Hull Moving Average + Ascending Triangle: The Unlikely Dynamic Duo
When you think about combining the Hull Moving Average (HMA) with the Ascending Triangle, it might feel like pairing a fine wine with fast food. Unconventional, right? But that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. This combination is like mixing peanut butter and chocolate—deliciously unpredictable, but it just works. Let’s dive into why the Hull Moving Average and the Ascending Triangle are not just good on their own but better together, giving you some of the juiciest hidden trading opportunities out there.
Understanding the Hull Moving Average: The Smooth Operator
The Hull Moving Average (HMA) is like the smooth-talking friend in your group—it’s swift, responsive, and leaves no room for the typical market noise that standard moving averages bring. Unlike its more sluggish cousins—the Simple Moving Average (SMA) and the Exponential Moving Average (EMA)—the HMA has a flair for speed without compromising on reliability. It’s calculated in a way that almost eliminates lag, giving traders an incredibly clear picture of current market trends. In a nutshell, the Hull Moving Average keeps you informed of market momentum in real time, helping you avoid situations like those classic “Oops, I missed the trend” moments.
Imagine you’re on a rollercoaster and want to know exactly when the ride will peak or dip. The HMA tells you just that, with precision so sharp that you won’t need to scream in panic—unless you’re doing it for fun, of course.
The Ascending Triangle: The Market’s Confidence Builder
Now, let’s chat about the Ascending Triangle. This chart pattern is like that one super-positive friend who always thinks you’re about to win—even if you’re down three points with a minute left. The Ascending Triangle is a bullish continuation pattern, which means it’s a structure that forms when buyers are getting more and more confident, pushing higher lows while resistance remains constant.
Picture this: You’re watching the market, and you see price action getting squeezed against a stubborn resistance level, like a cat trying to fit into a box that’s a size too small. Eventually, the price usually breaks out, and—surprise!—that resistance isn’t so tough after all. When the Ascending Triangle pattern plays out, it’s like watching that cat finally pop into the box. Victory.
Why Pairing the HMA with the Ascending Triangle Works Like Magic
So, why put the HMA and the Ascending Triangle together? Let’s just say it’s like having two maps for the same treasure—one tells you where the ‘X’ is, and the other tells you when to start digging.
The HMA works as an excellent trend filter. When you’re looking at an Ascending Triangle forming, you might wonder: Is the market really ready to break out? Should I trust this pattern, or is it just another one of those false moves that ends up burning me? Here’s where the Hull Moving Average swoops in, wearing a superhero cape, to confirm the trend direction. When the HMA starts sloping upwards while you’re witnessing an Ascending Triangle, it’s a solid green light to say, “Hey, the breakout might just be the real deal.”
A Practical Example: Catching the Right Wave
Let’s say we’re looking at the EUR/USD pair. You’ve spotted an Ascending Triangle on the 4-hour chart, and the price is nudging resistance. The Hull Moving Average on the same timeframe is sloping upwards, showing bullish momentum. In this case, waiting for a breakout above resistance and confirming it with a strong close above the HMA can help you ride a wave that’s going in your favor—without second-guessing yourself.
Imagine missing a breakout because you hesitated. Now, picture your neighbor telling you they just made an extra $5,000 off that exact move while you’re nursing a cup of instant coffee, wondering where it all went wrong. With the HMA and the Ascending Triangle combo, those moments become rare. Instead, you’ll be the one bragging (okay, humbly sharing) about your profitable trade.
The Hidden Patterns: What Most Traders Don’t See
One of the coolest things about combining the HMA and Ascending Triangles is that it highlights hidden opportunities. Most traders use the Ascending Triangle alone and fail to consider the power of momentum. With the HMA, you’re not just seeing a pattern—you’re assessing the strength behind that pattern.
Consider the market as a crowded elevator. The Ascending Triangle is like everyone waiting patiently, facing the door. The HMA? It’s the weight meter that tells you, “We’re ready to move up because there’s enough pressure”—no false alarms, just the real thing.
Contrarian Perspective: Don’t Always Trust the Breakout
Let’s debunk a common myth: “Breakouts from Ascending Triangles always lead to strong moves.” Nope, not necessarily. A breakout without significant momentum is like a sprinter starting the race in flip-flops—sure, it’s technically a race, but it’s not going anywhere fast.
This is where the Hull Moving Average adds value. If the breakout happens, but the HMA isn’t trending upward, consider staying out. Without that confirmation, you’re just guessing, and “guessing” is not exactly a proven trading technique—unless you’re trying to see if you can guess how many jellybeans are in a jar.
Steps to Implement This Strategy: Get Ready to Ride the Trend
- Identify the Ascending Triangle: Look for higher lows meeting a consistent resistance level. This is the squeeze—like pressing toothpaste out of the tube, the market’s building pressure.
- Overlay the Hull Moving Average: Add the HMA to your chart. Set it to a period that fits your timeframe—typically, 21 or 34 works well for the 4-hour chart.
- Confirm the Breakout: Wait for the price to break above resistance, then watch the HMA. If it’s trending upwards, it’s time to consider an entry.
- Set Your Entry and Stop-Loss: Enter on a close above the resistance. Place your stop below the last higher low within the triangle—essentially where buyers proved they’re still in control.
- Ride the Momentum: Use trailing stops to follow the price upwards. Remember, the HMA is your guide here. If it flattens or turns down, consider taking profit—you wouldn’t want to ride a rollercoaster downhill without being strapped in.
Avoiding the Pitfalls: What Makes This Strategy Fail
One of the most common pitfalls when using the HMA and Ascending Triangle combination is premature breakouts. If the price breaks resistance but the HMA stays flat, consider that a red flag. It’s like buying a shiny new gadget only to find it doesn’t come with batteries—the excitement is there, but it’s not going anywhere.
Another mistake? Overcomplicating things. Many traders get carried away, adding five other indicators just to make themselves feel “extra sure”—sort of like putting on seven layers of sunscreen. It’s just not necessary. The HMA and Ascending Triangle are simple but powerful, as long as you trust the process.
Wrap-Up: Keep It Simple, Keep It Profitable
Combining the Hull Moving Average with the Ascending Triangle isn’t rocket science—it’s just common sense wrapped in a bit of market magic. By using the HMA to confirm the strength of a breakout, you can catch those moves that most traders miss and dodge the fakeouts that would otherwise burn your account. Remember, trading is about probabilities, not certainties—so equip yourself with tools that swing those probabilities in your favor.
And hey, if you want a little more help along the way, consider joining our community at StarseedFX, where the best minds in Forex share their insights daily. Because sometimes, all you need to succeed is a good plan, the right tools, and a friend who’s just as obsessed with the market as you are.
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Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated
PLEASE NOTE: This is not trading advice. It is educational content. Markets are influenced by numerous factors, and their reactions can vary each time.

Anne Durrell & Mo
About the Author
Anne Durrell (aka Anne Abouzeid), a former teacher, has a unique talent for transforming complex Forex concepts into something easy, accessible, and even fun. With a blend of humor and in-depth market insight, Anne makes learning about Forex both enlightening and entertaining. She began her trading journey alongside her husband, Mohamed Abouzeid, and they have now been trading full-time for over 12 years.
Anne loves writing and sharing her expertise. For those new to trading, she provides a variety of free forex courses on StarseedFX. If you enjoy the content and want to support her work, consider joining The StarseedFX Community, where you will get daily market insights and trading alerts.
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