Can the price close above the downward sloping trendline?

Royal Bank six-Month Candlestick Chart

Has the stock bottomed at the $44.00 level? In the above chart, the stock price for the Royal Bank declined 27% from an April high of $61.00 to a September low of $44.50 over a six month period. At this point, based on the extent of the decline (over 20%) and the time period (over six months), the odds increase that the stock has bottomed. Also, the low of $44.50 is a 50% retracement of the move from the February, 2009 low of $26.00 (view the 3-year weekly chart) to the high of $62.00 in May, 2010. Chart patterns that indicate a bottom take on more significance: it is all about having the odds in your favor. A candlestick pattern called a hammer is highlighted on the above chart. This pattern indicates a bottom and is followed by a bullish engulfing candlestick.

The key point for this chart analysis of the Royal Bank is that the price must make a significant close above the downward sloping trendline. This will be a confirming factor that the downtrend has ended: this applies to all stocks and indexes. My definition of significant is a 2% penetration of the trendline that holds for at least two days. This will indicate the start of a new uptrend or the start of a consolidation phase.

The next step is to monitor the confirming indicators of volume, on balance volume (OBV) and RSI. The volume should increase with the price move or the move is suspect. Volume measures the force behind the uptrend: an uptrend cannot be maintained without above average volume. The next confirming indicator is OBV and it must confirm the uptrend by trending higher. The last confirming indicator is RSI which must move above 50 and move in the direction of the uptrend.

It is always a good idea to have a grasp of the fundamentals for a company. The following is a summary of the bank earnings from Globe Investor: In order of reporting date, here is the final rundown for the latest earnings from the Canadian banks.

Please visit RBC Investor Relations for an overview of the fundamentals for this bank.

Globe and Mail article dated Oct 14, 2011: Hedge funds take aim at Canadian banks

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Note: This technical analysis is for educational purposes so you can learn to trade online using candlestick charts. Please conduct your own chart analysis or consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions. The chart snippets are from BigCharts.com which I recommend and have used for fifteen years. The author of this article may hold long or short positions in the featured stock or index.