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Trading Glossary

Trend

Technical Analysis

What it means

The overall direction price is moving over a period. Up trends make higher highs and higher lows; down trends make lower highs and lower lows.

Example

A stock forms highs at $50, $55, $60 and lows at $45, $50, $55. Each peak and dip is higher than the last -- a clear up trend.

Mistake beginners make

Beginners fight the trend, looking to short a strong up trend because "it has to come down." The trend is your friend until it bends, and fighting it bleeds your account.

Related terms

  • Trendline — A straight line drawn across a series of higher lows (up trend) or lower highs (down trend…
  • Pullback — A short move against the trend after a breakout or impulse, before the trend resumes. It o…
  • Breakout — When price moves clearly beyond a support or resistance level, often with rising volume. I…

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