How to Count Bases & Why You Should?

We have discussed about identifying a correct buy point using common chart pattern/base formation such as cup-with-handle, double bottom, and flat base. Along with the type of base, it is important to understand the stages of base.

Stages begin at one and increase with each subsequent base pattern formed. The magnitude of the move between two base patterns will determine whether the stage moves numerically or alphabetically. If the price move from the pivot point of the prior base to the left side high of the current base is 20% or more, the stage will increase by a factor of 1—for example, from Stage 1 to Stage 2.

If the price move is less than 20%, the stage will increase by an alphabetic factor—Stage 1a to Stage 1b.

The base stage and count are always reset to 1 once an intraday low price undercuts the low of a previous base.

The current leaders in the market have formed both early- and late-stage bases. Base stages help investors identify the progress a stock has made in its price advance, the biggest clue to a stock’s remaining growth potential.

It is a good idea to track the number of bases a stock has formed during its current run-up. As a rule of thumb, try to buy stocks that are breaking out of the first or second base of their run. Late-stage bases are riskier. Late-stage means a base that is number three or higher in the base count.

After forming a fourth base, most growth stocks can’t rally much further, if at all. What usually follows is a long, steep slide. After a stock has had a large advance without a major correction, the probabilities are greater that institutional investors will cash in their profits and push the price into a serious decline.

By the time a stock forms a late-stage base, it is usually widely known to investors and running short on fresh buyers. In addition, the late-stage base tends to have unsteady price swings, bouts of strong selling, or other flaws. It is the chart’s way of telling you that the best buying opportunities are gone.

Late-stage patterns can work and sometimes do lead to nice gains, but you should understand that they involve more risk. If you buy a stock on a late-stage breakout, be sure to cut your losses quickly if the stock fails to gain traction and begins to head south.