Trend Trading Analysis Complete Guide 2026: How to Use It

What is Trend Analysis?

Trend analysis is a technical analysis technique that attempts to predict the future movement of an instrument. If one were to ask a group of traders about the trend of a certain market, there would be multiple different answers. The ambiguity of trend determination is a major hurdle for traders at the start of their journey, often leading to emotional pitfalls.

To begin, it is important to understand that a trending market does not move in a straight line. Markets move in waves, forming highs and lows.

The famous saying “The trend is your friend” is especially true. Once the trend has been analysed, traders may use this technical advantage to develop a bias that can support their trading strategy. 

Key Points

• Trend analysis predicts future price movements by identifying waves that form highs and lows, using tools like trendlines.
• Trendlines, which require at least three touches to be valid, indicate the direction of a trend, with higher highs and lows for an uptrend, and the opposite for a downtrend.
• Moving Averages act as dynamic trendlines, trendline breaks signal changes in market dynamics, and counter trendlines can identify minor trends within a major one.

What are Trendlines?

One of the most basic tools in a trader’s arsenal, the humble trendline can provide much more information than one would expect. A trendline highlights the direction in which an instrument is trending. As trendlines can be highly subjective, the goal is to identify the most obvious one. 

Basic Characteristics of a Trendline

Here are the two characteristics that help to define a trendline. 

1. Minimum of three touches on the trendline to be considered valid.
2. Needs to form higher highs and higher lows for an uptrend, and lower lows and lower highs for a downtrend. 

Moving Average as a Dynamic Trendline

The Moving Average acts as a dynamic trendline for markets ^[1]. In an uptrend, markets tend to use the Moving Average as an ascending trendline, while in a downtrend, the reverse holds. 

Referencing Figures 3 and 4, the 180 Day Moving Average serves the same purpose as an ascending or descending trendline. 

Significance of a Break of Trendline

This segment touches on significant trendline breaks in both bullish and bearish markets. 

In Figure 5, the dominant trend was initially bearish, further supported by the descending trendline. However, at some point, CADJPY markets broke above the descending trendline. This signals a shift from a bearish to a bullish market. This idea is further reinforced by the new ascending trendline, which supports the bullish market taking dominance ^[2].

Figure 6 shows the opposite of Figure 5. Initially. The dominant trend was bullish, supported by an ascending trendline and AUDJPY markets forming higher lows and higher highs. However, once the ascending trendline structure broke, the market shifted from bullish to bearish. This new bearish trend is supported by the descending trendline and the formation of multiple lower highs and lower lows.

What Are Counter Trendlines?

The full potential of a trendline is limited only to its user. This segment goes through another practical use of the reliable trendline. 

The counter trendline is usually applied to a minor trend within a major trend. 

In Figure 7, the major bearish trend is supported by the descending trendline on the H8 chart, while the ascending counter trendline supports the minor uptrend. In this scenario, the breaks of the ascending counter trendline provide additional confluence of an overall bearish market still holding weight.  

USDNZD in Figure 8 appears to be trading in bullish market conditions, with markets forming higher lows and higher highs on an ascending trendline. As markets approach the major ascending trendline for a tap, a candlestick pattern shows a minor bearish market structure, confirmed by the descending countertrendline. Breaks of the counter trendline further confirm that bullish market conditions still hold dominance. 

What Are Trendline Patterns?

Once a trend is determined and is supported by an ascending or descending trendline, there are patterns that a trader can spot.

Ascending trendlines supporting bullish markets often form “M” patterns. Conversely, descending trendlines supporting a bearish market show “W” patterns.  

Figure 9 depicts an “M” pattern on an ascending trendline. Within the “M” pattern, the highs are formed around the same level ^[3] indicated by the blue box. The markets following the formation of the “M” pattern usually extend higher, above the blue box. 

Figure 10 is a “W” pattern on a descending trendline. Within the “W” pattern, the lows are formed near an equal level ^[4] indicated by the orange box. Upon completion of a “W” pattern, the markets following it usually extend lower, below the orange box. 

“M” and “W” patterns can be found on their respective trendlines, but this is not always the case. When it does, take note of the characteristics of the equal highs in the “M” patterns and equal lows in the “W” pattern, and how the following markets tend to break above or below the highs and lows. 

How To Execute Trend Trading?

As an individual continues to build competency in their ability to dictate a trend, trading confidence naturally follows. This may open more trading opportunities to trade with the trend. 

Here are two trend-trading strategies to consider adding to your arsenal. 

The examples below are used for educational purposes only. Past performance is not an indication of future results, and any reliance on such is at your own risk. 

Trend Trading Strategies

There are many different forms of trend trading, and this segment focuses on two. 

Case Study 1 – Major Trendline & Counter Trendline Strategy

Case study 1 shows a buy trade on AUDJPY using a main trendline and a counter trendline. 

1. Establish a higher timeframe trend, supported by a trendline. In Figure 11, the higher timeframe trend is bullish, as evidenced by the ascending trendline and the formation of higher lows and higher highs. 
2. As the market approaches the trendline, a descending counter-trendline can be added.
3. Wait for the market to break above the descending countertrendline – shown by the circle in the image above. This would show the bullish markets are still dominant. 

Case Study 2 – Moving Average Crossover Strategy

Case study 2 shows a sell trade on AUDSGD using two moving averages.

1. Using a 160 Day Moving Average (orange) & 50 Day Moving Average (blue) to determine a trend.
2. Figure 12 shows the 50 Day Moving Average crossing below the 160 Day Moving Average. This highlights a possible bearish trend starting. 
3. Further sell confirmations arise only when markets trade below both Moving Averages.

Types of Market Trends

Markets can trend two ways, bullish or bearish. However, much more detail can be uncovered by examining the structure of trending markets, especially when zooming in from a broader perspective. This segment uncovers two different perspectives on market structure. 

Trend-Consolidation-Trend Structure

From a trend-consolidation-trend perspective, markets behave like a spring ^[4].

When a spring is compressed, it builds potential energy. This is equivalent to market consolidation. Consolidation in the markets is often followed by a trend. Just like a compressed spring being released, it moves forcefully. 

From a trend-trading perspective, any market consolidation could signal that a trend is imminent, creating trading opportunities. 

Impulsive & Corrective Waves

Impulsive waves are market moves that go with the main trend. Corrective waves go against the main trend and are generally weaker than impulsive waves ^[5].

Due to the nature of corrective waves being weaker than impulsive waves, the size of the candle bodies for corrective waves is smaller than that of impulsive waves. When analysing and determining the overall trend, traders can look for a succession of strong-bodied candles for confluence.

Limitations of Trend Analysis

As with any technical tool in trading, none of it is perfect and does come with limitations. 

Over Trading

Depending on the timeframe, markets are not always trending. Hence, having a trading plan lowers the chances of overtrading –entering the markets too often when conditions are not in your favour. 

Late Entries

Trend trading based on indicators can affect a trader’s risk-to-reward ratio. Moving Averages are lagging indicators, which can lead a trader to enter near the end of a trend.  

Conclusion

Trend analysis need not be a complicated process. Using something more straightforward, such as a trendline or a Moving Average, could assist your trading journey. Remember that the trend is your friend, and the best thing any trader can do is to back-test and practice. Want to practice Trend Analysis on the markets? Try practicing it through your own Forex Demo Account.

References