Significance of 3rd wave in Elliott Wave formation

The 3rd wave is a part of the Elliott wave theory. This is a simple and a straight forward theory which was created by Ralph Nelson Elliott.

The Elliott Wave Theory was first published in the book “The Wave Principal” in the year 1938.

As the Elliott wave theory is open to interpretations, it leads to the result in which wave count tend to differ. Therefore its very important to understand Elliot Wave Theory. You can enhance your understanding through our Elliot wave theory course.

It is confusing to the analysts because of the wave count. But there is no doubt that there are rules regarding the counting of the Elliott waves.

In real life trading, there is subjectivity in the counting of Elliott wave as there are many instances when the market don’t quite follow the rules and thus make Elliott waves open to interpretation.

Elliot waves also tend to occur through different timeframes which makes it more complex.

The Elliott Wave Theory

In simple terms Elliott wave theory is familiar to the Dow Theory of trends. Ralph Nelson found that in any trend the prices tend to move in a five wave pattern.

Out of these five waves, 3 waves are in the direction of the trend. These Elliott waves are known as Impulse waves.

The other two waves within the trend are known as motive waves.

Learn from Experts: Technical Analysis Using Elliott Wave Theory

After the formation of these five waves, there are also three corrective waves known as the corrective waves.

Elliot waves depend on the Fibonacci retracement levels as well.

Among the three impulsive waves, the third wave is the strongest wave as in this wave, there is lot of market euphoria. In most situations, the traders usually identify the third wave when it has already established.

Among the three impulsive waves, the third wave is the strongest wave as in this wave, there is lot of market euphoria. In most situations, the traders usually miss the Elliot wave learning and identify the third wave when it has already established.

The Third Wave

The third wave of the Elliot wave theory is the most visually standing out wave. After the consolidation of the second wave, third wave breaks out.
The third wave is a 161.8% Fibonacci extension of the first wave. As it is an impulse wave it is always in the direction of an underlying trend.

In most of the cases, the third case can extend by 261.8% or 461.8% as well.

As the third wave is easily identified, trading the third wave can be difficult.

The third wave can be forms in different multi time frames.

The Elliot wave theory is based on the concept of fractals. Each wave can be broken down into smaller degree of waves.

How to trade the third wave?

We have discussed above that the third wave is the strongest impulsive wave which have an extension of 161.8% of the first wave in the Elliot wave count. It means that the third wave forms after the completion of the second wave.

In order to identify the 3rd wave, the second wave has to be completed and fall under the general rules of Elliot wave theory.

Although there are many explanations on the nature of the second wave, one of the rules is that the second wave should never retrace more than wave one.

Therefore the traders should keep a close watch on the second wave in order to trade successfully the third wave.

The next step is to wait for the third wave to break the previous high or low of the wave 2.

Once the second step is validated, we can use the Fibonacci tool to project the 161.8% Fibonacci level.

Significance of 3rd Wave

The counting of the waves is quite a task and a wrong count of the trade and in most cases a wrong count can lead to the analysis invalid.

Elliot wave is also subjective which could lead to incorrect analysis and result in potentiality devastating trade entries.

In order to avoid this, traders should just focus on the third wave of Elliot wave theory. By identifying the trend, traders can enter the third wave easily.

This method allows early entry into the trade and also gives us added advantage of booking profits. This Elliot wave method is also compatible with other technical indicators.

But traders should also be cautious when using too many indicators with an existing method which can lead to analysis paralyse.

Price action can also be used in this approach for developing a robust trading strategy which draws up trading psychology and tested concepts.

Key Takeaways:

• In simple terms Elliot wave theory is familiar to the Dow Theory of trends. Ralph Nelson found that in any trend the prices tend to move in a five wave pattern.
• The third wave is a 161.8% Fibonacci extension of the first wave. As it is an impulse wave it is always in the direction of an underlying trend.
• In order to identify the 3rd wave, the second wave has to be completed and fall under the general rules of Elliot wave theory.
• This method allows early entry into the trade and also gives us added advantage of booking profits. This Elliot wave method is also compatible with other technical indicators.

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