Why Technical Analysis Matters

by Michael Kahn

Why Technical Analysis Matters Splash image

Technical analysis is a bit of a misnomer since it is really not that technical. A better name for the use of charts to make investment decisions might be risk/reward analysis or even market psychology.

Sure, there are some complex mathematical concepts involved with some of its more esoteric indicators. But at its core, technical analysis is simply a method of determining if a stock or the market as a whole is worth buying or selling. Once we identify this we are way ahead of the game with regard to assembling a winning portfolio.

In this article


Share this article


About the author

Michael Kahn CMT, writes the twice-weekly Getting Technical column for Barron’s Online (www.barrons.com) and the daily Quick Takes Pro newsletter (www.quicktakespro.com).
Michael Kahn Profile
All Articles by Michael Kahn

What Is Technical Analysis?

Simply stated, technical analysis is the study of data generated from the market and from the actions of people in the market.

Such data includes price levels that have served as turning points in the past, the amounts of stock being bought and sold each day (volume), and the rate of change of price movements (momentum) over a given span of time.

To read more, please become an AAII Registered User or CLICK HERE.

First:   
Last:   
Email:

              
Michael Kahn CMT, writes the twice-weekly Getting Technical column for Barron’s Online (www.barrons.com) and the daily Quick Takes Pro newsletter (www.quicktakespro.com).


Discussion

I have been a Corning fan for years - your thoughts please

posted 9 months ago by Edward from New York

If someone is seriously interested in Technical Analysis of stocks, I recommend the "Learning Article" on the DecisionPoint web site - excellent introduction. http://www.decisionpoint.com/

posted 9 months ago by Vernon from Florida

Another good reference book is William J. O'Neil's book "How to Make Money in Stocks"- although it will require a few readings. Good combinations of Fundamental and Technical analysis.

posted 9 months ago by Dana from Massachusetts

Clear and to the point. I will try it.

posted 8 months ago by Sherwin from Idaho

Clear and to the point. I will try it.

posted 8 months ago by Sherwin from Idaho

Very informative article. I plan to print a copy and keep it close to my computer as a reference tool.

posted 5 months ago by Don from Indiana

You need to log in as a registered AAII user before commenting.
Create an account

Log In