What is a Darvas Box?

A Darvas Box is a price pattern used in technical analysis, developed by Nicolas Darvas to capture breakout movements in stocks. The "box" is formed when a stock's price consolidates within a specific range—fluctuating between a defined upper and lower boundary over a period of time. These boundaries form the "walls" of the box.

The upper boundary is typically established by the highest price level reached during consolidation, while the lower boundary is the lowest price level during that period. Traders using the Darvas Box strategy look for stocks trading within these confined ranges and wait for a breakout above the upper boundary, which signals a potential buying opportunity. Conversely, a breakdown below the lower boundary can indicate a sell signal.

Setting Up a Darvas Box on a Stock Chart
To set up a Darvas Box on a stock chart, follow these steps:

• Identify Consolidation Zones: Look for a period when the stock price is moving sideways, meaning it is not consistently making new highs or lows but is fluctuating within a range.
• Mark the Upper Boundary: Locate the highest price the stock reaches during this consolidation period. This forms the top of the Darvas Box. The price should attempt to break this level multiple times without success.
• Mark the Lower Boundary: Identify the lowest price reached during the consolidation. This becomes the bottom of the Darvas Box, providing support for the stock price.
• Wait for Breakouts or Breakdowns: Once the box is established, monitor the price action closely. A breakout above the upper boundary signals a potential entry point for a long position, while a breakdown below the lower boundary signals an exit or a short position.
• Confirm with Volume: As always, confirm the breakout with increasing trading volume, as it shows strength and market interest.