Chart trends

See the trend

Look at the bigger move.

Finn, ChartQuest's turtle guide with an orange shell, jetpack, and gold compass

A trend is the overall direction across a stretch of chart. These illustrated examples show past moves, not what happens next.

Up overall

An uptrend can still have down candles.

Prices rise overall while two red candles move lower.

Down overall

A downtrend can still have up candles.

Prices fall overall while two green candles move higher.

Sideways

Price moves back and forth in a similar area.

Five candles alternate between similar upper and lower areas without a steady direction.

Does one red candle erase an uptrend?

Show answer

No. Look across several candles. Trends can also change.

Try it with Finn

Made by ChartQuest · Illustrated examples · Background teaching source