Trend Line

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Definition: Trend Line


Trend Line


Full Definition of Trend Line


A trend line (or trend lines) is a technical analysis charting technique that provides a visual representation of security price trend, support, and resistance for any time frame.

They are used by chartists for both trend identification, trend confirmation and determining the boundaries of price movement. A trend line can also be referred to as a dutch line as it was first used in the Netherlands.

  • Support (Uptrend) Line: A line drawn under local lows and having a positive slope.
  • Resistance (Downtrend) Line: A line drawn over local highs and having a negative slope.

A trend line is a line that bounds the price movement of a security and is typically used for timing position entry and exit.  Trend lines are also used to identify a breakout in the direction opposite of the trend line.  This occurs when price action breaks through the principal trend line, providing a visual clue that the existing trend is failing.

Trend lines can also be used not only with price charts but also with a range of technical analysis charts such as On-Balance-Volume (OBV), MACD, and RSI.

Chartists often determine that a trend change is about to occur when there is a divergence between the trend line on the price chart and an indicator such as the OBV.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Trend Line are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 27th April, 2020 | 0 Views.