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Technical analysis

Triangle pattern

By Jarosław Wasiński • Published: • Updated:
A structure with converging price boundaries under a specified swing rule. Symmetrical, ascending and descending versions describe geometry, not certain direction. Breakout timing, measured-height projection and any retest require separate criteria. No fixed timing proportion or retest requirement guarantees the outcome.
Example. Highs of 1.1100, 1.1090 and 1.1080 and lows of 1.1000, 1.1010 and 1.1020 can define convergence at specified time indices. Both line prices at the signal must be known. A later rise or decline does not follow necessarily from narrowing boundaries alone.

Construction types

A symmetrical triangle has a declining upper and rising lower boundary. An ascending version uses a relatively flat top and rising lows; a descending version mirrors it. Names and traditional directional interpretations do not establish global demand or supply dominance. Flatness tolerance and swing selection belong in the written definition.

Time and activation

The lines’ intersection is geometric, not an obligation to break out two-thirds or three-quarters through the structure. Specify minimum contacts, horizon and whether a wick or close activates the rule. Do not redraw lines after an unsuccessful break merely to keep all earlier reactions inside a convincing pattern.

Break, retest and projection

Height can define a reference measured move, depending on the measurement point. Immediate and retest entries have different prices and missed-trade risks. A retest is not inherently safer. Evaluate both breakout directions, failures, costs and swing availability rather than only textbook examples selected after the subsequent movement.

FAQ

Must an ascending triangle break upwards?
No. The name describes geometry; its interpretation is a hypothesis.
Does a retest always improve safety?
No. It alters timing and price, may never occur, and can also fail.

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Jarosław Wasiński

Editor-in-chief, ForexMechanics.com • Macro & FX analyst

Independent analyst and practitioner with over 20 years of experience in financial markets. Actively involved in Forex since 2007, with a focus on fundamental analysis, OTC market structure, and disciplined capital risk management.

  • Creator and editor-in-chief of MyBank.pl, providing reliable financial education since 2004.
  • Author of hundreds of in-depth market commentaries, structural analyses, and educational materials for traders and investors.
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