Tips for Trading Ascending Triangles Short

By Jeff Cartridge

The ascending triangle chart pattern is a very well known pattern that has been used by many successful traders over the years on the long side, but is not always traded short. An ascending triangle is formed when the price action is contained within two lines. The top line is close to horizontal while the bottom line slopes up towards the top line.

Ascending Triangles Can Be Traded Short

Most ascending triangles would be expected to break up and most of the time this is true, but 36% break out to the downside making it possible to trade on the short side. Just 44% of these breakouts are profitable and on average the profit per trade is only 0.31% over a period of 9 days. The ascending triangle is not one of the best chart patterns when it breaks to the downside, but applying some filters can make this pattern more attractive to trade.

Refine Your Entries

Short breakouts from ascending triangles work better in falling markets which is clear from the results that were achieved in 2000, 2002 and 2008. The best short trades occur at market turning points. The market and the stock should be in an up trend or consolidating, with the sector consolidating or falling for the best results when trading ascending triangles short.

A breakout from an ascending triangle is best if it occurs later in the pattern, in fact all the way to the point of the pattern is good, but not near the start. The best trades occur when a down side break occurs after the stock bounces off the lower boundary and drops back before hitting the upper boundary.

If volume supports an ascending triangle breakout then the profitability of the trades improves. For volume to support the breakout, volume when the stock is going down should be greater than volume when the stock is going up.

Short Trading Ascending Triangles Can Be Profitable

Incorporating these simple changes when selecting ascending triangles to trade short, dramatically improves the results. With an average return per trade of 1.07% in 10 days and a hit rate of 52% it is possible for ascending triangles to be traded short successfully.

Note: Statistics for this article have been provided by Patterns Trader after analyzing over 60,000 chart patterns on the Australian market from 2000 - 2008.

About the Author:

Jeff Cartridge has been trading chart patterns since 1998 and created the website LearnCFDs.com Ways to Make Serious Money With A Small Investment

Customized Signs Are The Way To Go

By Sam Peterson

With how fast our society moves these days, businesses can really benefit from a sign to catch the attention of their potential customers flying by. Custom signs have proven to be one of the most effective ways of catching this attention. Custom signs can literally take the form of anything you can think up and put to paper.

Having a business in a strip mall can also pose a signage issue. Since every other shop will be having the same issue, you will be wise to attempt to stand out - but in a good way, of course! Strip malls tend to be located off the busy streets and can also be angled in a way that is difficult to see from a car as you go by. Get yourself a sign that catches the eye, but is not a turn off for your potential customers.

Custom signs are a great way to get customers in your place of business. The bolder, the more creative, the better! Many people won't even give your business a chance if they think your sign looks tacky or if it isn't visible. If it isn't visible from the street, customers could miss your business and go elsewhere. If your sign is unique customers will be more likely to remember your business and tell their friends about you.

A more elegant sign can also play a huge role in not only catching people's attention, but also their respect. Made from solid acrylic, these signs can very closely resemble granite, giving them a very elegant look. They even come in a variety of colors such as cobalt blue, maroon, white, black, and jade green. If you're looking for a change from the traditional florescent sign, these are a great alternative.

The sign that you use for your business can really give your customers their first impression as they approach your office doors. With custom signs, you have the ability to play a big role in what that first impression is. Ordering a sign from a custom sign company (rather than just a regular sign company) can also enable you to have the personal touch of having your very own company logo on the sign.

You can also create a sign for something other than a business. Many people will create signs that are against things like soliciting or littering. These signs are less tacky than your conventional "do not" signs. Customized signs are really a great alternative.

The industry of custom signs is growing larger every year, so it will be beneficial for your to do your research before purchasing. It may be a good idea to ask around as well. Maybe you've seen a sign on a building that you loved. Don't be afraid to ask them where they got it. Doing the footwork before the final decision can certainly save a lot of time and money.

So, whether you need a sign for "no trespassing" or a sign that has your business logo, custom signs are sure to give you the options you need to get the desired outcome.

About the Author:

Sam Peterson has studied the effects of custom signs on businesses in several circumstances. He has been able to study the effect office signs have on the success of a business. To see more about custom signs you can read other articles written by Sam.