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In my first article on Point and Figure (P&F) charting, I discussed the basics of creating that style of chart. In this article, I will build upon that knowledge and show more advanced methods for identifying patterns and projecting price movement. I want to mention that I tend to use this method of charting for longer term swing or position trades rather than intraday. Remember that time is not a factor while attempting to achieve targets in P&F and you will likely hold positions for some time.

Patterns in P&F charts are a bit different than what you may be used to in candlestick charting. A triple top formation is not necessarily a reversal formation, it could be a continuation. It will still offer a trading opportunity however. Look at the following examples of both the bullish and bearish triple formation.

Stocks


Stocks

Even patterns such as triangles are visible and can be traded on P&F charts. They will work in much the same manner as they would on candlestick charts.

Stocks

Stocks

I previously discussed the use of horizontal price projections. Many traders choose a different price projection method. If you are not using a 1 box reversal chart and have instead selected a three box, (this refers to how much price would have to reverse for you to start a new column, $10×3 means price would have reversed a minimum of $30), you can try the vertical price projection method. I have found this style to be more accurate in projecting targets.

The vertical price projection can only be made under certain circumstances. They are:
  1. 1st move off a bottom (1st row of X’s)

  2. 1st move down from top (1st row of O’s)

  3. 2nd move from top or bottom

Stock

Once you have counted the correct column, you can multiply that count by the per box value and then multiply that number by the size for reversal. Your result should then either be added to the price bottom or subtracted from the price top to give you the price projection.

Stock

Now that we know the basics and what to look for, let’s examine a few P&F charts to see this technique in action. I have a chart of the S&P 500 Index 10×3 point and figure format. The 10 means I need a minimum of a 10 point move between closing prices to make a new box of X’s or O’s. I must also have a minimum of 30 points (10×3), to start a new column for a reversal. The numbers and letters refer to the months (1-9 are Jan. to Sept., A-C are Oct. to Dec.)

Stock

I can do the same with charts of individual stocks. I would simply adjust the box size on the chart for stocks or the indexes due to their higher or lower prices.

Stocks

If you are looking for smaller duration trades, you can lessen the box size and also the closing periods. I had been using the daily closes on the previous charts. Depending on the trading software that you use, you can set box size smaller. This makes the chart more sensitive and allows you to see intraday activity. You can set the chart’s period to five minutes. If the close from a five minute period would cause a change in the chart, it is noted instead of waiting for the daily close.

By adjusting the box size and even what closing price the box will use, you can create all types of interesting charts to follow trends in the intraday or even multi decade trend following charts. The possibilities are limitless. Next week we will examine more strategies on point and figure charts and how to use them in conjunction with our core strategy of supply and demand.

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Neither Freedom Management Partners nor any of its personnel are registered broker-dealers or investment advisers. I will mention that I consider certain securities or positions to be good candidates for the types of strategies we are discussing or illustrating. Because I consider the securities or positions appropriate to the discussion or for illustration purposes does not mean that I am telling you to trade the strategies or securities. Keep in mind that we are not providing you with recommendations or personalized advice about your trading activities. The information we are providing is not tailored to any individual. Any mention of a particular security is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold that or any other security or a suggestion that it is suitable for any specific person. Keep in mind that all trading involves a risk of loss, and this will always be the situation, regardless of whether we are discussing strategies that are intended to limit risk. Also, Freedom Management Partners’ personnel are not subject to trading restrictions. I and others at Freedom Management Partners could have a position in a security or initiate a position in a security at any time.

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD rises to daily tops past 1.0800 post-NFP

EUR/USD rises to daily tops past 1.0800 post-NFP

The selling bias in the Greenback gathers extra pace on Friday after the US economy created fewer jobs than initially estimated in April, lifting EUR/USD to the area of fresh peaks above 1.0800.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD surpasses 1.2600 after disheartening US Payrolls

GBP/USD surpasses 1.2600 after disheartening US Payrolls

The resumption of the downward pressure in the US Dollar motivates GBP/USD to extend its earlier advance to the area beyond 1.2600 the figure in the wake of the release of US NFP.

GBP/USD News

USD/JPY bounces of key level in softer NFP print

USD/JPY bounces of key level in softer NFP print

The Japanese Yen is set to lock in a staggering performance for this week against the US Dollar. The Yen has appreciated over 3% following Japan’s intervention to propel the currency and the Fed’s less-hawkish rhetoric. The US Dollar Index slips below 105.00 with softer NFP print. 

USD/JPY News

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD rises to daily tops past 1.0800 post-NFP

EUR/USD rises to daily tops past 1.0800 post-NFP

The selling bias in the Greenback gathers extra pace on Friday after the US economy created fewer jobs than initially estimated in April, lifting EUR/USD to the area of fresh peaks above 1.0800.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD surpasses 1.2600 after disheartening US Payrolls

GBP/USD surpasses 1.2600 after disheartening US Payrolls

The resumption of the downward pressure in the US Dollar motivates GBP/USD to extend its earlier advance to the area beyond 1.2600 the figure in the wake of the release of US NFP.

GBP/USD News

Gold climbs to new highs above $2,300 on poor NFP prints

Gold climbs to new highs above $2,300 on poor NFP prints

The precious metal maintains its bullish stance and breaks above the $2,300 barrier on Friday after US Nonfarm Payrolls showed the economy added fewer jobs than expected during last month.

Gold News

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: Should you buy BTC here? Premium

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: Should you buy BTC here?

Bitcoin (BTC) price shows signs of a potential reversal but lacks confirmation, which has divided the investor community into two – those who are buying the dips and those who are expecting a further correction.

Read more

Week ahead – BoE and RBA decisions headline a calm week

Week ahead – BoE and RBA decisions headline a calm week

Bank of England meets on Thursday, unlikely to signal rate cuts. Reserve Bank of Australia could maintain a higher-for-longer stance. Elsewhere, Bank of Japan releases summary of opinions.

Read more

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