Strategy 5: HEAD AND SHOULDERS PATTERN

 

key action points when identifying this pattern:

1. Identify the overall market trend using price action and technical indicators (preceding uptrend)
2. Isolate the Head and Shoulders chart construction
3. The distance between the ‘Head’ and ‘Shoulders’ should be as close to equidistant as possible
4. Delineate the neckline at the low point between both ‘shoulders’ – preferably horizontal but not obligatory

The Head and Shoulders chart pattern is a price reversal pattern that helps traders identify when a reversal may be underway after a trend has exhausted itself. This reversal signals the end of an uptrend. The Head and Shoulders pattern has a distinctive appearance resembling its namesake which includes a distinct ‘left shoulder’, ‘head’, ‘right shoulder’ and ‘neckline’ formation.

WHAT IS THE INVERSE HEAD AND SHOULDERS PATTERN?

The Inverse Head and Shoulders (informally known as the 'Reverse Head and Shoulders pattern) resembles the same structure as the standard foration but reversed. The Inverse Head and Shoulders is observable in a downtrend (see image below) and indicates a reversal of a downtrend as higher lows are created.

There is a general rule of thumb to designate stop and limit levels. Taking the high point off the ‘right shoulder’ will specify the stop level whilst the vertical distance between the neckline and high of the ‘head’ will approximate the limit distance – 1832.8 pips in this case. The risk-reward ratio on this trade is roughly 1:1.2 which is still within the DailyFX recommended risk management parameters.