XAUUSD - Elliott Wave Rules & Guidelines of Wave Formation

This publication will focus on some of the rules and guidelines of wave formation in Elliot Wave theory in relation to the correctional sequences of Wave 4 and zigzags.

Whilst Elliott Wave rules are requirements and form the basis of counting waves, understanding the guidelines of wave formation is as crucial in identifying wave structure and the likely scenarios that could unfold. Guidelines are not the same as hard and fast rules that cannot be broken, they are not always observed. However, they have proven to be very reliable over time.

Alternation guidelines within an impulse dictate that; Wave 4 has a tendency to differentiate both in depth and form, from the previous Wave 2 of the same degree. Often trending sideways for the final Wave 5 to breakout from impulsively.

Whilst a more common formation for Wave 4, the simple sideways correction (flat structure) formed as a Wave 2 between from July 2016- August 2018. Keeping in mind the alternation guideline of wave formation highlighted above, the potential for Wave 4 to play out as the alternate, more complex sharp correction is highly probable.

Having reached the current ATH in August 2020, the ensuing correctional Wave 4 played out an initial Wave A which had a sub-division of 5 waves. This further enhanced the likelihood of Wave 4 being a zigzag correction consisting of the following rules.

Rules for Zigzag (5-3-5)

• Zigzag is a corrective 3 waves structure (ABC)
• Sub-division of Wave A and C is 5 waves
• Wave B can be any corrective structure
• Wave B of a zigzag never moves beyond the origin of Wave A.
•Wave B of a zigzag always subdivides into a zigzag, flat, triangle, or combination of the three.

Wave B failed to surpass the origin of Wave A and in doing so respecting the following rule; Wave B never moves beyond the origin of Wave A.

This added further confluence to the correctional sequence being identified as a zigzag and we can assume that there is a higher probability that Wave C will end with going beyond the completion of Wave A according to the following guideline; Wave C of a zigzag will often end beyond the pivot of wave A. Although truncation cannot be ruled out entirely.

Another guideline which is important to note here is of the guidelines for channeling. One particular guideline states that; Wave C in a zigzag will often end at the projected trendline of the parallel channel. The obstacle here being the trendline of the larger degree channel. For this reason, it is my personal opinion that the wave C will not meet the trendline of its parallel channel. Rather, ending at the trendline of the larger degree.

In any case, both scenarios are possible as a further channel guideline accommodates the possibility of a throw-under; a possible throw-under could also occur with wave 4 falling below the trendline. This would allow for Wave C to end at the trendline of the larger degree channel. Although this would mean that the completion of Wave C will need to be much sharper and a significant throw-under which is less likely to occur. For this reason, I should think the guideline of Wave C ending beyond Wave A to be sufficient.

The guidelines covered above aren’t exhaustive, those highlighted are for the purpose of this analysis. I hope you have found the above information educational. Please remember that Elliot Waves are most effective for the long term analysis of markets and one should not make any trading decisions based on this theory unless they fully understand it.

If you found this helpful, I would most appreciate it if you would like the publication and leave a comment. You are most welcome to follow if you are interested in reading further publications/ideas of a similar nature. A breakdown of the lower degree wave counts will be published soon.

Thank you for taking the time.

BeyondEdge