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Flat Correction

Flat Correction / Flat (3-3-5)

IntermediateElliott WaveNeutralReliability 65%

Pattern Formation

31 / 31 candles
4,5934,4914,3894,2884,1864,08401/0101/0401/0701/1001/1301/1601/1901/2201/2501/2801/31
Speed

Statistics

Target Hit Rate
62%
Average Move
14%
Failure Rate
16%
Avg Formation Days
40 days
Volume Confirmation Boost
+10%

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

A sideways corrective pattern in Elliott Wave Theory with an A-B-C three-wave structure. Wave A is a 3-wave structure (unlike a zigzag), Wave B is also a 3-wave structure retracing approximately 100% of Wave A, and Wave C is a 5-wave impulse approximately equal in length to Wave A. The internal structure is 3-3-5, and the correction stays within a sideways range. Compared to zigzags, flats produce shallower corrections, suggesting strong residual force in the trend direction.

Formation Conditions

  • Wave A must be a 3-wave structure (if 5-wave, it may be a zigzag)
  • Wave B must be a 3-wave structure retracing 90-105% of Wave A (approximately 100% is typical)
  • Wave C must be a 5-wave impulse
  • Wave C length should be approximately 100-105% of Wave A
  • Price should stay within a sideways range (not a steep-angle correction)
  • Wave B should reverse near Wave A's origin

Entry Condition

After confirming Wave B has retraced approximately 100% of Wave A, enter short when reversal signals (bearish engulfing, RSI divergence, etc.) appear at the start of Wave C's decline. Confirm that Wave B has returned to approximately Wave A's starting level, which is a condition for a flat correction.

Target Calculation

Wave C's target is approximately equal to Wave A. The area near Wave A's endpoint (bottom) is the first target. Apply Fibonacci ratios (100%, 138.2%) from Wave A's origin to set the second target.

Stop Loss Rule

Place a stop-loss slightly above Wave B's peak. In a regular flat, Wave B does not significantly exceed Wave A's origin, so slightly above Wave A's origin may also work.

Volume Profile

Volume tends to decrease overall in a flat correction. Low volume in Waves A and B, with increasing volume in Wave C enhancing pattern reliability. A volume surge in Wave C's final stages signals correction completion.

False Signal Detection

  • If Wave A is a 5-wave structure, it is likely a zigzag rather than a flat
  • If Wave B retraces less than 90%, it may be an intermediate form between zigzag and flat
  • If Wave B clearly exceeds Wave A's origin, consider a transition to an expanded flat
  • If Wave C falls short of Wave A's length, truncation is possible
  • Flat corrections are difficult to distinguish from sideways markets; confirm with other technical indicators

Related Indicators

Fibonacci retracementRSIBollinger BandsVolume

Related Patterns

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

Learn More

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