The corrective wave

1) The zig-zag

The zig-zag features 3 waves:

(A): 5 descending waves

(B): 3 ascending waves

(C): 5 descending waves

The summit of wave B is lower than the start of wave A.

When a Zig Zag is followed by 3 waves and another Zig Zag, it's known as a double Zig Zag (triple Zig Zags also exist).

A corrective wave is always broken down into 3 waves.

The strength of sub-wave C is equal to that of sub-wave A or equal to .168 or 1.618 times that of sub-wave A.

If wave 2 is a zig-zag, wave 4 will be a flat correction.

If wave 2 is a flat correction, wave 4 wil be a zig-zag.

In a zig-zag, sub-wave C will end at the lowest point of wave A's summit.

2) The flat correction

 

Flat correction

The summit of wave B is almost at the same level as the start of wave A.

Wave C is right across from wave A.

A flat correction can be broken down into a 3-3-5 pattern.

 

 

 

 

Irregular flat correction

The summit of wave B is higher than the start of wave A.

The end of wave C is lower or at the same level as the end of wave A.

 

 

 

 

Doubly irregular flat correction

Wave C does not sink as low as wave A does.

 

 

 

 

In a flat correction, sub-wave B often retraces at least 61.8% of sub-wave A, but no more than 161.8%.

The maximum strength of sub-wave C is 2.618 times the strength of the largest between sub-waves A and B.

Sub-wave A is often a zig-zag.

Sub-wave B is rarely a flat correction.

Sub-waves A, B and C either have similar strengths, or sub-wave C has an amplitude equal to 161.8% of the strength of sub-wave A.

Sub-wave C often has at least 38.2% of the strength of sub-wave A.

3) Horizontal triangles

 

There are 4 different types of horizontal triangles: ascending, descending, open and closed. The examples on the left feature triangles in a market that is rising.

Corrective waves in a triangle configuration are comprised of 5 sub-waves (a, b, c, d, e).

These sub-waves are made of 3 waves, and each end features a trend line.

 

 

Triangles are often formed during wave 4.

Only sub-wave E can be a triangle.

Each sub-wave within a triangle retraces at least 50% of the preceding sub-wave.

Sub-waves that are in the same direction (A and C, B and D, A and E or C and E) usually have a strength that is related by a ratio of about .618.

4) The double three and the triple three

 

The double three can be broken down into 7 sub-waves that are comprised of:

(A) A corrective wave comprised of 3 sub-waves (zig-zag or flat shape).

(B) A transition wave (1 sub-wave).

(C) A second corrective wave comprised of 3 sub-waves (zig-zag, flat or triangle shape).

 

 

The triple three can be broken down into 11 sub-waves that are comprised of:

A corrective wave (3 sub-waves), a transition (1 sub-wave), a second corrective wave (3 sub-waves), a second transition (1 sub-wave), and a third corrective wave (3 sub-waves).

Wave A of a double three or triple three cannot be a triangle.

Wave B of a double three or triple three is frequently a zig-zag.

Double threes or triple threes are often formed during wave 4.