An impulse wave is a 5-wave pattern that moves in the direction of the larger trend. It must satisfy three absolute rules and tends to follow several guidelines.
Description
An impulse wave (motive wave) is the 5-wave structure that moves in the direction of the larger-degree trend. Waves 1, 3, and 5 are actionary waves that move with the trend; waves 2 and 4 are corrective waves against the trend. Impulse waves are the most common motive wave pattern and must satisfy three absolute rules.
Key Points
- 5-wave structure: waves 1-2-3-4-5
- Actionary waves (1, 3, 5) move in the trend direction; corrective waves (2, 4) move against it
- Wave 3 is typically the longest and strongest actionary wave
- Two types: standard impulse and diagonal
- Three absolute rules must be satisfied (see: Three Rules of Impulse)
