Symmetrical Triangle Patterns

Learn about symmetrical triangle patterns. Find out why they are important and how to interpret symmetrical triangles on a forex chart.

What are Symmetrical Triangles?

Symmetrical triangles consist of two lines of equal slope converging to a point in the future. The result is the appearance of a sideways triangle with the base to the left and the point the right.

Symmetrical Triangles

Why are Symmetrical Triangles important?

A symmetrical triangle implies that the market cannot decide whether to break up or down. Once the triangle is broken by the price, there may be a substantial move in the direction of the break.

So how do I use Symmetrical Triangles?

Symmetrical triangles can be used to interpret large breaks in price. If the price breaks through the triangle to the downside, there may be a large move down. Similarly, if the price breaks through the triangle to the upside, there may be a large move up. We may use these to help identify trend or to confirm a Gartley or butterfly pattern.

Example 1: Symmetrical Triangle formation - EUR/USD, 4 hour

FXCA Symmetrical Triangles Example 1

Example 2: Symmetrical Triangle formation - USD/SEK, 4 hour

FXCA Symmetrical Triangles Example 2

More trading guides in this section: