The Inverted Head and Shoulders pattern is one of the most recognized patterns in technical analysis, especially within the Reversal Chart Pattern category. This pattern is considered the opposite of the standard Head and Shoulders pattern and is often relied upon by traders to identify potential trend reversals from bearish (downtrend) to bullish (uptrend). Although this pattern does not appear frequently, its reliability makes it an essential tool in trading strategies.
What is the Inverted Head and Shoulders Pattern?
Simply put, the Inverted Head and Shoulders pattern is a formation that indicates a reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. Its appearance suggests that selling pressure has reached its lowest point, and the market is beginning to reverse upward. This is a strong signal for traders that the bearish trend has ended and a new bullish trend is about to begin.
Key Features of the Inverted Head and Shoulders Pattern
The Inverted Head and Shoulders pattern consists of three main components: two shoulders and one head. Below is a detailed explanation of its features:
- Left Shoulder: Forms when the price declines to a certain low point and then rises again, creating the left shoulder.
- Head: After the left shoulder, the price falls further than the first decline, creating the lowest point known as the head.
- Right Shoulder: After forming the head, the price rises again but then declines, though not as low as the head, forming the right shoulder.
Once these three elements are formed, the Inverted Head and Shoulders pattern is considered complete when the price breaks through the neckline, which is the line connecting the peaks of both shoulders.
Principles of the Inverted Head and Shoulders Pattern
The basic principle behind this pattern is a price decline to a point where the market cannot sustain lower prices, followed by a price recovery. This pattern reflects a psychological shift in the market, where selling interest starts to weaken, and buying pressure increases.
- Right Shoulder: Indicates that the price can no longer fall lower and may even move higher than the head, showing that selling pressure is diminishing.
- Breakout Point: When the price successfully breaks through the neckline, it becomes a strong signal that the trend has reversed to bullish.
Trading Strategies with the Inverted Head and Shoulders Pattern
The Inverted Head and Shoulders pattern offers several trading opportunities:
- Buying (Entry): You can enter a buy position when the price breaks through the neckline by placing a buy order slightly above the breakout point.
- Selling (Stop-Loss): If the price declines again and breaks through the support level at the right shoulder or head, you may consider closing the position or setting a stop-loss.
- Profit-Taking: The profit target is usually set at a distance equal to the distance between the head and the neckline, measured from the breakout point.
The Inverted Head and Shoulders pattern is one of the most reliable reversal patterns in technical analysis. Although it is rare, when it forms, it provides a strong signal of potential trend reversal. Mastering this pattern and utilizing it in your trading strategy can help you identify profitable entry opportunities in volatile market conditions. In the next article, we will further discuss the role of volume in confirming this pattern and how to use it to enhance your trading accuracy.