Elliott Wave Patterns

Impulsive Wave Patterns

1. Extended waves - waves that is elongated in nature with smaller sub-waves that are distinctively visible.

Among impulsive waves 1, 3 and 5 only one wave should become an extended wave.  

2. Diagonal triangle - applies to wave 5, which is prone to producing a weaker move/wave and as a result the sub-waves within it can evolve into a diagonal triangle.

3. Complete 5th wave failure - applies to wave 5, where it can be so week that it fails to surpass the wave 3, resulting in a double top formation. (See the second illustration on the image above)

Corrective Wave patterns

Corrective Wave forms are more complicated in nature. They we can be categorized into six major forms:

 Zig-Zag:

an ABC pattern composed of 5-3-5 sequence, where wave B doesn't exceed the start of wave A while Wave C moves far beyond the end of wave A.

Flat:

an ABC pattern composed of 3-3-5 sequence, where all three waves are of the same lenght.

Irregular:

an ABC pattern composed of 3-3-5 sequence, where wave B exceeds the start of wave A while wave C moves close to (or beyond) the end of wave A.

Horizontal Triangle:

5-wave triangular pattern composed of 3-3-3-3-3 progressively smaller waves. Usually such triangles happen in the 4th wave in the impulsive sequence. 

Double Three:

an ABC-x-ABC pattern composed of any two patterns (zigzags, flats, irregulars or triangles) and linked by x wave.

Double Three wave examples:

Triple Three:

an ABC-x-ABC-x-ABC pattern composed of any three patters (zigzags, flats, irregulars or triangles) and linked by two x waves.

Triple Three wave example:

Double Three and Triple Three are very complex corrective patterns, so don't be discouraged if you can't count them accurately. Be sure to use additional technical analysis (or indicators) if your waves aren't lining up for the moment. 

Always seek for the clarity in any Elliott wave pattern before pulling a trigger, but don't get stuck if the patterns don't emerge, instead use another other analysis methods that can offer a better edge in challenging market conditions.

Note: In all ABC corrections (ZigZag, Flat, Irregular, Double Three, Triple Three) Wave C consists of a 5-wave pattern. This knowledge is very useful when planning entries after wave C on an new impulsive wave.