Crude Oil Approaches Final Wave as Technical Top Comes Into View

Published 03/31/2026, 08:51 AM

The Elliott Wave Principle (EWP), a cornerstone of technical analysis, provides traders and investors with a framework for timely identifying reversals and new market trends. As such we already gave a Bullish update to on January 31st, looking for at least $84+/-2.

Applied to Brent crude oil, recent price action suggests that the commodity is approaching the final stages of a classic five-wave pattern, with the current rally likely marking the completion of the 5th wave. See Figure 1 below.

Figure 1. Elliott Wave Count of Brent Oil’s Advance Since Its December 2025 Low

Brent Oil Price Chart

In EWP terms, the pattern consists of three impulsive waves (waves 1, 3, and 5) and two corrective waves (2 and 4). Brent oil started its latest cycle with a strong advance, red W-i followed by a moderate correction, W-ii and then surged in a powerful third wave: red W-iii. The fourth wave retraced some gains, consolidating before the current move upward.

Historically, the 5th wave tends to attract late buyers, often culminating in a price peak before a significant correction or reversal. For Brent oil, the technical indicators and price’s momentum now point to a possible exhaustion as the 5th wave unfolds as there are signs of bearish divergences on momentum indicators, red dotted arrows, and price is nearing resistance near its previous May 2022 closing high of around $112.6. All reinforce the likelihood of a near-term top. Traders should be vigilant for reversal signals, as the completion of the 5th wave will usher in an ABC corrective phase, leading to lower prices in the weeks ahead. A break below the red W-iv low at $96.78 -the red warning level for the Bulls- will signal that the black W-2/b to ideally $77.50+/-5 is underway.

In summary, the Elliott Wave count for Brent oil indicates that the market is nearing a pivotal turning point. As the 5th wave tops out, risk management and careful monitoring of technical signals become crucial for market participants seeking to navigate the next phase of price action.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2026 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.