As of 02/21/2025   Indus: 43,428 -748.63 -1.7%     Trans: 16,034 -430.64 -2.6%     Utils: 1,023 +3.75 +0.4%     Nasdaq: 19,524 -438.35 -2.2%     S&P 500: 6,013 -104.39 -1.7%	YTD  +2.1%    +0.9%    +4.1%    +1.1%    +2.2%	Targets    Overview: 02/13/2025     42,500 or 45,000 by 03/01/2025   16,900 or 15,800 by 03/01/2025   1,050 or 970 by 03/01/2025   19,200 or 20,500 by 03/01/2025   5,875 or 6,200 by 03/01/2025
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 2/19/25

As of 02/21/2025   Indus: 43,428 -748.63 -1.7%     Trans: 16,034 -430.64 -2.6%     Utils: 1,023 +3.75 +0.4%     Nasdaq: 19,524 -438.35 -2.2%     S&P 500: 6,013 -104.39 -1.7%	YTD  +2.1%    +0.9%    +4.1%    +1.1%    +2.2%
Targets    Overview: 02/13/2025     42,500 or 45,000 by 03/01/2025   16,900 or 15,800 by 03/01/2025   1,050 or 970 by 03/01/2025   19,200 or 20,500 by 03/01/2025   5,875 or 6,200 by 03/01/2025
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 2/19/25

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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