Technical Indicators 4x4 (Part 1): Build Your Base

Editor's note: This is the first of two articles on technical indicators. Here, we cover four stock charting basics to get you started. In part two, we'll explore four alternative indicators.

How in the world can you be expected to narrow down this delicious spread to a few choices? But if you don't focus and prioritize, you may regret it real soon. The same thing can happen when trying to determine which technical indicators might build a useful base for your trading plan.

Here, we'll share highlights of a few stock charting basics that every trader could consider having on their plate—volume, moving averages, the Relative Strength Index, and moving average convergence divergence.

Volume

Volume is the combined buying and selling that underlies a stock, and although it's often a component of more complex indicators, it's a powerful tool in its own right. The strength or weakness of a stock's move can be confirmed by the amount of volume associated with that move. A large increase in volume tells you there is "fuel" driving a price move; the opposite is also true, meaning lack of volume may indicate a short-lived price move.

One weakness inherent in volume as an indicator is that although it can tell you the number of buyers and sellers in a stock, it can't tell you anything about their conviction. So, you'll likely need a few more tools.

Moving Average

Another widely used indicator is the moving average, which calculates the average price of a stock over a defined period of time. The graphic representation of that average is then used to identify the potential trend or to determine support and resistance levels.

A simple moving average (SMA) is often used by traders on longer time frames, while an exponential moving average (EMA), which gives the most recent data more weight, is typically considered better suited for shorter time frames. But in either case, it's important to remember that a moving average is a lagging indicator, based on past price, and should be looked at as a confirmation tool, not a predictive one.

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Relative Strength Index

For spotting potentially overbought and oversold conditions, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is favored by some traders as an easy-to-read indicator. RSI readings range from zero to 100. When a stock approaches the 70 level, some traders generally consider it overbought and possibly due for a pullback according to some theories; when RSI hits the 30 level, it's generally considered oversold, and some traders conclude that a bounce may soon occur.

One of the drawbacks of using the RSI is that in strongly trending markets, the indicator can stay in overbought or oversold territory for extended periods of time, temporarily negating its effectiveness.

Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)

The moving average convergence divergence indicator is quite a mouthful, so it's more commonly known as MACD. It's calculated by subtracting a 26-day EMA from a 12-day EMA, and then plotting a 9-day EMA known as the "signal line." on top. When that signal line crosses the MACD, it indicates either a potential buy or a sell signal.

The MACD can also be used as a trend-following tool. When the slope of the indicator is in sync with price movement, it's often read as a potential sign that the trend is intact. However, when there's a divergence between the indicator and the price, many traders believe the trend is likely about to end.

Like the moving average, MACD is a lagging indicator, which means it can be tricky to use at times. Some traders will try to anticipate a crossover in order to get into a position before a price move starts, while others enter only once the cross has been made.

This article was originally posted here by Brian Lund on June 16, 2015.

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