Technical Analysis Plain and Simple: Charting the Markets in Your Language

by Michael N. Kahn

“This book is an excellent primer. As a proponent of the art-versus-science school of technical analysis, his primary focus is on the practical aspects of chart reading and how to translate the intelligence derived from charts into investment decisions. If you have ever wondered what technical analysis is, or how you could get started doing it, this is a good place to start.” J ohn B ollinger , CFA, CMT, President, Bollinger Capital Management “Here is the place to discover why the RSI goes up while the price is going down, how to measure potential moves from a breakout, how not to look at a chart with preconceived notions of what the market will do--‘Let the market talk....’ The advice is above all practical. [This is] a book to own, particularly in the earlier stages of your investment career.” M ichael S myrk , STA Journal “Finally, an easy-to-understand explanation of how technical analysis works! This primer shows investors how to spot trends and patterns in the markets that can help them choose winning stocks. Full of practical advice, this is a must have for both individual and professional investors.” S usie G harib , Coanchor, PBS Nightly Business Report T he B est -S elling I ntroduction to T echnical A nalysis : U pdated with N ew E xamples , T echniques , and G uidance ! Technical analysis offers powerful, objective tools for picking stocks and making money--and in today’s market environment, that makes it more indispensable than ever. Unfortunately, most technical analysis books confuse investors instead of enlightening them. In this clear, practical, fully updated book, Barron’s Online technical analysis columnist Michael N. Kahn introduces proven technical analysis techniques in simple language that any investor can understand and use. Kahn explains how technical analysis works and then teaches you how to read charts and translate them into investment decisions. You’ll learn how to use technical analysis to complement your current approach to stock selection, discover what makes a stock look promising, and objectively assess both risk and reward. This completely revised third edition contains many new examples reflecting today’s transformed market environment. You’ll find detailed new coverage of recognizing bubbles, including real estate (2006), oil (2008), and bonds (2009). Kahn presents powerful new insights into the relationship between technical analysis and market psychology and crucial, up-to-date guidance on sector rotation in rapidly changing markets. He also presents a full chapter on navigating through chaotic, once-in-a-millennium, “black-swan” market events.

Genres: Finance, Business

318 pages, Hardcover

First published June 12, 2006

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good insight into charting and technical analysis. However, for a novice, it would be a tough read. Not that these are difficult concepts, but having the correct yardstick to assess what is being stated in the book is very helpful. Nearly every book on charting tries to give a "How to" to trading, but it simply is NOT that easy.

[Jerrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a very interesting primer into Technical Analysis. Only gleaning the surface I am excited to learn more as I slowly dip my toes into the water of investing my money in order to make money with ... money.

[Oleg · Rating 3 out of 5]

people are predictable and you can use it for your own success

[Greg Ricci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok

[James Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books is an excellent review of key technical concepts for trading stocks. Kahn covers the basics of technical analysis, how to actually use these tools, and concepts necessary for trading as risk-management. The content of the book gives the impression Kahn is very experienced and a savvy trader. Excellent credentials having written for Barron's.

[Hedry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less technical; more superficial. I was using this as the primary source for a paper I had to write on RSI and Stochastics and, frankly, needed to find a bunch of secondary sources because this book was repetitive and lacked detail. A broad "plain & simple" overview shouldn't take 300 pages.

[Omkar Pendse · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book for beginners.

[Martha]

good definition of terms; no valuable advice on use of tools