Flag

A technical charting pattern that looks like a flag with a mast on either side. Flags result from price fluctuations within a narrow range and mark a consolidation before the previous move resumes.  Likewise, "pennant" formations are usually treated like flag formations because they are very similar in appearance, tend to show up at the same place in an existing trend, and have the same volume and measuring criteria.   

 



Flags and pennants are among the most reliable of continuation patterns and only rarely produce a trend reversal. The only difference between the two patterns is that a flag resembles a parallelogram (or rectangle) marked by two parallel trend lines that tend to slope against the prevailing trend. The pennant, however, is identified by two converging trend lines and more horizontal which resembles a small symmetrical triangle. The important thing to remember is that they are both characterized by diminishing trade volume and though different, the measuring implications are the same for both patterns as demonstrated in the above illustration.   





Continuation Patterns - Part 1 - Here we pay some attention to the triangle, usually one of the first chart patterns that a novice technician learns.

Continuation Patterns - Part 2 - Take a closer look at triangles, which appear in ascending, descending and symmetrical forms

Continuation Patterns - Part 3 - Take a closer look at Ascending and Descending Triangles.

Triangles: A Short Study in Continuation Patterns - Learn how to read these formations of horizontal trading patterns.
Related Terms

Pennant

Technical Analysis

Triangle

Wedge

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