The Inside Bar
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.
One of short-term patterns that investors seek is a two-bar pattern known as the inside bar. This pattern reflects a short-term change in investor sentiment, so that if a pattern has been driven downward, the possibility is that the short-term prices will turn around and head the other way.
Discovering an Inside Bar Pattern
When investors are learning technical analysis, spotting the inside bar pattern can be difficult. (See our website for a graphical representation). Basically, an inside bar pattern consists of a longer bar (wide trading range) followed by a shorter bar (small trading range). The second bar forms completely within the range of the preceding bar.
Confirm The Pattern
One thing many investors understand is that an inside bar should never be used in isolation when making trade decisions. When learning technical analysis, it makes sense to find support for other patterns and trends in other analysis. With the inside bar, investors should consider support and resistance levels, momentum readings, and other fundamental data relating to the security, sector, and market as a whole.
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 people are learning technical analysis, it is often forgotten no single indicator or pattern should be used by itself when making a trade decision. Other analysis is required. For investors who prefer to know when to buy and sell, there is software available that will do exctly that.
Chris is an adviser to the Mutual Fund Site.org, a site that helps people with Investment Management decisions and also aims to help people determine Where To Invest.
