Learn point and figure chartPoint and figure charting is a type of technical analysis that is used to identify trends and potential buying or selling opportunities in a security's price. Unlike traditional bar charts, which display a security's price and volume over a while, point and figure charts only show price movements, disregarding the passage of time.
The chart is constructed using a grid, with X's and O's plotted on it. An X is plotted when the security's price increases above a certain level, known as the box size. Conversely, an O is plotted when the price falls below that level. The box size is the minimum price movement required for a new column to be added to the chart.
The point and figure chart are read by looking for patterns of X's and O's. A series of consecutive X's indicates an uptrend, while a series of consecutive Os indicates a downtrend. The number of Xs or O's in a column before a new column is added is known as the reversal amount.
Support and resistance levels can also be identified by analyzing the chart. Support levels are identified as areas where the price has difficulty falling below, while resistance levels are identified as areas where the price has difficulty rising above.
Traders can also use point and figure charts to set price targets and stop-loss levels. The price target is the level at which a trader expects the price to reach and the stop-loss is the level at which a trader exits a trade to limit their losses.
In point and figure charting, a double top or double bottom is a chart pattern that is formed when a security's price reaches a high or low level twice and then falls back. This can be a sign of a trend reversal and could indicate a buying or selling opportunity.
Another pattern is the triple top and triple bottom, which is similar to the double top and bottom but the security's price reaches the high or low level three times before reversing.
It's worth noting that point and figure charting is a discretionary method of technical analysis, and it requires a certain level of experience and knowledge to correctly interpret the chart. It's more commonly used in stock trading, but it can also be applied to other securities such as futures and commodities.
