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Forex Course

120. Introduction To Harmonic Patterns

Introduction

In the previous course articles, we have been discussing a lot of concepts related to Technical Analysis. In that journey, we have learned the trading of some of the most significant chart patterns like Head & Shoulders, Triangle, Wedge, etc. The extension to the learning of these concepts is to know the process of identifying and trading of Harmonic Patterns. We want to mention that learning this part is a bit tricky as the concepts are advanced and require a lot of practice to master them. Let’s get into details.

Brief History

The discovery of these Harmonic patterns dates back to the 1930s. H.M.Gartley, an American author and technical analyst, mentioned the trading of these unique patterns in his book ‘Profits In The Stock Market.’ Later these patterns were highly improvised by ‘Larry Pesavento’ by adding Fib ratios to identify and confirm these patterns. Finally, ‘Scott Carney’ discovered more Harmonic patterns and published them in his most famous book ‘Harmonic Trading.’

What Are Harmonic Patterns?

Harmonic Chart Patterns are nothing but the same kind of Forex chart patterns that we have learned in our previous lessons. But the shapes of these patterns look similar to the real-life birds and animals. For instance, one of the very well known harmonic chart patterns is the Butterfly pattern. That is, when this pattern is complete, we will be able to see a butterfly-like structure on the price charts formed by the price action.

All the Harmonic patterns are both bullish and bearish in nature. That is, these patterns can be identified and traded in both up trending & down trending markets. Also, some of the Harmonic patterns indicate that the current market trend is going to continue, and some of them indicate a market reversal. Hence we can consider Harmonics as both trend continuation and reversal patterns.

Why is it important to know them?

The harmonic patterns levels-up the pattern-based trading as it involves an additional technical tool to confirm and trade them. And that tool is none other than the well known Fibonacci levels. The harmonic patterns can only be confirmed by analyzing at what levels the price action turning its directions. Only if these levels are in line with the predefined Fibonacci levels, we can confirm and trade these patterns. The harmonic trading enables traders in predicting the future price movements of an asset more accurately than any other form of trading.

How many Harmonic Patterns are there?

In total, there are nine Harmonic patterns out of which six are used frequently by the traders to trade the Forex market. The ideology behind trading any of these patterns is the same; we must wait for a particular Harmonic pattern to form completely on the price chart and then take long or short positions accordingly. In the upcoming course lessons, we will be discussing the six Harmonic patterns that we have mentioned below.

The other three less used Harmonic patterns are Shark Pattern, Cypher Pattern, and the ABC Pattern. Stay tuned to learn the trading of these patterns in the easiest way possible. Cheers!

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Forex Basic Strategies

Trading The ‘AB=CD’ Harmonic Pattern Using Fibonacci Ratios

Introduction

H.M Gartley published a book known as ‘Profits in the Stock Market’ in 1932. In this book, Gartley shared the entire group of harmonic patterns that are widely being used by traders across the world. AB=CD is one such pattern from the harmonic group. As time has passed, professional traders and market technicians improved this pattern a lot. They have also incorporated the Fibonacci ratios to this pattern, which will be discussed in this article.

AB=CD is a reversal pattern that helps traders in predicting when the price action of an underlying asset is about to reverse. It is a visual geometric pattern comprised of three consecutive price swings. This pattern helps to identify the trading opportunities in all types of markets, on any timeframe, and in any kind of market condition. Bullish AB=CD pattern helps traders in identifying higher probability buy trades, whereas bearish AB=CD patterns help in determining selling opportunities.

This pattern includes a total of four letters – A, B, C, D. Each turning point represents a significant high or low on the chart. These turning points are referred to as AB move, BC move, and the CD move. Let’s see how traders must perceive this pattern in the upcoming sections.

AB=CD Pattern Rules

Bullish AB=CD Pattern

  • The bullish AB=CD pattern always appears in a downtrend.
  • First of all, point A to B will be any random downtrend move.
  • Then the price action must go into the counter side of the AB move, printing the B to C move.
  • The original selling trend should resume and print the CD leg resembling the AB leg.
  • Once all these three moves are completed, we can conclude that the market has printed the bullish AB=CD pattern
  • Activate the buy trades only at point D.

Bearish AB=CD Pattern

  • Bearish AB=CD pattern is nothing but a mirror image of the Bullish AB=CD pattern.
  • The pattern begins with a bullish line from point A to B.
  • These points could be any random move in an uptrend.
  • B to C move should reverse the trend of the market but shouldn’t cross point A.
  • C to D move should be equal in size to point A and B.
  • Once all these moves are completed, we can conclude that the market has printed the bearish AB=CD pattern
  • Start taking sell trades only from point D.

AB=CD Pattern – Fibonacci Ratios

As already mentioned, Fibonacci ratios can be used to confirm the validity of the AB=CD patter. Below are the fib levels that are incorporated in the AB=CD pattern by trading experts for pattern validation.

BC leg is the 61.8% Fib retracement of AB leg.

CD leg is the 127.2% Fib retracement of BC leg.

Only at these retracement levels, the length of AB will be equal to the length of the CD.

Only take the trades if these above Fibonacci levels are matching with the setup on your charts. Ignore the setup if the Fib levels aren’t matching.

As you can see in the above image, the BC move retraces 61.8 of the AB and CD move is the 127.2% extension of the BC move. Also, the length of the AB move is equal to the extent of CD, i.e., both the movements must take the same time to develop on the charts. If any underlying currency pair is confirming all the mentioned rules, only then we can safely anticipate a higher probability trade.

AB= CD Pattern Trading Strategy

We believe by now, you understood the formation of the AB=CD pattern very well. Now let’s combine this pattern with the Fibs ratio as discussed to learn how to trade this pattern in the right way. As soon as we identify this pattern on the price chart, the only problem most of the traders have is while determining the accurate Fib ratios. Novice or intermediate traders go wrong most of the time in this aspect. As a result, they lose their trade. So make sure always to set the accurate fibs ratio and only then trade the AB=CD setup.

Bullish AB=CD Pattern

In the below EUR/USD 240 minutes chart, we can see that the pair was in an overall downtrend. We can also see that the CD move is equal in size to AB move. Also, after applying Fib ratios, we now know that the BC is 61.8% retracement of the AB move, and CD is the 127% extension of the BC. Therefore we can confirm the validity of the Bullish AB=CD pattern.

Entry, Stop-loss & Take Profit

Execute a buying trade at point D. Furthermore, always place the stops just below the D point. This is because, if price action goes beyond this point, it invalidates the pattern. This pattern provides two ‘take profit’ targets. The first one is point C, and the other is point A. We have closed our full position at point A because after activating our trade, the price action immediately blasted to the north. This indicates that we can expect more extended targets in this pair.

Bearish AB=CD Pattern

In the below 60 minute chart of the NZD/CAD Forex pair, the market was in an uptrend. This means that if at all, we are expecting an AB=CD pattern, it will be bearish. Notice that the AB is completely equal in size to the CD move. Following the rules of the pattern is critical while trading the AB=CD pattern. After applying Fibs, we can see that the BC is 61.8% retracement of the AB move, and the CD move was also a 127% extension of the BC move on the price chart. This confirms the authenticity of the bearish AB=CD pattern. We have executed a sell trade at point D. Although it was not a smooth ride, we have closed our full position at the major support area.

Bottom Line 

AB=CD is one of the most popular trading patterns in the market. It is straightforward to identify, confirm, and trade as well. Also, we get to see this pattern frequently in the market, and traders can pair it with other forms of technical analysis to improve the odds of their trades. Always remember to follow the rules of the game; else, it is very difficult to win the game of trading. We hope you find this strategy useful. Try applying this strategy on a demo account and then apply it on the live charts. If you have enough questions, let us know in the comments below. Cheers!

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Forex Harmonic

The 5-0 Harmonic Pattern

Harmonic Pattern Example: Bearish 5-0 Harmonic Pattern

The 5-0 Harmonic Pattern

Like the Shark Pattern, the 5-0 pattern is a relatively new pattern discovered by the great Scott Carney. Carney revealed this pattern in his second book in his harmonic series, Harmonic Trading: Volume Two.

The 5-0 pattern is easily one of the wonkiest looking patterns. Depending on where you are at with your knowledge of harmonic patterns, the 5-0 will look foreign. And this is primarily because the 5-0 Pattern starts a 0. If you are used to seeing XABCD,  then 0XABCD will undoubtedly look odd.

5-0 Elements

  1. The pattern begins (begins with 0) at the beginning of an extended price move (direct quote from Carney’s work).
  2. After 0 has been established, an impulse reversal at X, A, and B must possess a 113 – 161.8% extension.
  3. The projection off of AB has a 161.8% extension requirement to C. C can move beyond the 161.8% extension but not beyond 224%.
  4. D is the 50% retracement of BC and is equal to AB (a Reciprocal AB=CD Pattern).
  5. The reciprocal AB=CD is required.

One of the best ways to interpret this pattern is to view it from an exasperated trader’s point of view. If we take the Bullish 5-0 Pattern as an example, then we can see why. The AB leg ends with B below X, creating a lower low. We then get an extended move in time where the BC leg is the most prolonged move with C ending above A. The movement from B to C may take on the appearance of a bear flag or bearish pennant. C to D shows intense shorting pressure and a belief among bears that new lows are going to be found. Instead, we get to D – the 50% retracement of BC. Instead of new lower lows, we get a confirmation swing creating a higher low. That move will more than likely generate a brand new trend reversal or significant corrective move.

 

Sources: Carney, S. M. (2010). Harmonic trading. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.  Gilmore, B. T. (2000). Geometry of markets. Greenville, SC: Traders Press.  Pesavento, L., & Jouflas, L. (2008). Trade what you see: how to profit from pattern recognition. Hoboken: Wiley.

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Forex Harmonic

The Bat Pattern

Harmonic Pattern Example: Bearish Bat

The Bat Pattern

The Bat Pattern is another harmonic pattern that was not identified by Gartley, but instead by the great Scott M. Carney – found in Volume One of his Harmonic Trading series (I believe that Mr. Carney’s work is essential in your trading library).

I am particularly grateful to Carney’s work because it was his work that introduced me to a very powerful Fibonacci retracement level: 88.6%. Previously, I have followed Connie Brown’s suggestions in her various books utilizing only the 23.6%, 50%, and 61.8% Fibonacci levels – the 88.6% is now a near-constant in my own analysis and trading. That particular level, the 88.6% level, is the primary level to reach with the Bat pattern.

One of the key characteristics of this pattern is the strength, power, and speed of the reversals that occur after a confirmed and completed pattern is verified. As a Gann based trader, this is the pattern I personally look for to identify the ‘confirmation’ swing in a new trend (the first higher low in a reversing downtrend and the first lower high in a reversing uptrend).

Bat Pattern Elements

  1. B wave must be less than the 61.8% retracement of XA – ideally the 38.2% or 50%.
  2. BC projection must be at least 1.618.
  3. The AB=CD pattern is required and is often extended.
  4. C has an expansive range between 38.2% and 88.6%.
  5. The 88.6% Fibonacci retracement is a defining and particular level to the Bat Pattern.
  6. The 88.% D retracement is the defining and exact limit of the end of this pattern.

Ideal Bullish Bat Conditions

  1. 50% retracement of XA.
  2. Exact 88.6% D retracement of XA.
  3. BC wave 200%.
  4. Alternate AB=CD 127% is required.
  5. C should be inside the 50% and 61.8% retracement range.

Ideal Bearish Bat Conditions

  1. B wave must be less than the 61.8% retracement of XA – ideally the 38.2% or 50%.
  2. BC projection must be at least 88.6%.
  3. BC projection minimum of 161.8% with the max extensions between 200% to 261.8%.
  4. AB=CD is required, but the Alternate 127% AB=CD is ideal.
  5. C wave retracement can vary between the 38.2% to 88.6% retracement levels.

 

 

Sources: Carney, S. M. (2010). Harmonic trading. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.  Gilmore, B. T. (2000). Geometry of markets. Greenville, SC: Traders Press.  Pesavento, L., & Jouflas, L. (2008). Trade what you see: how to profit from pattern recognition. Hoboken: Wiley.

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Forex Harmonic

The Butterfly Pattern

Butterfly Harmonic Pattern Example: Bearish Butterfly

The Butterfly

The Butterfly pattern is a harmonic pattern discovered by Bryce Gilmore. Gilmore is the author of Geometry or Markets (now in its 4th Edition, initially published in 1987)– a must-read for those interested in harmonics patterns. He is the creator of his proprietary software called WaveTrader. The Butterfly is one of the most potent harmonic patterns because of the nature of where it shows up. Both Carney and Pesavento stress that this pattern typically shows the significant highs and significant lows of a trend. In fact, in utilizing multiple time frame analysis, it is not uncommon to see several Butterfly patterns show up in various timeframes all at the end of a trend (example: the end of a bull trend can show a bearish butterfly on a daily chart with a 4-hour and 1-hour chart showing a bearish butterfly ending at the same time). This pattern is an example of an extension pattern and is generally formed when a Gartley pattern (the Gartley Harmonic pattern) is invalidated by the CD wave moving beyond X. From a price action perspective, this is the kind of move where one would ‘assume’ a new high or low should be established, but extreme fear or greed takes over and causes prices to accelerate in both volume and price to end a trend.

Failure, Symmetry, and Thrust

Pesavento identified three crucial characteristics of the Butterfly pattern.

Thrust – C should be observed as an indicator of whether a Gartley or Butterfly pattern will form. He indicated specific Fibonacci levels that are important for gaps – but that is important for equity markets that are rife with gaps. That is not important for us in Forex markets (gaps in Forex are rare intra-week and typically form only on the Chicago Sunday open, Forex also has an extremely high degree of gaps filling). He noted that thrusts out of the CD wave point to a high probability of new 161.8% extensions rather than a 127.2% extension.

 

Symmetry – The slope of the AB and CD wave in the AB=CD should be observed strictly. Depending on how steep the angle is on the CD wave, this could indicate a Butterfly pattern is going to be formed. Pesavento also noted that the number of bars should be equal (10 bars in AB should also be 10 bars in CD). Regarding the steepness of the CD wave, this is where Gann can become instrumental. In my trading, and depending on the instrument and market, I utilize Gann’s various Squares (Square of 144, Square of 90, Square of 52, etc.). If you use a chart that is properly squared in price and time, there is very little ambiguity involved in identifying the speed of the slope of a CD wave.

 

Failure Signs – Very merely put, Pesavento called for close attention to any move that extends beyond the 161.8% XA expansion. And this is an excellent point because one of the most dangerous things we can do as traders is an attempt to put to much weight on a specific style of analysis. It’s easy to think, ‘well, the Butterfly pattern is strong, so if it completes that must be the high or low.’ That is a very foolish and dangerous assumption to make. When markets, even Forex, make new highs or lows in their respective trends, that is generally a sign of strength. So while the Butterfly pattern does indicate the end of a trend – common sense confirmation is still required. The Butterfly pattern should help confirm the end of a trend, not define it.

 

The Five Negations

Continuing on with the great work of Pesavento and Jouflas, they identified five conditions that would invalidate a Butterfly pattern:

  1. No AB=CD in the AD wave.
  2. A move beyond the 261.8% extension.
  3. B above X (sell) or B below X (buy).
  4. C above A or C Below A, respectively.
  5. D must extend beyond X.

 

Ideal Butterfly Pattern Conditions

Carney identified six ideal conditions for a Butterfly pattern. You will note that the combination of Pesavento and Jouflas’s work greatly compliments Carney’s.

  1. Precise 78.6% retracement of B from the XA wave. The 78.6% B retracement is required.
  2. BC must be at least 161.8%.
  3. AB=CD is required – the Alternate 127% AB=CD is the most common.
  4. 127% projection is the most critical number in the PRZ (Potential Reversal Zone).
  5. No 161.8% projection.
  6. C should be within its 38.2% to 88.6% Fibonacci retracement.

Sources: Carney, S. M. (2010). Harmonic trading. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.  Gilmore, B. T. (2000). Geometry of markets. Greenville, SC: Traders Press.  Pesavento, L., & Jouflas, L. (2008). Trade what you see: how to profit from pattern recognition. Hoboken: Wiley.

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Forex Harmonic

The Gartley Pattern

Harmonic Pattern: Bearish Gartley

The Gartley is probably the most well-known pattern in Gartley Harmonics. Gartley himself said that this pattern represents one of the best trading opportunities. Its profitability remains exceptionally resilient. This is especially true when we consider how old the pattern is and how it has remained profitable in these contemporary trading environments. Pesavento reported (at least I think he was the one who wrote this statistic) that it is profitable seven out of ten times and has remained that way for over 80 years. It is important to remember that all harmonic patterns have stringent ruleset. There is no room for interpretation in the construction of any pattern, and the Gartley pattern is no different.

Rules

  1. D cannot exceed X.
  2. C cannot exceed A.
  3. B cannot exceed X.

Characteristics

  1. X is the high or low of a swing.
  2. It is impossible to project or determine A.
  3. Main Fibonacci levels are 38.2%, 50%, 61.8% and 78.6%.
  4. Precise 61.7% retracement XA for B.
  5. BC projections have two specific Fibs: 127% or 161.8%.
  6. The BC projection must not exceed 161.8%.
  7. Symmetrical AB=CD patterns are frequent.
  8. C retracement has a wide range between 38.2% and 88.6%.
  9. An exact D retracement is 78.6% of the XA move.

Sources: Carney, S. M. (2010). Harmonic trading. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Financial Times/Prentice Hall Gartley, H. M. (2008). Profits in the stock market. Pomeroy, WA: Lambert-Gann Pesavento, L., & Jouflas, L. (2008). Trade what you see: how to profit from pattern recognition. Hoboken: Wiley

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Forex Harmonic

Harmonic Geometry

Gartley Harmonic Pattern Example: Cipher Pattern

Harmonics – Gartley Geometry

Out of the myriad of different approaches and methods of Technical Analysis, there seems to be one particular method that draws new traders to it more than Gartley Harmonics. People see these wonky triangles on a chart and automatically assume that because it looks so complicated and esoteric, they should probably learn these patterns right away. If that sounds like yourself, stop reading the remainder of this article and come back once you have learned the fundamentals of technical analysis. And certainly, don’t implement a new and complicated form of technical analysis like that harmonic geometry you’re your trading until you can look at a chart and tell what patterns exist just by glancing at it. Folks – I need to repeat this: Harmonic Geometry takes time to learn – this isn’t like learning about support and resistance. It’s not a topic that you can read about, understand, grasp, and learn in one weekend and then implement into your trading. The best way I could explain the time it takes to learn Carney’s harmonic structures is comparing it to the time it takes for a person to be able to look at a chart using the Ichimoku Kinko Hyo system and know, just by looking, if a trade can be taken and what the market is doing. That’s the best comparison I can find. Until you can look at a chart and within 10-20 seconds identify an important harmonic pattern on that chart – without having to draw it – then you should not use this in your trading. You need to become an expert in the analysis part before you start to trade with it.

I believe we should be calling these patterns Carney Harmonics or Gilmore Harmonics because Gartley never gave a name any designs – the genius work Bryce Gilmore and Scott Carney did that in his various Harmonic Trader series books. Scott Carney is the man who discovered and named a great many patterns and shapes that we see today. And Carney’s work is some of the most developed and contemporary work of Gann’s and Gartley’s that exists today. But the understanding and application of Carney’s and Gilmore’s patterns have been woefully implemented by many in the trading community. Any of you reading this section or who were drawn to it because of the words ‘harmonic’ or ‘Gartley’ must do two things before you would ever implement this advanced analysis into any trading plan:

  1. Read Profits in the Stock Market by H.M. Gartley – this is the foundation of learning and identifying harmonic ratios.
  2. Read Scott Carney’s Harmonic Trader series: Harmonic Trading: Volume 1, Harmonic Trading: Volume 2, and Harmonic Trading: Volume 3.

There are a series of other works by expert analysts and traders that address Gartley’s work and are worth reading, such as Pesavento, Bayer, Brown, Garrett, and Bulkowski. Do not consider their work merely supplementary – I find their work necessary to fully grasp the rabbit hole you are attempting to go down. Harmonic Patterns are an extremely in-depth form of analysis that encompasses multiple esoteric and contemporary areas of technical analysis. If you think finding the patterns and being able to draw them is sufficient to make a trading plan, you will lose a lot of money. Additionally, some words of wisdom from the great Larry Pesavento: An understanding of harmonics requires an in-depth knowledge of Fibonacci.

Harmonic Geometry, in a nutshell

In a nutshell, Harmonic Geometry is a study and analysis of how markets move and flow as a measure of proportion from prior price levels. These proportional levels are measured using Fibonacci retracements and extensions. When these patterns (triangles) complete, they create powerful reversal opportunities. Carney calls the end of these patterns PRZs – Potential Reversal Zones. The significant error that many new traders and analysts make when they find a complete pattern is the same problem many new traders make with any new tool, strategy, or method: they don’t confirm. Make no mistake: Harmonic Patterns are powerful. But like any analysis or tool, it is not sufficient to take a trade. Harmonic Pattern analysis is just one tool in your trading toolbox. And like any toolbox, you need multiple tools to tackle the various projects and goals you want to achieve.

Harmonic Trading Ratios

Contrary to popular belief, Gartley did not utilize Fibonacci levels or ratios in his work. Nonetheless, harmonic ratios are based on three classifications of harmonic ratios: Primary Ratios, Primary Derived Ratios and, Complementary Derived Ratios. As you develop a further understanding of the various patterns and their ratios, you will come to appreciate the very defined structure of this type of technical analysis.

Primary Ratios

  • 61.8% = Primary Ratio
  • 161.8% = Primary Projection Ratios

Primary Derived Ratios

  • 78.6% = Square root of 0.618
  • 88.6% = Fourth root of 0.618 or Square root of 0.786
  • 113% = Fourth root of 1.618 or Square root of 1.27
  • 127% = Square root of 1.618

Complementary Derived Ratios

  • 38.2% = (1-0.618) or 0.618 squared
  • 50% = 0.707 squared
  • 70.7% = Square root of 0.50
  • 141% = Square root of 2.0
  • 200% = 1 + 1
  • 224% = Square root of 5
  • 261.8% = 1.618 squared
  • 314% = Pi
  • 361.8% = 1 + 2.618

Elliot Wave and Harmonic Geometry

Ellioticians are very aware of the strong connectedness that Gartley’s and Carney’s work has within Elliot Wave Theory. There are significant elements between the two types of technical analyses that create a mutual symbiosis. However, while they are very similar, it is crucial to understand that there are some significant differences between the two.

Elliot Gartley
Dynamic, Flexible. Static, Definite.
Wave counts are more fluidly labeled. Each move is labeled either XA, AB, BC, or CD.
Many variations and intepretations No variation permitted.
Wave alignment varied and malleable. Each price point alignment must be exact.

The combination of Elliot and Gartley is powerful, and Gartley Harmonics can help confirm Elliot Waves. The following articles will describe, in further detail, specific Harmonic Patterns.

Sources: Carney, S. M. (2010). Harmonic trading. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Financial Times/Prentice Hall Gartley, H. M. (2008). Profits in the stock market. Pomeroy, WA: Lambert-Gann Pesavento, L., & Jouflas, L. (2008). Trade what you see: how to profit from pattern recognition. Hoboken: Wiley