Point and Figure False Breaks

False Break Chart Patterns

Similar to bull and bear traps, false (or marginal) breaks occur at minor Point and Figure support levels (from a previous low) or minor resistance levels (from a previous high). They should only be traded in an established trend.

Point and Figure Up-Trend

In a Point and Figure up-trend, if price falls below the previous low by only a small margin (normally only one box) and then promptly reverses upwards, buy on recovery above the previous low.

A possible weakness of Point and Figure charts: you will not see the recovery until price has increased by the reversal amount.

Point and Figure Down-Trend

The same applies to down-trends. If price rises above the previous high by a small margin and then promptly reverses, buy on the retreat below the previous high.

Colin Twiggs

Author: Colin Twiggs is a former investment banker with over 30 years experience in financial markets. He co-founded Incredible Charts and writes the popular Trading Diary newsletter.

Colin also writes The Patient Investor newsletter which focuses on the global economic outlook and key macro trends.

In addition, he founded PVT Capital (AFSL No. 546090) which offers investment strategy and advice to wholesale clients.