Articles for: Technical Indicators

In Jack Schwager’s famous interviews of the ‘Market Wizards’ he compiled a list of the ten criteria that are present in all successful traders. Amongst that list was one which I believe to be the most glaringly difficult to master, that of patience. Sinan Koray and his excellent pieces on trading psychology will be the most expert individual to help you come to terms with and master the art of waiting, however, there are some very simple technical indicators that you can employ to decide whether or not now is a good time to be trading a given share, index or future.

Back in March when the markets took off there were many reasons to believe markets globally could have fallen much further. So few investors got on board as risks were still high. Many traders – short term players – may have taken some positions but few would have been fully invested. Well done if you picked the low.

The market myths that many people seem to hold as truth often amaze me. One from an Australian perspective is that if the US Market has a down day (overnight in Australia) the Aussie market will finish lower the next day. No doubt a similar belief may be held in the States regarding Australian and Asian markets, though I am sure their movements are far less publicized.

Reporting season can be a tricky time at best. In the good times the odd negative surprise can be brushed off as just being a mere blip and all will be forgiven in time.

Two names synonymous with Technical Analysis are Gann and Elliott, each having their die hard followers. As in many walks of life, people claim their area of study to be the best. Just look at diets, martial arts, weight loss programs or anything related to some kind of personal improvement. Practitioners of each style or method claim theirs is the best, hands down. The funny thing is most work in a similar manner to the same end. Trading in many ways is no different. I am a fan of the saying, “If it works use it!!”

What was the SEC thinking leading up to July 6th 2007? That is the day when the uptick rule - a rule in place since 1934 to help keep markets orderly - was removed. Famous Investor Lazlo Birinyi has been among those calling for its reinstatement for some time and is now joined by several members of US congress. It’s about time!