As of 06/17/2025   Indus: 42,216 -299.29 -0.7%     Trans: 14,689 -213.11 -1.4%     Utils: 1,028 -2.87 -0.3%     Nasdaq: 19,521 -180.12 -0.9%     S&P 500: 5,983 -50.39 -0.8%	YTD -0.8%   -7.6%    +4.6%    +1.1%    +1.7%	Targets    Overview: 06/13/2025     44,000 or 41,200 by 07/01/2025   16,000 or 14,500 by 07/01/2025   1,080 or 1,010 by 07/01/2025   20,500 or 19,000 by 07/01/2025   6,150 or 5,850 by 07/01/2025
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 6/12/25

As of 06/17/2025   Indus: 42,216 -299.29 -0.7%     Trans: 14,689 -213.11 -1.4%     Utils: 1,028 -2.87 -0.3%     Nasdaq: 19,521 -180.12 -0.9%     S&P 500: 5,983 -50.39 -0.8%	YTD -0.8%   -7.6%    +4.6%    +1.1%    +1.7%
Targets    Overview: 06/13/2025     44,000 or 41,200 by 07/01/2025   16,000 or 14,500 by 07/01/2025   1,080 or 1,010 by 07/01/2025   20,500 or 19,000 by 07/01/2025   6,150 or 5,850 by 07/01/2025
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 6/12/25

Bulkowski on the Reverse Symmetrical Triangle Elliott Wave Pattern

This page describes the reverse symmetrical triangle pattern of the Elliott wave principle, how price moves not in a straight line but in a series of rises and retracements.

The figure to the right shows what a reverse symmetrical triangle looks like in a bull market. The reverse symmetrical triangle is a region of horizontal price movement, a consolidation of a prior move, and it is composed of "threes." That means each of the A-B-C-D-E waves have three subwaves. I labeled the B subwaves with red numbers, 1, 2, and 3, as an example.

In a reverse symmetrical triangle, the shape of the pattern follows two diverging trendlines, shown here as red lines. A reverse symmetrical triangle is more commonly known as a broadening top or broadening bottom. According to Frost and Prechter, "There are no variations on the rarer expanding triangle," which is another name for the reverse symmetrical triangle. I have not looked for the 3-3-3-3-3 combination, but I do know that other broadening patterns exist. Check out: right-angled broadening top, ascending, right-angled broadening top, descending, broadening wedge, ascending, and broadening wedge, descending.

A reverse symmetrical triangle in a bear market is an inverted picture of a bull market triangle. The price action swings from trendline to trendline, and diverges. The A-B-C-D-E waves subdivide into threes, forming a 3-3-3-3-3 configuration.

Reverse Symmetrical Triangle Rules

The reverse symmetrical triangle has rules that govern its shape. They are listed here.

• The waves bottom and top out following two diverging trendlines.
• Five waves compose the reverse symmetrical triangle (A-B-C-D-E).
• Each of the A-B-C-D-E waves are composed of three subwaves, so it has a 3-3-3-3-3 configuration.

-- Thomas Bulkowski

See Also

• A broadening top has price entering the pattern from the bottom.
• A broadening bottom is a reverse symmetrical triangle.
• Here is the main resource for Elliott wave information.
• Support and resistance. Learn the various types.
• Market direction. 7 tips to determining.
• Trading cycles help time your entries and exits.
• Trend change detection using a triangle apex.

 

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