Lines, trendlines and channelsLines are one-dimensional figures that extend endlessly into a future and which connect the price segments on a chart. They are often used to determine a trend and particular support and resistance levels. Lines are easy to draw and use as technical tools. Over time, lines became implemented into various trading systems such as Andrews' Pitchfork and Gann Fan Lines. However, lines have countless more uses. For example, lines can be used to section particular parts of a price pattern. Additionally, they can be used to draw horizontal support and resistance levels. Lines also find utility in measuring the speed of the price ascend or descend. Furthermore, they can be deployed in various trading strategies and used to identify a trend.
Illustration 1.01
The picture above shows the daily chart of Microsoft Corporation stock. A simple dashed line (white) measures the percentual decline between 22nd November 2021 and 8th March 2022.
Trendline
The trendline is a simple line that connects prices across a chart. It reflects a primary trend in the prices of stocks, commodities, etc. Trendlines can be used to construct channels and numerous different bodies. In addition to that, trendlines can also act as resistance or support.
Illustration 1.02
Illustration 1.02 shows Lockheed Martin stock on the daily chart. It also shows the trendline (white) pointed to the upside as it cuts through a substantial portion of lows.
Channels
Channel can be constructed by two parallel trendlines, which act as support and resistance levels. A channel can be sloped upward or downward depending on the general trend of prices. When a channel is correctly determined and drawn, the price often moves between the two boundaries. However, occasional breakouts occur. As a result, they establish a new trend or validate a current one once the price returns to a channel.
Illustration 1.03
The image above shows the daily chart of gold. The channel (white lines/boundaries) can be observed as well. False breakout took place on 27th January 2022. However, the price retraced back into the channel on 9th February 2022.
Resistance and support levels
Often, a line or trendline acts as a particular support or resistance level. The function of these two levels is to halt price rise or decline. Typically, it is considered bullish when resistance is penetrated to the upside. Contrarily, when support fails to hold selling pressure and breaks, it is usually a bearish sign. Resistance and support can be drawn by a simple horizontal line. However, resistance and support can be at a slope. That is common, for example, for channels in a strong uptrend or downtrend. Generally, the significance of support or resistance grows with an increasing number of successful halts being put to a price rise or decline.
Illustration 1.04
Illustration 1.04 portrays the daily chart of Bitcoin. Major support and resistance levels are indicated by white horizontal lines. The first top also acts as the resistance of utmost significance as the price previously halted its rise at this level.
Speed lines
Speed lines are three consecutive lines used to estimate future support and resistance levels. In an uptrend, speed lines are constructed by creating a box connecting a low point in the lower-left corner and a high point in the upper-right corner. Next, a vertical line connecting these two points is sectioned at each third and in the middle. Then a speed line is drawn from the actual low in the lower-left corner through the right side of a box where sections were marked. These speed lines are extended into the future and considered to estimate natural support and resistance levels. Modern techniques include creating speed lines, such as sectioning a box according to Fibonacci ratio numbers.
Illustration 1.05
The picture above shows Tesla stock on the daily chart. It also shows the unconventional construction of speed lines from a box cut into four equal sections.
Disclaimer: This content serves solely educational purposes.
