Short-Term Trading Opportunity With The Inside Bar PDF Print E-mail
Written by Chris Blanchet   
Friday, 03 July 2009 14:43
As far as learning technical analysis goes, many investors will make short-term trades based on longer-term, "solid" patterns such as the head and shoulders top covered previously in this series. The problem with relying on solid patterns is that they are generally longer-term in nature and may not produce the short-term returns one hopes for.
by ChrisBlanchet


As far as learning technical analysis goes, many investors will make short-term trades based on longer-term, "solid" patterns such as the head and shoulders top covered previously in this series. The problem with relying on solid patterns is that they are generally longer-term in nature and may not produce the short-term returns one hopes for.

The inside bar pattern is one such pattern from which investors can take short-term cues. This pattern indicates a possible change in investor sentiment in the short-term. In other words, if the overall trend has been heading down, the inside bar often indicates a reversal in that trend.

Spotting an Inside Bar

For investors who are learning technical analysis, identifying the inside bar might be a little more difficult. It involves a taller bar one day, followed a smaller bar the next. The smaller bar consists of a trading range within the preceding day's taller bar.

Find Supporting Data

When it comes to using the inside bar to commit to a trade, investors should seek additional confirmation through additional analysis. This step is often overlooked when investors start learning technical analysis. Other analysis includes fundamental data for the security, sector and market, as well as technical data such as support and resistance levels and momentum.

When it comes to analyzing the inside bar pattern, investors will achieve better trading results from this pattern when the inbound trend is steeper. Additionally, investors will want the first bar to be longer, which suggests the inbound momentum has climaxed. As for the second bar, the narrower the better as this indicates that the reversal will be more dramatic.

Lastly, investors should notice that volume on the smaller bar is lighter. This suggests a more balanced trading activity.

When it comes to learning technical analysis, investors should remember that there are many other indicators that need to confirm their trade decisions. As well, there are plenty of specialized software programs available to make simple buy and sell recommendations.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Chris Blanchet has been a Financial Advisor for more than 16 years. For investors looking to learn technical analysis for free, Chris offers a free e-course at Online Trader Today.com. His personal debt-free blog can be found at How To Repay Debt.com.