Broadening Bottom Complete Guide

reversalbullish20 bars

What is Broadening Bottom?

The Broadening Bottom is a bullish reversal chart pattern characterized by increasing price volatility, visually resembling a megaphone or an inverted triangle. It typically forms after a prolonged downtrend and consists of at least two higher highs and two lower lows, created by two diverging trendlines: the upper line sloping upward and the lower line sloping downward. This pattern reflects a period of intense disagreement between bulls and bears, where market participants are increasingly emotional, leading to wider price swings. According to Thomas Bulkowski’s 'Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns,' the Broadening Bottom is a relatively rare but high-performing formation. His research indicates a break-even failure rate of approximately 10% in bull markets, with an average price rise of 27% following an upward breakout. Volume typically expands as the pattern develops, mirroring the increase in price volatility, though it can be irregular. A key characteristic to watch for is the 'partial decline,' where the price fails to touch the lower trendline before heading back up; Bulkowski notes this often precedes an immediate upward breakout. The pattern is confirmed when the price closes above the upper trendline. Traders often set price targets by measuring the vertical height of the pattern at its widest point and projecting that distance upward from the breakout point. While powerful, the Broadening Bottom can be difficult to trade due to its widening swings, which can trigger stop-loss orders prematurely. Therefore, waiting for a decisive close above resistance is crucial for risk management.

Broadening Bottom pattern illustration

Identification Rules

  1. Prior Trend: A clear and established downtrend must precede the formation of the pattern.
  2. Diverging Trendlines: The pattern must feature two diverging trendlines, with the top line sloping up and the bottom line sloping down.
  3. Peak and Valley Count: There must be at least two distinct higher highs and two distinct lower lows within the formation.
  4. Bullish Confirmation: The pattern is confirmed only when the price breaks and closes above the upper resistance trendline.

References

  • Thomas N. Bulkowski (2005). Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns.
  • Steve Nison (2001). Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques.

FAQ

What is the typical volume profile for a Broadening Bottom?

Volume generally expands as the pattern develops, reflecting the increasing volatility and emotional intensity of the market participants.

How reliable is the Broadening Bottom according to Bulkowski?

It is quite reliable with a low break-even failure rate of 10% and an average rise of 27% in bull markets.

What is a 'partial decline' in this pattern?

A partial decline occurs when the price heads toward the lower trendline but turns up before reaching it; this is often a precursor to an upward breakout.

Why is this pattern considered difficult to trade?

The widening price swings can easily trigger stop-loss orders, making entry timing and risk management more challenging than with narrowing patterns.

More Analysis

Reviewed by KlineVision Research Team, CFA Charterholder, 10+ years quantitative research· 23 апр. 2026 г.

Parts of this page (FAQ, introductions) are AI-assisted. Core data and statistics are algorithmically computed. All pattern definitions are human-reviewed.

Data source: EODHD · Last updated: 23 апр. 2026 г.

Отказ от ответственности: Эта страница основана на общедоступных рыночных данных и алгоритмическом техническом анализе. Она не является инвестиционным советом.

Data source: EODHD · © 2026 KlineVision AI