This technical analysis guide teaches you about Flag chart patterns.
We start by discussing what flag patterns are and how they are presented on a chart. Then, we explore the flag pattern indicators that show potential buy or sell signals.
Contents
What Is A Flag Chart Pattern?
The Flag pattern usually occurs after a significant up or down market move. After a strong move, prices usually need to rest. This resting period usually occurs in the shape of a rectangle, thus the word “flag”.
The Flag is considered a continuation pattern because after resting, prices will usually continue in the direction they did before.
How Do Flag’s Show Buy Signals?
When the price has moved higher and prices have consolidated, creating a channel of support and resistance, a potential buy signal is given when prices penetrate and close above the upward resistance line.
How Do Flag’s Show Sell Signals?
Assuming prices previously moved downward, then after a period of price consolidation, a potential sell signal is given when price penetrates and closes below the support line.
Another similar pattern discussed is Triangles.
Where To Start Trading With Flat Patterns?
If you are interested in trading stocks & commodities using technical analysis, have a look at our reviews of these regulated brokers available in to learn which charting & analysis tools they offer:
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74%-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Further Reading
Learn more about technical analysis indicators, concepts, and strategies including Candlestick reading basics, Windows & Gaps, MACD, and many others.
Also see our guides on Forex, Bitcoin, CFD, Stock, Cryptocurrency, and Options brokers to find out which tools brokerages offer their clients.
FAQs
How do you identify bullish flag patterns?
First, traders look for a sharp prior uptrend, known as the flag pole, followed by a consistent downward sloping correction. Traders also use Fibonacci retracement to qualify the ‘shape of the flag’ based on the retracement percentage. Traders should note that flag patterns are a technical analysis tool, not one for completely accurate price prediction.
What is a bear flag pattern?
Unlike a bull flag pattern, a bear pattern shows traders a sharp downward price drop in a chart, followed by a gradual positive consolidation after the ‘flag pole’. It is thought of as a technique used to identify continuing downward trends in stock and commodity trading charts.
