A chart pattern named for the fact that its initial formation (the flag pole) takes place in a rapidly declining market. Once the pole is formed, a short period of consolidation results in a series of bars in which the highs and lows rise at the same rate, forming a parallel upward-sloping channel. Technicians view a bear flag as a neutral indicator and will place orders above and below trend lines drawn along the tops and the bottoms of the flag, then play the one that gets filled on the breakout. Compare to Bull Flag.