The Illusion of Patterns: Why They Often Fail in Trading

8월 12일

The theory of pattern trading suggests that candlestick formations are rooted in psychological behavior. For instance, when a triangle or box pattern breaks out, it often signals a sudden surge of buying or selling following a period of consolidation. However, it's important to note that not all patterns yield reliable results. In this post, we will explore the reasons why some patterns fail and discuss how to enhance their effectiveness.

A strong support level at which a doji appears, a breakout of the trendline by a large candlestick upwards is a clear signal for an uptrend. However, after the breakout, a new pattern appears, crossing out the signal of the previous one. The support level is eventually broken by the ongoing downtrend.


Why don't patterns always work? Why should they work at all, considering that it's ultimately the trader who must take action? It's akin to expecting a hammer to drive nails without any effort on our part. A common misconception is to believe that the mere appearance of a pattern guarantees a certain outcome, while neglecting other crucial factors that can influence market behavior.

A pattern is primarily a visual representation that should encourage traders to conduct a deeper analysis, not serve as a definitive signal for entry points. The theory behind patterns can be misleading; rather than promoting an analytical mindset when a pattern is identified, it often fosters a rigid response: “Buy if this pattern appears, and sell if that one does.” This approach is fundamentally flawed. A pattern is merely a compilation of historical data presented in a particular format, which does not inherently predict future price movements. Instead of relying solely on patterns, traders should focus on analyzing the broader context and underlying factors influencing the market.


📍 Why Patterns Do Not Work in Trading ?

1. Identification Errors. Once you've familiarized yourself with 15 of the most popular trading patterns, you may notice two significant points. First, theoretical analyses often feature illustrations rather than actual screenshots. This makes sense—capturing a "butterfly" or a "cup with a handle" can be quite challenging and may require either a vivid imagination or years of chart analysis. Second, patterns can transition from one to another; for instance, a long-tailed bar might evolve into three crows or soldiers. Additionally, there are instances when patterns may even contradict each other, further complicating their reliability.

2. Wishful Thinking. Traders often fall into the trap of wishing a pattern exists where it does not. This bias can lead to misguided decisions.

3. The Dominance of Other Factors. In addition to identification errors and wishful thinking, other factors—particularly fundamental ones—often have a much stronger influence on market movements. Patterns do not occur in a vacuum; they must be considered alongside economic indicators, news events, and broader market sentiment.


Have you noticed that there is little research on the effectiveness of trading patterns? The reason for this is that accurately identifying the presence of a signal can be quite challenging. A pattern is simply a specific candlestick formation that has occurred in a particular way, but it does not guarantee any subsequent price movement. In contrast, indicators offer clear interpretations: for example, when the price crosses a moving average, that's a signal, or when an oscillator enters the overbought or oversold zone, it's a preliminary signal. The appearance of a doji, on the other hand, represents merely a balance in the market and is not always a definitive signal. Patterns cannot be rigorously tested like indicators because their signals tend to be ambiguous.


📍 How To Make Patterns More Effective ?

• Remember that it’s not the pattern that dictates a trend or a reversal; it’s the underlying trend that shapes the pattern. For example, if a "triangle" forms within a consolidating market, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that a new trend will emerge.

• Patterns tend to be more reliable over shorter time frames, typically represented by one to three candles. On the other hand, indicators provide an average value and, while less precise, they can have a longer-lasting impact. This means that following a reversal pattern, an opposing pattern might develop within just a few candles. If an indicator shows a significant deviation from the average price, there's still a good chance that the price might revert to the mean. Thus, while identifying corrections using patterns can be beneficial, we should exercise caution when predicting reversals.


📍 Conclusion

Why don’t patterns always work? The answer lies in the approach taken by the trader. Patterns are merely tools; their effectiveness greatly depends on the skill and understanding of the person using them. There are no perfect tools in trading, but experience plays a crucial role in enabling traders to navigate various market conditions and make informed decisions. By honing your skills and deepening your understanding of both patterns and the broader market context, you can enhance your ability to utilize these tools effectively and respond to different trading scenarios.

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