Leading Diagonal
Elliott Wave Theory glossary · Core Axioms & Motive Wave Rules
Definition
A diagonal triangle occurring in the Wave 1 or Wave A position, signalling the beginning of a new trend. Internal impulse waves (1, 3, 5) are ve-wave patterns. Very rare.
Leading Diagonal in plain English
A 'diagonal' is a wedge-shaped, slightly messy version of the normal five-wave push, and a leading diagonal is one that shows up right at the very start of a new trend (in the wave 1 or wave A slot). Its job is to signal 'a fresh trend is being born here,' and inside it the driving sub-waves (1, 3, 5) themselves each subdivide into five smaller waves. Think of a car pulling out of a driveway — it lurches and wobbles a bit before settling into smooth highway speed; the leading diagonal is that early, ragged launch. It's genuinely uncommon, so seeing one is a meaningful clue rather than an everyday event.
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