USDINR Falling Wedge (Reversal)
The Falling Wedge is a bullish
pattern that begins wide at the top and contracts as prices move lower. This
price action forms a cone that slopes down as the reaction highs and reaction
lows converge. In contrast to symmetrical triangles, which have no
definitive slope and no bias, falling wedges definitely slope down and have a
bullish bias. However, this bullish bias cannot be realized until a resistance breakout.
The falling wedge can also fit into
the continuation category. As a continuation pattern, the falling wedge will
still slope down, but the slope will be against the prevailing uptrend. As a
reversal pattern, the falling wedge slopes down and with the prevailing trend. Regardless of the type (reversal or continuation),
falling wedges are regarded as bullish patterns.
1.
Prior Trend: To qualify as a reversal pattern, there must be a prior
trend to reverse. Ideally, the falling wedge will form after an extended downtrend
and mark the final low. The pattern usually forms over a 3-6 month period and
the preceding downtrend should be at least 3 months old.
2.
Upper Resistance Line: It takes at least two reaction highs to form the upper
resistance line, ideally three. Each reaction high should be lower than the
previous highs.
3.
Lower Support Line: At least two reaction lows are required to form the lower support line. Each reaction low should be
lower than the previous lows.
4.
Contraction: The upper resistance line and lower support line converge
to form a cone as the pattern matures. The reaction lows still penetrate the
previous lows, but this penetration becomes shallower. Shallower lows indicate
a decrease in selling pressure and create a lower support line with less
negative slope than the upper resistance line.
5.
Resistance Break: Bullish confirmation of the pattern does not come until
the resistance line is broken in convincing fashion. It is sometimes prudent to
wait for a break above the previous reaction high for further confirmation.
Once resistance is broken, there can sometimes be a correction to test the
newfound support level.
6.
Volume: While volume is not particularly important on rising wedges, it is an essential
ingredient to confirm a falling wedge breakout. Without an expansion of volume,
the breakout will lack conviction and be vulnerable to failure.
As
with rising wedges, the falling wedge can be one of the most difficult chart
patterns to accurately recognize and trade. When lower highs and lower lows
form, as in a falling wedge, a security remains in a downtrend. The
falling wedge is designed to spot a decrease in downside momentum and alert
technicians to a potential trend reversal. Even though selling pressure may be diminishing, demand
does not win out until resistance is broken. As with most patterns, it is
important to wait for a breakout and combine other aspects of technical
analysis to confirm signals.