Reading charts

[major1980]

How do you read a stock chart to know what it is saying to make a decision?

 

[malaguti]

How do you read a stock chart to know what it is saying to make a decision?

The best way to start is by identifying those recurring patterns on your chosen timeframe.
Identifying them in hindsight is easy, but then you need to be able to identify forming ones, which with practice isn't that difficult.
There are both continuation and reversal patterns so if i were you i would stick with the continuation ones for now as the probabilities are more in your favour. It does mean however that you can identify the underlying trend, so you should also look at understanding this
there are loads of sources for understanding the various patterns, choose a couple and then go back over numerous charts and draw them in. The ascending or descending triangles for example. They occur all the time, across all timeframes. You don't have to understand the theory behind them, because thats all it is, theory.

if you've got software that will allow you to simulate the bar by bar action over time, this can speed up your learning curve.

good luck

 

[Pat Riley]

How do you read a stock chart to know what it is saying to make a decision?

I'm probably sticking me nose in again inta an area for which I've precious little direct experience, but I'm goin ta say it depends on your timeframe. The further you get away for the low level noise on the intraday basis, the less ya need to worry about price action and structure and development and all those good things. If you're trading on the daily and further out, I'd suggest ya avail yourself of decent sell-side research, much of which can be obtained freely. You won't be gettin it first hand or hot off the press, but if you're in for the long haul, it'll be more than timely enough for your needs.

 

[timsk]

How do you read a stock chart to know what it is saying to make a decision?

Hi major1980,
To 'read' a price chart, you need to have an understanding of technical analysis. More importantly than that, you have to believe with evangelical passion the basic principles that underpin it. A good a place as any to start is with this Sticky: Essentials Of Technical Analysis
Tim.

 

[tomorton]

The further you get away for the low level noise on the intraday basis, the less ya need to worry about price action and structure and development and all those good things.

Interesting thought Pat, which I had been mulling over the last few weeks for trend-following forex stuff. I will be doing some forward testing to see if I can simply enter a trend as soon as its identified by my parameters, rather than have to await a classic TA entry point from the dailies. I don't want to de-rail this thread but hope to post somerhting in the next few weeks separately, thanks for the comment.

 

[kalott]

How do you read a stock chart to know what it is saying to make a decision?

start with only one stock or one stock index (not forex) and learn their "personality" by following them closely

its like with people when you know them very well you know what they are going to say or do before they do it

 

[Tytus_Barnowl]

Just remember doji, hanging man and hammer. That will tell you all you need to know.

 

[Fugazsy]

How do you read a stock chart to know what it is saying to make a decision?

Traders uses stop losses.... rightly. If you can spot them on the chart place you entry there....they will fuel your trade by covering and others will join in. If you place your entry at a place when a few will get involved your trades will have little chances to get to your profit before your protective stop is reached and here probably is where nimble traders have placed their entry.

This is one way how to read price chart. Good luck.