Table of Contents

Table of Contents

A descending triangle pattern is a continuation pattern that is a helpful addition to the trading toolbox, especially for someone who likes to trade short positions.  It forms when the price repeatedly tests a strong support level and creates lower highs.

That indicates that the sellers are gaining control gradually. And once the price breaks below the support line with high volume, it confirms the bearish momentum and encourages traders to enter short positions. That’s how it works!

Moreover, this pattern acts as a reversal signal in particular market conditions. But like any other technical pattern, false breakouts can also happen, so it’s important to validate the pattern and know risk management before you execute any trade.

Eager to explore more about the descending triangle pattern and how it works? Keep scrolling!

What Is a Descending Triangle?

A descending triangle is basically a technical analysis chart pattern. It indicates a continuation of a consolidation or downtrend phase within an uptrend. This pattern offers valuable insights into potential breakouts, market sentiment, and profit opportunities.

Simply put, traders use this pattern to create short positions by buying the pattern’s breakout. The counterpart pattern is the ascending triangle, which is characterized by a series of horizontal highs and higher lows, which gives breakout opportunities from rising prices.

How Does a Descending Triangle Pattern Work?

Traders can calculate the distance from the highest point of the pattern using the descending triangle chart pattern, which serves as its starting point to the horizontal support line. This type of analysis recognizes a downward trend that overcomes resistance levels.

What’s more, buyers push the costs higher when there’s a price drop. On the contrary, the descending triangle forms when there’s not much buying pressure and sellers overtake buyers. Sellers begin to sell for even less here, pointing to a string of lower highs. Yes, that’s right.

A descending triangle breakdown typically occurs when trading volume spikes, followed by a sharp downward price movement. This pattern signals a bearish setup, prompting traders to enter short positions once the price breaks below the lower support line with high volume. To calculate a potential target, traders subtract the height of the triangle (the distance between the initial high and the support level) from the breakout point.

If traders wish to profit from the falling triangle, they must not get trapped in fake breakdowns. Therefore, it is important to wait for the price to retest the resistance to make a profitable trading decision. 

Is a Descending Triangle Bullish or Bearish?

A descending triangle is considered a bearish technical chart pattern. They usually form during an existing downtrend and indicate that bears are regaining control, as they continue to drag prices lower. 

Ultimately, the wedge will narrow down, and sellers will expect a breakout below the flat support line. Simply put, the descending triangles are continuation patterns, which means the cost is expected to continue in the prevailing trend’s direction after every breakout.

Identifying a Descending Triangle Pattern

Descending triangles are characterized by several notable features that investors should be aware of to identify them easily. Let’s have a look:

  • Downtrend: The market that is in question should be in an existing downtrend before the appearance of the descending triangle pattern.
  • Consolidation Phase: This triangle appears whenever the market enters the consolidation phase.
  • Horizontal Lower Trendline: The lower trendline serves as a support, and costs usually approach it until the breakout happens.
  • Descending Upper Trendline: A downward-sloping trendline, building on the second point, can be drawn by joining the upper points, indicating that sellers are pulling prices down gradually. 
  • Continued Downward Trend: This happens right after the breakout below the specific lower trendline. 

How to Trade a Descending Triangle Pattern?

Trading descending patterns manages risk effectively and boosts profit potential with a methodical approach. Here are the required actions to trade this pattern:

Recognize the Trend

Traders must locate the descending triangle on the specific price costs first. When the price forms a higher string of lower highs with a horizontal support line, this pattern is generated. The triangle formed by the descending resistance and the flat support line shows that the sellers are taking control of the trading market.

Hold Off Until the Breakout

Traders generally wait for the cost to break below the support line, showing a bearish breakout, right after the establishment of the pattern. This stage is quite crucial, as a confirmed breakout triggers a really sharp price decrease. So it’s not recommended for traders to enter a trade before the cost breaks through this support level with enough conviction.

Confirm the Volume

A sharp volume should confirm a breakout. If price breaks below the specific support line when volume rises, it shows a powerful move down and decreases the probability of a false breakout. And if the volume remains low, this breakout may not have sufficient strength, and traders must be careful.

Make a Trade Entry

The entry of a trader into a short position is possible only when a strong volume ensures the breakthrough. If traders want to benefit from the downward momentum quickly, the entry position must be a little below the support line. 

Set a Stop-Loss

Traders have to set a stop loss to manage risks. Mostly, traders set a stop loss above the previous support line, currently a resistance level. If the price returns right above the broken support line, a false breakout, it will help you secure the trade.

Set a Profit Target

Traders usually measure the triangle’s height and project that distance down from the specific breakout point to spot the profit target. It allows the traders to adjust their current existing strategy simply by determining the estimated level of price movement right after the breakout.

That’s all. All these actions allow traders to benefit from the descending triangle chart pattern’s opportunities and offer a methodical approach to trading this chart pattern.

You can put your strategies into action immediately with OnsaFX’s fast and convenient account activation. With this platform, it’s easier to begin trading in minutes with a minimum deposit of just $100 and leverage up to 1:500.

Trading Strategies Used with Descending Triangle Patterns

No doubt, the descending triangle chart pattern is a favorite of many traders, especially those who look forward to profiting from downtrends. However, if you want to control risks and maximize profits, you need a proper plan and strategies.

Without any further delay, let’s look at the most effective tips:

Tip 1: Breakout Strategy

Watch for a powerful break below the flat support line to confirm the bearish move. Then, enter short positions after the breakout with more volume and place a stop-loss above the broken support to handle risks.

Tip 2: Pullback and Retest

If you miss the initial breakout, just wait for the price to reset the broken support. Also, enter short trades whenever rejection happens to secure a better entry and risk-reward ratio.

Tip 3: Trendline Resistance

Enter early when the prices near the descending resistance line but fail to break above. This demonstrates selling pressure, but use caution because this approach is also more aggressive.

Tip 4: Confirming the Volume

Always confirm the breakout with a volume spike. Strong volume surely supports the validity of the move, while weak volume usually leads to false breakouts.

Tip 5: Using Moving Averages

Try to combine the pattern with moving averages, like 50-day or 200-day. And if the price breaks below support and a huge average, it filters out the false signals and reinforces the bearish trend.

No matter what you’re currently doing, analyzing chart patterns or refining strategies, OnsaFX gives you access to metals, commodities, forex, and more.

So if you’re ready to join thousands of traders all across the globe and start trading with confidence, trust this all-in-one platform today. You will never regret your decision!

About Author

Ethan Walker

An experienced writer specializing in Forex markets and financial topics. Shares insights to help traders better understand market movements. Provides up-to-date and reliable content on the financial markets

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