Trading Classic Chart Patterns (Wiley Trading) [Hardcover]

Chart pattern reference section: Each chapter examines one pattern type and describes the chart pattern as it behaves under various conditions. I score performance in easy to use and understand tables. For example: Diamonds with downward breakouts occurring in small cap stocks have declines averaging 27% (score: +1), mid caps decline 23% (score: +1), and large caps decline 19% (score: -1). If the diamond chart pattern you're looking at is in a mid cap stock, then it scores +1. Continue scoring your chart pattern using the other eight tables and total the scores.

Totals above zero suggest performance above the median; totals below zero suggest underperformance. Patterns with totals greater than zero typically perform two to three times better than those scoring less than zero. No guarantees, but the method tends to highlight stock chart patterns that will do well and discards those that won't. Think of the scoring method as another checklist to consult before trading, not as a trading system replacement, so you can continue using the investment tools most comfortable to you.

Case studies in each chapter walk you through applying the method to your chart pattern and discuss actual trades I made, where possible.

Statistics Summary and Analysis at the end of the book compares the performance results in sixteen tables for both bullish and bearish chart patterns.

Glossary and Methodology defines terms and statistical methods so you can reproduce the results yourself.
There is almost no overlap between this book and my prior one, "Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns" (Wiley, 2000)....

The book is not light reading and requires a great deal of concentration if you expect to get the most out of it. If you are beginning investor or trader then you may want to wait a bit until you've mastered you chart patterns and terminology before delving into this book. If you like statistical data and like to work with numbers, then this book will make you happy. Each chapter on the chart patterns follow a similar template so that you know what to expect in future chapters as far as format is concerned.

The book is divided into two parts. Part I (85 pages) presents new research on trendlines, support and resistance, placing stops, selling considerations, and common trading mistakes. Part II (about 300 pages) reviews in detail 14 chart patterns (market tops and bottoms, head-and-shoulders, rectangles, triangles and scallops - rounded bottoms). Bulkowski also provided a 19-page summary of the bullish and bearish patterns with their performance statistics. Also included is a 9-page glossary and the methodology used to determine the statistics for each pattern.

To give you flavor as to one of Bulkowski's findings, consider the most bullish trading patterns. He found the best performance was the descending triangle pattern with an upside breakout. He found the average rise after the breakout for a short-term pattern was 49%. The next best was breakouts from an intermediate-term rectangle pattern with a 42% average rise. And long-term triple bottoms can in third with a return of 41% after breaking out

He looked at the most popular patterns and found the characteristics that make them tick.
Bulkowski developed a chart pattern scoring system that helps select better performing chart patterns to trade. Scores above zero infer that the pattern will most likely beat the median, while scores below the median infer that the pattern will be a non-performer. Bulkowski also includes a few case studies for each pattern to aid in the understanding of the patterns and scoring system.

Bulkowski suggests that you use the information in the book on the behavior of chart patterns with the scoring system, combined with your own research (such as how the industry group is behaving) and other technical and fundamental indicators to develop your own trading strategy.

Overall, Bulkowski presents a masterful text on the most-often used chart patterns. But instead of giving you generalities, he provides specifics based upon detailed statistical analysis. Knowing which patterns work best under which conditions will certainly put the odds of investment success in your favor. Therefore, I highly recommend this book to serious students of the market. This is money well-spent.