Does technical analysis trading require mathematics?

[echo13]

Hi everyone. I was wondering, is technical analysis trading a mathematical game or is it just simply a pattern-recognition game?

 

[shadowninja]

Trading is a pattern recognition game. With TA you don't need to know maths but if you understand how the indicator is created, you might be able to use it better.

 

[Trankuility]

Math not necessary, as Shadow mentioned, though could be helpful. I don't use math in my trading beyond simple addition/subtraction.

In my experience, it's all about pattern recognition, emotional control, and self awareness.

 

[The Artist]

Hey,
I slightly disagree.
You may not "need" to know mathematics to create a candlestick, but you will struggle to compute a Kaufman Adaptive MA or Sine Weighted MA if you have no understand of maths whatsoever.
Of course, most software packages can compute and plot data for us, but it's like saying one need not to study maths at school so long as he will have a calculator as an adult.
Besides, TA as a "pattern recognition" discipline is a bit oversimplified. I am sure those who build artificial neural networks would agree.

But, if the underlying idea was that one need not to know maths to do some TA and make money in the markets, that I agree with.

 

[glyder]

Hi everyone. I was wondering, is technical analysis trading a mathematical game or is it just simply a pattern-recognition game?

I'd say pattern and price recognition, keep the maths for money management.

 

[Trader_Matt]

In my opinion, trading only requires the math skills of a 6th grader.

 

[Doomberg]

In my opinion, trading only requires the math skills of a 6th grader.

Agreed its more logic and good decisions than academic intelligence

 

[fihunts]

Agreed its more logic and good decisions than academic intelligence

So if you are smarter than a 5th grader! You're good to go.

 

[echo13]

Haha,alright. Thanks guys

 

[safvan]

Basic level calculus where you should know how to multiply, subtract, add.

For actual money making you need to be able to recognize price action patterns with its volume. For this you need set of eyes.

Thats pretty much it.

 

[HowardCohodas]

Hi everyone. I was wondering, is technical analysis trading a mathematical game or is it just simply a pattern-recognition game?

To a large extent it depends on your personality. If you are good at math and have a curiosity on how the presentation of information you will attempt to recognize patterns on, you will likely dig in deeply and do your own custom tweaks.

However, you don't "need to know" how the stuff is derived to learn the art of pattern recognition as your trading tool.

Have fun and make money.

 

[RC24]

I'd say pattern and price recognition, keep the maths for money management.

Very important to know simple math to adjust position size and know exactly what you are risking on each trade.