How to Trade The Descending Triangle Pattern

A descending triangle is a bearish continuation chart pattern that occurs during a downward trend and signals the trend is expected to continue.

But what does the pattern look like? How to identify it and how to trade currency pairs using this chart pattern? All the answers are in this article.

What is the Descending Triangle Candlestick Pattern?

A descending triangle is a bearish chart formation that occurs during a downtrend and indicates that the existing trend is likely to continue.

Much like its opposite version, the ascending triangle pattern (that is a bullish continuation pattern), the descending pattern is known as a continuation bearish pattern and helps traders find entry and exit points during a downward trend. 

The pattern has the following characteristics – a horizontal lower trend line that acts as a support level and a descending trend line with lower highs that acts as an upper trend line resistance. And much like nearly all candlestick patterns, traders usually enter a position when the price breaks below the support line, which signals that the trend may continue.

How to Identify and Use the Descending Triangle Candlestick Pattern in Forex Trading?

Generally, it’s fairly easy to recognize the descending triangle chart pattern. First, the pattern usually happens at the end of a bearish rally when the price consolidates before making another move. 

Secondly, you need to find a trend line with lower highs and a lower trend line support level – those creating a shape of a triangle. To do so, many traders use the descending channel pattern to get a better indication of the market’s trend. Finally, once you have identified the pattern, you’ll be waiting for the breakout to occur, which signals the trend is strengthening.

As you can see in the GBP/JPY 5-minute chart below, the market is in a downward trend. However, at some point during the trend, prices have consolidated, creating descending highs and a lower support trend line.

Then, when the breakout occurs, the pattern is confirmed and the bearish trend continues. A trader will, therefore, enter a position after the breakout with a stop loss at the highest level of the last price swing inside the triangle. 

To sum up, here are the steps you need to take in order to identify and trade the descending triangle candlestick pattern.

1. Identify price consolidation during a bearish trend
2. Draw the lower horizontal line with at least two failed attempts to break the support level
3. Recognize a descending trendline with at least two lower highs
4. Wait for the breakout to occur and place a selling order when the first candle following the breakout closes below the lower line (in order to confirm the breakout).
5. Set a stop-loss order above the lower horizontal support line

How to Trade Forex Using the Descending Triangle Candlestick Pattern – Strategies and Examples

Simply put, trading the descending triangle pattern means you are looking to join a trend. As a continuation chart pattern, it helps you find a price signal where you can enter a position and make profits.

Still, to help you understand how to trade this unique chart pattern, below we are going to show how to use the breakout trading strategy and the descending triangle measuring technique.

1. The Descending Triangle Breakout Trading Strategy

When trading the market using chart patterns, it’s all about trading the breakout. Whether the formation is a trend reversal pattern or continuation pattern, in the vast majority of cases, you’ll be looking to enter a trade after the breakout occurs and the price gets outside of a defined price range. 

Not surprisingly, this is also the case with the descending triangle pattern. In the chart below, you can see how the breakout helps you find a good entry-level by using the descending triangle pattern:

One important aspect to keep in mind when trading the breakout is where you should place your stop-loss order. After all, there are lots of false breakouts and the markets typically have an unpredictable nature. 

To avoid this, it’s best to place a stop-loss order (or exit a position without setting a stop-loss order) at the highest level of the last price swing before the breakout occurred (the orange line). 

2. The Measuring Technique for Taking Profit Target

In technical analysis, the measuring technique helps traders estimate the next price movement based on previous trading activity. In other words, if you know how to correctly use this technique, you’ll be able to predict the length of the next trend. 

The great thing about the descending triangle pattern is that you can use the measuring technique and know exactly where to place your take profit order. In the chart below, you can see how the “AB” line is equal to the “CD” line. So, if you were using this technique, you could potentially predict your exact profit target.

The Descending Triangle Candlestick Pattern – Pros and Cons

Here are the most common pros and cons of trading the descending triangle candlestick pattern:

Everything About the Descending Triangle Pattern in One Video

In this video, our trading analysts explain how to identify and trade the descending triangle pattern.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, here are the key takeaways:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the descending triangle pattern in forex:

What does a descending triangle pattern indicate?

A descending triangle pattern indicates that the previous trend is still in effect. It is a continuation pattern that shows a period of price consolidation during a downward trend and signals traders when to join the trend. 

How do you trade a descending triangle pattern?

The best way to trade the descending triangle pattern is to enter a selling position after the first candle closes below the support level and use the measuring technique to evaluate the profit target. A stop loss should be placed at the highest level of the last price swing inside the triangle. 

What’s the difference between the descending triangle chart pattern and the falling wedge pattern?

Even though the descending triangle pattern and the falling wedge pattern have similar formations, they are different in meaning and outcome. While the falling wedge is a trend reversal pattern with lower lows and lower highs trendlines, the descending triangle pattern is a continuation pattern that has lower highs and equal lows that create a horizontal support level.