|  MAR 1988

Curvilinear chart analysis by D.O. Christian Reiger

Curvilinear chart analysis by D.O. Christian Reiger Nothing in the universe moves in an unswerving line – least of all futures prices. Why then, should straight lines dominate our technical analysis of charts? In the following examples, you'll see how the curvilinear analysis of price evolution in several futures markets can answer some of the knotty questions that technical traders face. In particular, this analytical system provides an answer as to why price trends reverse where they do – sometimes out of nowhere and at unfathomable times. The system also gives insight into chart formations so as to better time trades. Additionally, it demonstrates relationships between past prices and patterns and future ones the essential premise of the validity of technical analysis. The apparatus used in the construction of these curves is the French curve of the drafting profession. You can make your own French curve with Figure 1, which also shows the four ways (a-d) the curve is positioned when plotting curves. For instance, on ensuing charts, the notation refers to curved line ""A"" drawn with the French curve in the (c) position. As a straight line must be drawn on at least two points to be valid, a curve must be drawn on a least three points to have predictive value. The first basic method for plotting curves is to draw them on a series of market highs or market lows in areas of price congestion such as accumulation patterns, distribution patterns and bull or bear trends. As with straight line analysis, curved ones along the tops of such formations would indicate resistance and those along the bottom, support.

by D.O. Christian Reiger