As of 01/17/2025   Indus: 43,488 +334.70 +0.8%     Trans: 16,431 -169.75 -1.0%     Utils: 1,013 +1.53 +0.2%     Nasdaq: 19,630 +291.91 +1.5%     S&P 500: 5,997 +59.32 +1.0%	YTD  +2.2%    +3.4%    +3.0%    +1.7%    +2.0%	Targets    Overview: 01/15/2025     44,700 or 41,600 by 02/01/2025   17,200 or 15,700 by 02/01/2025   1,050 or 950 by 02/01/2025   20,500 or 18,670 by 02/01/2025   6,100 or 5,700 by 02/01/2025
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 1/13/25

As of 01/17/2025   Indus: 43,488 +334.70 +0.8%     Trans: 16,431 -169.75 -1.0%     Utils: 1,013 +1.53 +0.2%     Nasdaq: 19,630 +291.91 +1.5%     S&P 500: 5,997 +59.32 +1.0%	YTD  +2.2%    +3.4%    +3.0%    +1.7%    +2.0%
Targets    Overview: 01/15/2025     44,700 or 41,600 by 02/01/2025   17,200 or 15,700 by 02/01/2025   1,050 or 950 by 02/01/2025   20,500 or 18,670 by 02/01/2025   6,100 or 5,700 by 02/01/2025
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 1/13/25

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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