what is a triangle chart pattern 
a triangle is a chart pattern is a tool used in technical analysis the triangle chart pattern is named as such because it resembles a triangle it is depicted by drawing trendlines along a converging price range that connotes a pause in the prevailing trend technical analysts categorize triangles as continuation patterns of an existing trend or reversal despite being a continuation traders should look for breakouts before they make a move to enter or exit a position understanding triangle chart patternstriangle chart patterns are used in technical analysis which is a trading strategy that involves charts and patterns that help traders identify trends in the market to make predictions about future performance triangle patterns are aptly named because the upper and lower trendlines ultimately meet at the apex on the right side forming a corner these patterns are formed once the trading range of a stock or another security becomes narrow connecting the start of the upper trendline to the beginning of the lower trendline completes the other two corners to create the triangle the upper trendline is formed by connecting the highs while the lower trendline is formed by connecting the lows triangles are similar to wedges price patterns marked by converging trendlines and pennants continuation patterns that are formed when an asset shows a large movement which are also used in technical analysis they can be either a continuation pattern if validated or a powerful reversal pattern in the event of failure traders use triangles to highlight when the narrowing of a stock or security s trading range after a downtrend or uptrend occurs there are three potential triangle variations that can develop as price action carves out a holding pattern namely ascending descending and symmetrical triangles technicians see a breakout or a failure of a triangular pattern especially on heavy volume as being potent bullish or bearish signals of a resumption or reversal of the prior trend technical tools are meant to help make predictions about future trends based on past performance but remember that the market can be very unpredictable and can swing in any direction at any time types of triangle chart patternsthe following diagram shows the three basic types of triangle chart patterns the ascending descending and symmetrical triangles we go into more detail about what they are and how they work below an ascending triangle is a breakout pattern that forms when the price breaches the upper horizontal trendline with rising volume it is a bullish formation the upper trendline must be horizontal indicating nearly identical highs which form a resistance level the lower trendline is rising diagonally indicating higher lows as buyers patiently step up their bids buyers eventually lose patience and rush into the security above the resistance price which triggers more buying as the uptrend resumes the upper trendline which was formerly a resistance level now becomes support a descending triangle is an inverted version of the ascending triangle and is considered a breakdown pattern the lower trendline should be horizontal connecting near identical lows the upper trendline declines diagonally toward the apex the breakdown occurs when the price collapses through the lower horizontal trendline support as a downtrend resumes the lower trendline which was support now becomes resistance a symmetrical triangle is composed of a diagonal falling upper trendline and a diagonally rising lower trendline as the price moves toward the apex it will inevitably breach the upper trendline for a breakout and uptrend on rising prices or breach the lower trendline forming a breakdown and downtrend with falling prices traders should watch for a volume spike and at least two closes beyond the trendline to confirm the break is valid and not a head fake symmetrical triangles tend to be continuation break patterns which means they tend to break in the direction of the initial move before the triangle forms so if an uptrend precedes a symmetrical triangle traders would expect the price to break to the upside 