Just been looking at some chart patterns lately and the expanding triangle is one that keeps showing up. You know the type - where the price swings get bigger and bigger, both the highs and lows moving further away from each other over time.

What's interesting about this pattern is what it actually tells you about the market. It's basically showing that volatility is picking up and nobody's really sure which way things are going. Both the bulls and bears are getting more aggressive, but neither side has managed to take control yet. You'll see higher highs and lower lows all within this widening range.

I've noticed the expanding triangle pattern shows up in all kinds of market conditions - whether things are trending up or down beforehand. Most technical analysts treat it as a continuation pattern, meaning whatever trend was happening before usually continues after the pattern plays out. But here's the thing - because there's so much uncertainty baked into this expanding triangle, a lot of traders I know tend to be pretty careful with it.

The smart play seems to be waiting for a clear break. You want to see the price actually punch through one of those trendlines convincingly before you commit to a direction. That's when you get your confirmation and can actually act on it.

Bottom line: when you spot an expanding triangle pattern forming, it's telling you volatility is ramping up and the market is undecided. Just watch and wait for that decisive move to show you where it's heading next.