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A security pattern traces the distinct movements of security prices that, once recognized, help traders to make informed trading decisions. These patterns are identified by their vital geometrical elements, which are formed by changing security prices. Let's look at some stock opportunities in the utilities sector by analyzing these patterns.

Buy Signal for Portland General Electric Company (POR) (Cup-and-Handle)

The cup-and-handle (sometimes called cup-­and-holder) pattern is formed when the price of a security initially declines and then rises to form a U-like rounded shape (1, 2, 3 form the shape known as the cup). Once it forms the right lip, it is characterized by a short, relatively straight price decline (from point 3 to 4) forming the handle.

The declining handle potentially forms due to mounting selling pressure created when the security tests its high at the right cup lip. After the sellers give up, the security has the potential to break out to the upside.

Trade Idea:

• Buy near the breakout (entry) price – $49.91.
• Sell at the target (exit) price – $54.85.

Trend trading is a strategy based on the technical analysis of changing market prices. The trend trader enters into a long position when a stock is trending upward and uses the short position when a stock is trending downward.

Buy Signals for Consolidated Water Co. (CWCO), Northwest Natural (NWN), & Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN)

Trade Idea:

• Buy at the opening of the stock market on Monday if the opening price has gone up by no more than 0.5% of Friday's closing price.
• Sell after the price has risen by 2% from Friday's closing price, or at the end of the trading week if the target is not reached.

Buy Signal for The AES Corporation (AES)

Trade Idea:

• Buy AES at the current market price if seen as appealing.
• Sell AES after receiving the "sell" recommendation from trusted analyses.