Using the Rising Wedge Pattern in Forex Trading

The rising wedge is a popular reversal pattern that is predictive in nature and can give traders a clue to the direction and distance of the next price move.

Rising wedges appear regularly in the financial markets and traders gravitate towards the pattern because of its simplicity in identification and application. This article will explain how to spot a rising wedge on forex charts and how to trade them.

Learn to trade the Rising Wedge: Main Talking Points

• • What is a rising wedge pattern?

• • How to identify a rising wedge pattern on forex charts

• • How to trade forex with the rising wedge pattern

• • Advantages and limitations of the rising wedge pattern

What is a rising wedge pattern?

The forex rising wedge(also known as the ascending wedge)pattern is a powerful consolidation price pattern formed when price is bound between two rising trend lines. It is considered a bearish chart formation which can indicate both reversal and continuation patterns – depending on location and trend bias. Regardless of where the rising wedge appears, traders should always maintain the guideline that this pattern is inherently bearish in nature (see image below).

Falling wedge pattern

The falling (descending) wedge differentiates itself from the rising wedge by the slant of the triangle. The falling wedge declines downwards between two converging trend lines to reach an apex point which is respected as a bullish pattern (see image below).

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How to identify a Rising Wedge Pattern on Forex Charts

The rising wedge pattern is interpreted as both a bearish continuation and bearish reversal pattern which gives rise to some confusion in the identification of the pattern. Both scenarios contain a different set of observation dynamics which must be taken into consideration.

Continuation Pattern:

1. 1. Established downtrend

1. 1. Rising wedge consolidation formation

1. 1. Linking higher highs and lower lows using a trend line assembling towards a narrowing point

1. 1. Confirm divergence between price and volume using volume function – MACD may also be used

1. 1. Overbought signal can be confirmed by other technical tools like oscillators

1. 1. Look for break below support for short entry

Reversal Pattern:

1. 1. Established uptrend

1. 1. Rising wedge consolidation formation

1. 1. Linking higher highs and lower lows using a trend line assembling towards a narrowing point

1. 1. Confirm divergence between price and volume using volume function – MACD may also be used

1. 1. Overbought signal can be confirmed by other technical tools like oscillators

1. 1. Look for break below support for short entry

How to Trade the Rising Wedge Pattern

The rising wedge forex pattern is linked with both continuation and reversal patterns as mentioned above. The example below shows the formation of a rising wedge on a forex pair depicting a continuation.

EUR/USD rising wedge forex chart pattern:

The chart above shows a rising wedge ‘continuation’ pattern after a determined downtrend. The rising wedge is outlined by the blue dashed lines showing diminishing bull strength in the uptrend. Confirmation of the uptrend waning in strength can be seen using the volume tool on the chart which depicts fading volume in concurrence with the ascending price in the market. This is known as divergence, showing that the upward movement is coming to an end.

The entry point (labelled) occurs once the trend support line of the rising wedge has been breached. There are two common methods of entry:

1. 1. Wait for a candle close below the support trend line before entry

1. 1. Enter into the short position as soon as the price breaks the support line, regardless of the candle close

The stop level as highlighted on the chart is elected from the high point of the rising wedge located on the resistance trend line. This identification point makes it relatively simple to locate the stop level for novice traders. The limit in this example was taken from the previous swing low giving this trade an extremely positive risk-reward ratio.

Advantages and Limitations of the Rising Wedge

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy to identify for more experienced traders	Can be ambiguous to novice traders
Occurs frequently within financial markets	Often identified incorrectly
Defines clear stop, entry and limit levels	Requires additional confirmation using other technical indicators and oscillators
Opportunity for favourable risk-reward ratios	Can signify reversal or continuation patterns

Further Reading on Forex Trading Patterns

• • Consider other chart patterns like the head and shoulders, double top and double bottom that can enhance your pattern recognition.

• • If you are just starting out on your trading journey it is essential to understand the basics of forex trading in our new to forex guide.

• • For more insight on trading the forex market, take a look at our top forex strategies to find the one that suits you.

• • At DailyFX we researched over 100,000 live IG Group accounts to find out the secrets of successful traders and published the findings in our Traits of Successful Traders guide.

• • Tune in to our live webinars for live access to our DailyFX experts discussing trading strategies, tips, news and forecasts on many different markets.

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