# Flags

## Bullish Flag

This pattern forms during an uptrend. It begins with a strong upward movement (the "flagpole"), followed by a period of consolidation that slants slightly downwards forming a "flag". The consolidation is against the trend, but it's usually a pause before the uptrend resumes. A breakout above the top of the flag is typically seen as a continuation signal.

<figure><img src="https://2957539367-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgjozHDr5yxjsm9wDwBo4%2Fuploads%2FUhdTGtbSOIANi5RMhHCr%2Fbullish-flag-1.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=357e6276-788b-4ebe-8f20-8cd3ca07d58e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2957539367-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgjozHDr5yxjsm9wDwBo4%2Fuploads%2F5YDQ2nEtBvbhYBaLw87R%2Fbullish-flag-2.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=49695307-6860-47f6-a87b-f2370c8edce6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Bearish Flag

This is the inverse of a bullish flag and forms during a downtrend. It starts with a sharp downward move (the "flagpole"), followed by a slight upward consolidation period forming the "flag". This consolidation is against the trend and usually represents a brief pause before the downtrend resumes. A breakout below the bottom of the flag is generally seen as a continuation signal.

<figure><img src="https://2957539367-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgjozHDr5yxjsm9wDwBo4%2Fuploads%2F5DK4eeGCB5bOqmElQMgD%2Fbearish-flag-1.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=3d1b71d4-8876-46cc-a544-19a1844277ac" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2957539367-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FgjozHDr5yxjsm9wDwBo4%2Fuploads%2FPMnHE9F0TMRZc61oegvW%2Fbearish-flag-2.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=6bc87b72-d125-4b6d-a2da-f97aa0a2cd06" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In both patterns, the flagpole represents a strong, impulsive move, while the flag represents a pause or pullback in the price. The breakout, accompanied by an increase in volume, is a signal for traders that the original trend (bullish or bearish) is likely to resume.
