There are several key chart formations that most successful traders and investors should be able to recognize.

FORBES: The Dominant Chart Pattern of Early 2012

As is the case in many important chart formations, volume plays a vital role in identifying the formation and in confirming that it has been completed.

FORBES: The Dominant Chart Pattern of Early 2012

There are a number of chart formations with bearish implications.

FORBES: Banking Breakdown

The company helps oil producers chart underground formations that might contain oil or gas.

FORBES: Optimistic on oil

The publicly traded company helps oil producers chart underground formations that might contain oil or gas.

FORBES: The case for oil

Last November I discussed double bottom formations on crude oil ( see chart) and many stocks were also showing potential double bottom formations.

FORBES: Using Options to Trade Double Tops

As I mentioned in a recent Charts in Play, flag formations are one of my favorite chart patterns to trade.

FORBES: Using Fibonacci to Trade Flag Patterns

Mining executives say that while they chuckle about the quirks of older geologists, they recognize the business value of their memory of previous exploratory work, their grasp of complex rock formations and their discipline in knowing how to meticulously chart new territory.

WSJ: In Geology, Old-Timers Can Be Worth Their Weight in Gold

If you examine the formation on the daily chart, the two lows are three months apart, which is fairly normal for double-bottom formations.

FORBES: A Chart Formation the Pros Love