Tuesday, July 7, 2009

To Learn Technical Analysis Means Understanding the Inside Bar

By Chris Blanchet

When it comes to learning technical analysis, a lot of investors will consider the "big picture" patterns and make short-term trades based on such indicators or patterns. The problem, however, is that bigger picture readings are often long-term in nature. So, let's take a look at a short-term pattern.

A short-term pattern that many investors will rely on is the inside bar pattern. This pattern indicates a possible reversal of the current trend. For example, if the trend has been down and the inside bar appears at the end of such a trend, then there is a possibility that the trend will reverse and head up.

Spotting an Inside Bar

Investors who are just learning technical analysis might have a tough time identifying the inside bar. Explained (our website has a diagram), the inside bar pattern consists of a taller bar (wide trading range) followed by a shorter bar (tighter trading range). The shorter bar will fall within the same range as the preceding bar.

Confirm The Pattern

Making trades solely on an inside bar pattern is not recommended. Whether just learning technical analysis or a seasoned investors, people need to find support for their decision in other analysis. This includes fundamental data about the security, market as a whole, and sector, as well as other technical data. In particular, using support and resistance levels will help, along with studying the security's momentum.

When it comes to analyzing the inside bar pattern, investors will achieve better trading results from this pattern when the inbound trend is steeper. Additionally, investors will want the first bar to be longer, which suggests the inbound momentum has climaxed. As for the second bar, the narrower the better as this indicates that the reversal will be more dramatic.

And lastly, the volume level should be lower for the second bar than for the first, as this hints at a better balance.

When people are learning technical analysis, it is often forgotten no single indicator or pattern should be used by itself when making a trade decision. Other analysis is required. For investors who prefer to know when to buy and sell, there is software available that will do exctly that.

About the Author: