As of 05/01/2026   Indus: 49,499 -152.87 -0.3%     Trans: 20,598 -195.32 -0.9%     Utils: 1,157 -8.12 -0.7%     Nasdaq: 25,114 +222.13 +0.9%     S&P 500: 7,230 +21.11 +0.3%	YTD  +3.0%    +18.7%    +8.3%    +8.1%    +5.6%	Targets    Overview: 04/30/2026     51,000 or 47,000 by 05/15/2026   19,700 or 22,300 by 05/15/2026   1,200 or 1,120 by 05/15/2026   25,800 or 23,800 by 05/15/2026   7,300 or 6,800 by 05/15/2026
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 4/10/26

As of 05/01/2026   Indus: 49,499 -152.87 -0.3%     Trans: 20,598 -195.32 -0.9%     Utils: 1,157 -8.12 -0.7%     Nasdaq: 25,114 +222.13 +0.9%     S&P 500: 7,230 +21.11 +0.3%	YTD  +3.0%    +18.7%    +8.3%    +8.1%    +5.6%
Targets    Overview: 04/30/2026     51,000 or 47,000 by 05/15/2026   19,700 or 22,300 by 05/15/2026   1,200 or 1,120 by 05/15/2026   25,800 or 23,800 by 05/15/2026   7,300 or 6,800 by 05/15/2026
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 4/10/26

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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