Saturday, January 30, 2010

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.

The inside bar pattern is one such pattern from which investors can take short-term cues. This pattern indicates a possible change in investor sentiment in the short-term. In other words, if the overall trend has been heading down, the inside bar often indicates a reversal in that trend.

Discovering an Inside Bar Pattern

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.

Supporting Criteria

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.

As far as the reliability of the inside bar pattern, investors will find greater success when the bar takes shape following a steeper inbound trend. In terms of the bars themselves, investors will want to see a longer first bar (which suggests that stronger momentum has dissipated and reversal is imminent) and a shorter second bar, which suggests a more dramatic reversal to come.

Lastly, investors should notice that volume on the smaller bar is lighter. This suggests a more balanced trading activity.

When it comes to learning technical analysis, investors should remember that there are many other indicators that need to confirm their trade decisions. As well, there are plenty of specialized software programs available to make simple buy and sell recommendations. - 23309

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