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Pennant

Trading Ideas 108

Predictions and Analysis

A pennant can be used as an entry pattern for the continuation of an established trend. The formation usually occurs after a sharp price movement that can contain gaps (known as the mast or pole of the pennant) where the pennant represents a period of indecision at the midpoint of the full move, consolidating the prior leg. The price is contained by a small symmetrical triangle that begins wide and converges to a point as the pattern develops.

Bullish pennants can form after an uptrend, bearish pennants can form after a downtrend. The pattern has completed when price breaks out of the triangle in the direction of the preceding trend, at which point it will likely continue in this direction. Conservative traders may look for additional confirmation of the trend continuing. The target can be estimated using the technique of measuring the length of the mast and extending it in the direction of the breakout. A common stop level is just outside the pennant on the opposite side of the breakout. Pennants should not be mistaken for triangles, which are distinct price patterns.