Two Dominant Groups

Two Dominant Groups

Two basic tenets of technical analysis are that prices trend and that history repeats itself. An uptrend indicates that the forces of demand (bulls) are in control and a downtrend that the forces of supply (bears) are in control.

However, prices do not trend forever and as the balance of power shifts, a chart pattern begins to emerge. Certain patterns, such as a parallel channel, denote a strong trend. However, the vast majority of chart patterns fall into two main groups: reversal and continuation. Reversal patterns indicate a change of trend and can be broken down into top and bottom formations. Continuation patterns indicate a pause in trend and indicate that the previous direction will resume after a period of time.


Just because a pattern forms after a significant advance or decline does not mean it is a reversal pattern. Many patterns, such as a rectangle, can be classified as either reversal or continuation. Much depends on the previous price action, volume and other indicators as the pattern evolves. This is where the science of technical analysis becomes the art of technical analysis.