As of 02/26/2026   Indus: 49,499 +17.05 +0.0%     Trans: 19,734 +414.21 +2.1%     Utils: 1,181 -0.24 0.0%     Nasdaq: 22,878 -273.70 -1.2%     S&P 500: 6,909 -37.27 -0.5%	YTD  +3.0%    +13.7%    +10.6%   -1.6%    +0.9%	Targets    Overview: 02/13/2026     50,500 or 48,300 by 03/01/2026   20,200 or 18,150 by 03/01/2026   1,250 or 1,125 by 03/01/2026   24,750 or 22,000 by 03/01/2026   7,250 or 6,600 by 03/01/2026
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 2/26/26

As of 02/26/2026   Indus: 49,499 +17.05 +0.0%     Trans: 19,734 +414.21 +2.1%     Utils: 1,181 -0.24 0.0%     Nasdaq: 22,878 -273.70 -1.2%     S&P 500: 6,909 -37.27 -0.5%	YTD  +3.0%    +13.7%    +10.6%   -1.6%    +0.9%
Targets    Overview: 02/13/2026     50,500 or 48,300 by 03/01/2026   20,200 or 18,150 by 03/01/2026   1,250 or 1,125 by 03/01/2026   24,750 or 22,000 by 03/01/2026   7,250 or 6,600 by 03/01/2026
Chart Pattern Indicator: on 2/26/26

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.

 

Support this site! Clicking any of the books (below) takes you to Amazon.com If you buy ANYTHING while there, they pay for the referral.
Legal notice for paid links: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."

My Stock Market Books Invest for Two-Comma Wealth, Second Edition  Chart Patterns: After the Buy Encyclopedia of Chart Pattern, 3rd Edition Fundamental Analysis and Position Trading Getting Started in Chart Patterns, 2nd Edition Swing and Day Trading Trading Basics

My Novels Bumper's Story Orb Foresight Rewrite Coming! Head's Law Remember Me

Copyright © 2005-2026 by Thomas N. Bulkowski. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: You alone are responsible for your investment decisions. See Privacy/Disclaimer for more information.

Some pattern names are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Home Advertise Contact Privacy/Disclaimer ☰

Sure you can trust the government. Just ask a native American!