In part 18 we looked at alternative concepts in technical analysis. In part 19 we turn our attention to the world of Japanese charting. In fact, this and the next three parts (Renko, Kagi and Line Break) will all focus on the Eastern approach to technical analysis. We start with Heikin Ashi – an often forgotten and very effective way to use Japanese candlestick charts. Understanding this ancient method of candlestick charting can certainly reap dividends for your trading! [Read more…]
Technical Analysis (Part 15) – Direct Price Analysis (DPA): Ichimoku
Part 14 showed us how useful and effective Pivots could be, especially for intraday trading. Part 15 introduces us to a very individual concept in technical analysis. Ichimoku is a unique trading tool for analysing any asset in any timeframe. To the outside observer, at first glance it looks a complete mess. Untangle it though and you have a straightforward and very powerful all round trading system that can seriously boost your trading results. This blog presents a simple overview of this system, building up the tools of Ichimoku using the S&P 500 Stock Indices as the base example, hopefully giving you an initial starting point on your journey into a unique part of technical analysis. [Read more…]
Technical Analysis (Part 3): Line & Bar Charts
Last week we looked at some of the basic rules you need to know in technical analysis. This week we start our focus on the actual tools of the trade, beginning with a look at Line Charts and Bar Charts. Charts are like maps to navigate. The analyst has to pilot his or her way through the data, translate the stories and come up with a forecast as to the future journey they think any given asset will take. One chart can tell a thousand stories.
In this and the next four blogs, I am going to cover the rudiments of what I call the ‘common core’ suite of charts. These include: Line & Bar charts, Candlesticks, Point and Figure, Equivolume and Market Profile. The more exotic sounding charts: Heikin Ashi, Renko, 3 Line and Kagi will be covered later in the series. We start though by looking at two forms of chart: the Line Chart and the Bar Chart. Both have their own pro’s and cons but when diving into technical analysis, these are a great place to start. [Read more…]
Technical Analysis (Part 2): Rules you need to know
Last week I began our blog series with a look at the history, theory and philosophy of technical analysis. This week we move on to look at 20 rules that you should build into your technical analysis. It is by no means an exhaustive list; there are many more technical analysis rules than this and there will also be rules that you create yourself. However, those presented here are a good foundation that you can apply to your analysis and build on. Some rules may appear, at this possibly early stage in your interaction with the subject, as both peculiar and confusing. Stick with it though, because during the remainder of this blog series, the use of these rules will become a lot more apparent and understandable. [Read more…]
Technical Analysis Chart of the Day – GBP
Chart of the day: GBP 16th December 2016. It’s been a turbulent year for Sterling and with numerous Euro related events on the calendar for 2017, as well as further Brexit issues to sort out, next year could also turn out to be another volatile one for GBP. [Read more…]