term moving average  falls below the long-term moving average. This indicates a possible downward trend and is interpreted as a bearish sign.

Interpretation of the golden cross / death cross

These patterns are used to identify possible trend reversals. A golden cross can be a buy signal as it indicates an upward trend. A death cross, on the other hand, can be interpreted as a sell signal as it indicates a downward trend.

Example of golden cross / death cross

For example, let’s say you’re looking at a chart in forex trading, such as EUR/USD, and you notice that the 50-day moving average is rising above the 200-day moving average (marked on the left of the chart). This is a golden cross. It’s clear to you that the price will rise after that – and you’ll place a long trade. Later in the chart (right marker) a death cross is formed.

10. Broadening top / bottom

The broadening top and broadening bottom chart patterns are chart formations characterized by increasing volatility. They are often seen as trend reversal patterns and can provide you as a trader with strong trading signals.

A broadening top pattern occurs when the price forms higher highs and lower lows, creating a kind of inverted triangle or “megaphone” (with a lot of imagination). This pattern indicates increasing uncertainty and volatility and is often seen as a sign of a possible trend reversal to the downside.

A broadening bottom pattern, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. It occurs when the price forms lower highs and higher lows, which also forms a kind of “megaphone”. Here, the consequence is a possible trend reversal to the upside, so rising prices are to be expected.

Interpretation of the broadening top / bottom

Broadening patterns can be used to identify possible trend reversal points. In the case of a broadening top, you might consider taking a short position if the price bounces off the upper trend line. On the other hand, in the case of a broadening bottom, you could consider a long position if the price bounces off the lower trendline.

Example of broadening top / bottom

In this scenario, you are looking at a forex chart, for example, and notice that the price forms a broadening top pattern by forming higher highs and lower lows. If the price bounces off the upper trend line, you could interpret this as a sell-off signal and consider a short position.

11. Cup and handle

The “cup and handle” formation is a trading pattern whose name alone does not necessarily reveal what it looks like. The cup and handle pattern is a bullish continuation pattern that appears on the charts as a cup shape with a small outlier or “handle” at the top. This pattern was first described by William O’Neil in his book “How to Make Money in Stocks” and has since become a popular tool for technical traders.

The cup usually forms in an upward trend and is characterized by a rounded “U” shape that resembles a tea or coffee cup. The “handle” is a short sideways phase thatfollows and often has low trading volume. A breakout above the upper line of the “handle” is considered a buy signal.

Interpretation of the cup and handle chart pattern

A cup and handle pattern signals a continuation of the existing uptrend. A breakout above the upper line of the “handle” is interpreted as a strong buy signal. For example, as a trader, you can wait for such a breakout before opening a long trade.

Example of a cup and handle chart pattern

Let’s say you’re watching the price of silver. The commodity is in a clear upward trend. You notice that the price forms a rounded “U” shape that resembles a cup as described, followed by a brief consolidation/sideways range that represents the “handle”.

If the price breaks above the upper line of the “handle”, you can interpret this as a buy signal and enter a long position. However, think about your risk and money management – and this applies to any trading pattern, of course.

12. Flag (bull flag / bear flag)

The flag is a relatively well-known chart formation, even among beginners, which often appears as a continuation pattern. There are two types of flags:

1. Bull flag
2. Bear flag

They are often spotted in upward trends (bull flag) or downward trends (bear flag) on the trading chart and indicate a short-term consolidation (i.e., price stagnates or goes down slightly/rises slightly) or pause in the existing trend.

A bull flag is formed when the price consolidates in a tight range that has a flag-like shape after a sharp rise in an upwards trend. This signals a temporary period of weakness before the upward trend may resume.

A bear flag, on the other hand, can be characterized as the exact opposite. So, it forms in a downward trend when the price settles in a tight range after a significant pullback. This suggests that the downward trend is taking a brief pause before potentially rushing further down.

Interpretation of the flags

A flag signals a short-term consolidation within an existing trend. A breakout above the upper line of the bull flag or a break below the lower line of the bear flag is interpreted as a strong signal for a continuation of the existing trend. As a trader, you should look for such breakouts and then place longs or shorts according to the type of flag.

Example of bull flags / bear flags

Let’s say you’re watching the price of AbbVie shares, which is in a clear upward trend. Suddenly, the price is consolidating in a tight range that takes the form of a bullish flag . If the price breaks above the upper line of the bull flag, you can interpret it as a strong buy signal that indicates a continuation of the uptrend. In other words: you go long.

13. Rectangle (range as continuation)

Rectangles, like triangles, are clear geometric shapes that are interpreted as trading patterns. In this case, triangles are chart formation where the  price is trading in a horizontal range between an upper resistance line and a lower support line. This trading pattern is often thought of as a consolidation pattern. This means that the market takes a break and the price will not move much in the short term (or depending on the unit of time).

A rectangle pattern on the chart can occur at different stages of the market – both in upward trends and downtrends, as well as a continuation pattern after a sharp move. It is characterized by relatively parallel upper and lower lines that represent resistance and support in the market.

Interpretation of rectangles

A rectangle pattern indicates that supply and demand are in (approximate) equilibrium andthe asset is in a consolidation phase. Traders interpret a breakout above the upper resistance line as a potential buy signal and a break below the lower support line as a possible sell signal.

Example of rectangle formations (range as a continuation)

In our example, you are looking at the chart of the S&P500 index. You notice that the index has been trading in a narrow range between an upper resistance line and a lower support line for some time. This rectangle pattern may indicate that the market is going through a consolidation phase.

If the price breaks above the upper resistance line, you can interpret it as a buy signal as it indicates a continuation of the previous upward trend.

Importance of time units in pattern trading

Choosing the right time units is of great importance in pattern trading. This is because different units of time can show different patterns and formations on the same chart or offer a different perspective on existing patterns. It is important to choose the appropriate unit of time based on your goals and trading strategy. Depending on the trading platform, you have different time units at your disposal:

• 1 minute
• 5 minutes
• 10 minutes
• 30 minutes
• 1 hour
• 3 hours
• 6 hours
• 12 hours
• 1 day
• 1 week
• 1 month

For long-term investors, or rather swing traders, larger units of time such as weekly or monthly charts canbe interesting. What good is it for someone who has a long-term plan to look at the 5-minute chart? Charts on a daily basis, for example, offer a much more comprehensive overview of the market or the asset and the associated long-term trends. These units of time can help identify long-term formations such as head and shoulders patterns or triangles.

In contrast, for day traders or short-term traders, smaller units of time, such as hourly or minute charts, are significant. They allow for a more detailed analysis of short-term patterns such as bull flags or bear flags that may appear in a few hours or minutes. Some brokers also offer smaller time units than minutes.

By the way: It is also possible to combine different units of time. This will give you a more complete picture. For example, you could look for longer-term patterns on a daily chart and then look for confirmation signals to enter on an hourly chart. However, this requires a lot of experience and knowledge and is sometimes difficult for beginners.

Risks of pattern and chart formations trading

When trading pattern and chart formations, there are some risks that you should consider. Although these trading patterns and formations can provide helpful information, they are not always 100 percent reliable and come with some challenges. It is important to be aware of these risks – but: with enough experience in trading, you can eliminate these risks to a large extent.

Some of the risks of trading chart patterns include:

1. Patterns are misinterpreted: There is always a chance that patterns and formations will be misinterpreted. A misunderstanding can lead to bad trades and therefore losses.
2. False signals: It can happen that a pattern or formation generates a false signal. This may be due to market volatility, unpredictable events, or other factors.
3. Delays in confirmation: A chart pattern sometimes requires confirmation before the starting signal for a trade can be “given”. However, there may be delays in such a confirmation – then suitable setups will disappear again on the chart.
4. Overvaluation of patterns: As a trader, there is a risk that you will become too fixated on certain chart formations. This then leads to unbalanced trading or impulsive decisions – which is never good in trading.

It is important to consider these risks and to manage risk appropriately – as always in trading. This includes setting stop-loss limits, take-profits, as well as regularly checking your own trading strategy.

Conclusion: Trading patterns and chart formations are an important tool

Trading chart formations and trading patterns is very common for many traders. After all, triangles, trend channels, etc. appear in every chart. Such patterns help to make the right decisions and to be (more) successful in the market.

In this article, we’ve introduced you to 13 of the best chart trading patterns and chart formations – and of course there are many more. To introduce every single one, however, would go beyond the scope of this article. From head and shoulders patterns to triangles and rectangles, there are a variety of trading patterns that you should be able to recognize right away. Good luck with your trading!

Frequently asked questions on the topic: