Product Description

Technical analysis is a hot topic for investors right now and offers powerful, objective tools for picking stocks and making money--but most explanations of the subject simply confuse investors instead of enlightening them. In this clear, practical book, Barron's columnist Michael Kahn introduces technical analysis in simple English. Kahn explains exactly how technical analysis works, then teaches you how to read charts and translate what they tell you into real buy and sell decisions. The fully updated Second Edition contains many new examples reflecting major market changes since the First Edition: 9/11, equities bear markets, commodities bull markets, changing interest rates, and more. Step by step, Kahn illuminates the basic theory of technical analysis, demystifies its jargon, outlines its core techniques, and shows how to use it to complement (not replace) the reader's current approach to stock selection. He explains trendlines, chart patterns, and corrections; reveals what makes a stock look promising; and helps to assess potential risk and reward.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #76278 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Review

Top technical analyst and Barron’s Online columnist Kahn demystifies technical analysis.

While many investors view technical analysis as a mystical “tea-leaf reading” process, “this could not be further from the truth,” says the author, in the second edition of this handy guide to technical analysis. Indeed, Kahn teaches investors how to bring clarity and objectivity to their market decisions by augmenting their fundamental research with the use of technical analysis. Beginning with a general overview of the subject, the author then moves on to the core concepts of chart analysis and the various facets of the investment process. Finally, he covers more advanced topics like candlesticks, cycles and Elliot waves, and also explains common technical terms and jargon and how to identify patterns, listen to the market and “reality check” broker recommendations.

Investors will appreciate this straightforward and clear guide to technical analysis.

--Kirkus Reports, Vol. 3, Issue 3 (March 31, 2006)

From the Back Cover
Technical analysis is a hot topic for investors right now and offers powerful, objective tools for picking stocks and making money--but most explanations of the subject simply confuse investors instead of enlightening them. In this clear, practical book, Barron's columnist Michael Kahn introduces technical analysis in simple English. Kahn explains exactly how technical analysis works, then teaches you how to read charts and translate what they tell you into real buy and sell decisions. The fully updated Second Edition contains many new examples reflecting major market changes since the First Edition: 9/11, equities bear markets, commodities bull markets, changing interest rates, and more. Step by step, Kahn illuminates the basic theory of technical analysis, demystifies its jargon, outlines its core techniques, and shows how to use it to complement (not replace) the reader's current approach to stock selection. He explains trendlines, chart patterns, and corrections; reveals what makes a stock look promising; and helps to assess potential risk and reward.

About the Author

Michael N. Kahn has been charting the markets for more than two decades as a product designer, analyst, and teacher. He writes extensively for wide investment audiences, both in his proprietary newsletter Quick Takes Pro and in columns for Barron’s Online and was formerly the chief technical analyst for BridgeNews, a division of Bridge Information Systems, a leading source of global financial information, transaction and network services.

Kahn is a widely sought-after guest on financial television networks for both his accuracy and his ability to clearly explain markets. He is a board member of the Market Technicians Association, and author of Technical Analysis Plain and Simple, First Edition (FT Prentice Hall) and Real World Technical Analysis (CRB Publishing).

Customer Reviews

simple and broad intro to TA
I like the writer's creative analogies and down to earth approach.
This is a terrific intro book to get a "taste" of what TA is comprised of.
It covers the elements that make up TA in a topical manner
It will give a solid foundation to start your TA education. I would recommend "Technical Analysis Explained" or "Technical Analyis of the Financial markets" to deepen your undertanding after reading this book.
Hope to see a follow up book from this author getting more detailed since he has a knack for conveying.

A good beginner's guide to TA
This book is a good beginner's guide to technical analysis. The author touches on many aspects of technical analysis but doesn't go as deeply as Pring or Murphy. As an example, the author explains Elliot Waves in 4 pages, and there are 3 diagrams in those pages.

The book is 300 pages, but it's also 37 chapters. The chapter heading takes about a third of the page, there are breaks between subjects, there are a lot of charts, and not all the pages are filled completely top to bottom. There is less than you think. Take away the large headings, the subject breaks, the charts, fill up the pages completely and this book is probably only 150 pages to explain 37 chapters of material, which is barely enough to scratch the surface, which is what a beginner's book should contain.

One thing I like is that the author uses REAL LIFE examples. One thing I don't like is that while the author does a decent job of explaining the patterns, he doesn't show how to use those patterns as entry or exit points to help you make some $$$.

Overall, an average book at a good price if you want to learn technical analysis, but not trading. But if you want a GREAT book at a good price instead of just an average book, do yourself a favor and invest an extra $10 and buy "How Technical Analysis Works" by Bruce Kamich.

A good read
Mr. Kahn has done a great job of taking a subject that could be made to appear difficult and he demystifies and truly makes it Plain and Simple to read and understand.