Technical Analysis & Chart Patterns
 
It's important to know that chart patterns are graphical representations of historical stock prices which help to determine current supply and demand forces for a given stock.  Chart pattern analysis allows a trader to determine with greater accuracy just what the current supply and demand is for a stock.  Chart patterns are graphical representations of historical stock prices which form repeating patterns or shapes, and are commonly used in the stock market.

Trading with technical analysis requires correctly identifying chart patterns.  Technical analysis (TA) is the study of price history to determine future trading opportunities.  Price history in the form of a price chart is the visual representation of where prices have been, where buyers and sellers lurk, and often times the trading psychology at work in the market.  If human emotion drives buying and selling behavior, then chart patterns can help to determine where such emotions may next surface.  Chart patterns are the depiction of trading psychology in motion.

Short term traders often study chart patterns to gauge supply and demand forces in the stock market.  Such forces are the basis for price fluctuations, which enables a trader to profit.

Chart patterns are useful gauges of momentum, support and resistance, and other indications of strength or weakness in a stock.  Chart patterns help traders to determine market direction as well as to time entries and exits.  A good trader should be able to identify chart patterns properly.  It takes practice and diligence to learn to recognize chart patterns and to make them work for you as a trader. 

A careful study of the chart patterns as presented herein will serve to provide investors with some of the basics needed to help begin to recognizing stock patterns and trends. With time and experience investors will become increasingly comfortable working with charts.
 
 

Continuation Chart Patterns
Reversal Chart Patterns