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Expanded Flat

Expanded Flat / エクスパンデッドフラット

AdvancedElliott WaveNeutralReliability 63%

Pattern Formation

33 / 33 candles
4,1454,0303,9153,8013,6863,57101/0101/0501/0901/1301/1701/2101/2501/2902/02
Speed

Statistics

Target Hit Rate
60%
Average Move
20%
Failure Rate
18%
Avg Formation Days
45 days
Volume Confirmation Boost
+12%

General reference values based on Elliott Wave Theory. Actual success rates vary significantly depending on market conditions, timeframe, and instrument.

The most common variation of the flat correction, where Wave B exceeds Wave A's origin and Wave C extends beyond Wave A's endpoint. Wave A is a 3-wave structure, Wave B is also a 3-wave structure retracing 100-138.2% of Wave A (exceeding A's origin), and Wave C is a 5-wave impulse that extends beyond Wave A's endpoint. Wave B's new high acts as a trap, after which Wave C's decline becomes deeper.

Formation Conditions

  • Wave A must be a 3-wave structure
  • Wave B must be a 3-wave structure exceeding Wave A's origin (100-138.2% retracement)
  • Wave C must be a 5-wave impulse
  • Wave C's endpoint must exceed Wave A's endpoint
  • Wave C length should be 100-161.8% of Wave A
  • The pattern features Wave B making a new high followed by Wave C's sharp decline

Entry Condition

After Wave B exceeds Wave A's origin to make a new high, enter short when reversal signals (bearish engulfing, MACD death cross, RSI divergence, etc.) appear. Recognize that Wave B's new high is a trap and prepare for Wave C's sharp decline.

Target Calculation

Wave C targets levels beyond Wave A's endpoint. Measure 100-161.8% of Wave A's length from Wave B's peak to set targets. The level beyond Wave A's endpoint (bottom) is the first target; Wave A's 161.8% extension is the second target.

Stop Loss Rule

Place a stop-loss slightly above Wave B's peak. If Wave B extends significantly beyond 138.2% of Wave A, reconsider as the pattern may be invalid.

Volume Profile

Characteristically, volume increases during Wave B as it forms a new high in an optimistic mood. If volume increases further in Wave C, especially when it breaks below Wave A's endpoint, pattern reliability is high. Treat Wave B's volume increase as a sign of deception.

False Signal Detection

  • Wave B's new high can easily be mistaken for trend continuation; exercise caution
  • If Wave B significantly exceeds 138.2% of Wave A, a new impulse wave is possible
  • If Wave C does not reach Wave A's endpoint, it may be a regular flat
  • Expanded flats are particularly difficult to identify in real-time
  • Buying at Wave B's new high can result in significant losses

Related Indicators

Fibonacci retracementMACDRSIVolume

Related Patterns

Elliott Impulse Wave (Bullish)Elliott Impulse Wave (Bearish)Wave 3 ExtensionWave 3 Extension (Bearish)

Learn More

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