Continuation Chart Patterns: Rectangles

In the Chart Patterns Overview, we discussed that continuation chart patterns signal that the ongoing trend will continue for some time. This means that after the formation, the price movement will continue to follow the same trend as it was before the formation.

Rectangles are common continuation pattern. They suggest that the prices will continue to move in the same direction as it was before the pattern was formed. A rectangle is like a period of consolidation. The traders are indecisive about the security. The prices start moving upwards and downwards, bound by parallel support and resistance trend lines. There are equal buyers and sellers, and the price is tested against the trend lines multiple times. This continues for around 3 weeks (or even more) after which the prices start moving towards the prior direction. The rectangles are also seen during intra-day trading.

The rectangle pattern formed in an uptrend is called bullish rectangle, while the rectangle pattern formed during a downtrend is called bearish rectangle.

During the rectangle patterns, the volumes generally dive, however, they increase quite a bit during the breakout. The rectangle is generally formed in a very narrow price range.