After the long positive, the volume is reduced: Is it a rising relay pattern?

The rising relay pattern signals a brief consolidation in an uptrend, often resuming with increased volume, but traders must watch for false breakouts and market conditions.

Jun 06, 2025 at 12:22 pm

After a prolonged period of positive price movement, a reduction in trading volume often raises questions about the sustainability of the trend. One common pattern that traders look for in such situations is the rising relay pattern. This pattern suggests that the trend may continue after a brief consolidation period, but it's important to understand the specifics of this pattern and how to identify it correctly.

Understanding the Rising Relay Pattern

The rising relay pattern is a continuation pattern that occurs within an uptrend. It indicates that the trend is taking a brief pause, allowing the market to catch its breath before resuming its upward movement. This pattern typically consists of three phases: the initial uptrend, a consolidation phase, and the resumption of the uptrend.

Identifying the Initial Uptrend

To identify a rising relay pattern, the first step is to confirm the presence of a strong initial uptrend. This uptrend should be characterized by a series of higher highs and higher lows, accompanied by increasing trading volume. The volume is a critical indicator here, as it shows the strength and conviction behind the price movement.

Recognizing the Consolidation Phase

After the initial uptrend, the consolidation phase begins. During this phase, the price movement becomes more sideways, and the trading volume typically decreases. This reduction in volume is what often causes concern among traders. However, in a rising relay pattern, this consolidation is seen as a normal part of the trend's progression.

To confirm that you are indeed seeing a consolidation phase within a rising relay pattern, look for the following characteristics:

• The price movement should be within a relatively narrow range.
• The highs and lows during this phase should be contained within the bounds of the previous uptrend.
• The volume should be noticeably lower than during the initial uptrend, indicating a lack of significant selling pressure.

Spotting the Resumption of the Uptrend

The final phase of the rising relay pattern is the resumption of the uptrend. This phase is marked by a breakout from the consolidation range, often accompanied by an increase in trading volume. The breakout should be strong and decisive, confirming that the trend is indeed continuing.

To identify the resumption of the uptrend, pay attention to the following:

• A clear breakout above the upper boundary of the consolidation range.
• An increase in trading volume, indicating renewed buying interest.
• The formation of new higher highs and higher lows, confirming the continuation of the uptrend.

Differentiating from Other Patterns

It's important to differentiate the rising relay pattern from other similar patterns, such as the bull flag or bull pennant. While these patterns also indicate a continuation of an uptrend, they have distinct characteristics:

• Bull Flag: This pattern features a sharp rise followed by a small downward sloping consolidation. The volume decreases during the consolidation and increases upon breakout.
• Bull Pennant: Similar to the bull flag, but the consolidation phase forms a small symmetrical triangle. The volume also decreases during the consolidation and increases upon breakout.

The rising relay pattern differs in that its consolidation phase is more horizontal and less directional than the bull flag or bull pennant. Additionally, the volume reduction during the consolidation phase is a key feature of the rising relay pattern.

Trading the Rising Relay Pattern

To trade the rising relay pattern effectively, follow these steps:

• Identify the Initial Uptrend: Confirm that the asset is in a strong uptrend with increasing volume.
• Monitor the Consolidation: Watch for a sideways movement within the bounds of the previous uptrend, accompanied by reduced volume.
• Prepare for the Breakout: Set a buy order just above the upper boundary of the consolidation range. Be ready to enter the trade when the price breaks out.
• Confirm the Breakout: Ensure that the breakout is accompanied by an increase in volume and the formation of new higher highs and higher lows.
• Set Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Levels: Place a stop-loss order below the lower boundary of the consolidation range to manage risk. Set a take-profit level based on the height of the initial uptrend, projected from the breakout point.

Risks and Considerations

While the rising relay pattern can be a powerful tool for identifying continuation trends, it's not without risks. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• False Breakouts: Sometimes, the price may break out of the consolidation range but fail to sustain the uptrend. This can result in a false breakout, leading to potential losses.
• Volume Confirmation: Always confirm the breakout with an increase in volume. A breakout without volume confirmation may be less reliable.
• Market Conditions: The effectiveness of the rising relay pattern can vary depending on overall market conditions. In highly volatile or bearish markets, the pattern may be less reliable.

Real-World Examples

To better understand the rising relay pattern, let's look at a couple of real-world examples from the cryptocurrency market:

• Bitcoin (BTC): In early 2021, Bitcoin experienced a strong uptrend, reaching new all-time highs. Following this, there was a period of consolidation with reduced volume. After several weeks, Bitcoin broke out of this consolidation range, resuming its uptrend and reaching even higher levels.
• Ethereum (ETH): In mid-2020, Ethereum saw a significant uptrend, followed by a consolidation phase with lower volume. The breakout from this consolidation led to a continuation of the uptrend, with Ethereum reaching new highs.

These examples illustrate how the rising relay pattern can be identified and traded in the cryptocurrency market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the rising relay pattern be applied to other financial markets besides cryptocurrencies?

A: Yes, the rising relay pattern is a versatile continuation pattern that can be applied to various financial markets, including stocks, forex, and commodities. The key principles of identifying the initial uptrend, consolidation phase, and breakout remain the same across different markets.

Q: How long does the consolidation phase typically last in a rising relay pattern?

A: The duration of the consolidation phase can vary significantly, ranging from a few days to several weeks. It depends on the specific market conditions and the asset's volatility. Traders should focus on the pattern's characteristics rather than the exact duration.

Q: What other technical indicators can be used to confirm a rising relay pattern?

A: In addition to volume, other technical indicators that can help confirm a rising relay pattern include moving averages, the Relative Strength Index (RSI), and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD). These indicators can provide additional insights into the strength and direction of the trend.

Q: Is it possible for a rising relay pattern to fail, and what are the signs of such a failure?

A: Yes, a rising relay pattern can fail if the breakout is not sustained or if the price fails to resume the uptrend. Signs of a potential failure include a lack of volume confirmation during the breakout, a quick reversal back into the consolidation range, or the formation of lower lows after the breakout.