Concepts in technical analysis Technical Analysis Market Analysis | United States 18 July 2007 A Handbook of the basics Mary Ann Bartels +1 212 449 8038 Technical Research Analyst MLPF&S Market Analysis Technical Handbook
[email protected] Fred Meissner, Jr. CMT +1 212 449 2603 Technical Research Analyst We cover the basics of Trend, Momentum and other MLPF&S technical indicators and methods
[email protected] Table of Contents Introduction 3 Trends 5 Price Momentum Indicators 14 Reversals 17 The Importance of Volume 24 Support and Resistance 28 Market Breadth 31 Market Sentiment 39 The Fibonacci Concept 43 Putting It Together 49 Merrill Lynch does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision. Refer to important disclosures on page 53. 10633344 Concepts in technical analysis 18 July 2007 Contents Introduction 3 Trends 5 Price Momentum Indicators 14 Reversals 17 The Importance of Volume 24 Support and Resistance 28 Market Breadth 31 Market Sentiment 39 The Fibonacci Concept 43 Putting It Together 49 2 Concepts in technical analysis 18 July 2007 Introduction Price action of stocks, or financial markets in general, is a reflection of human nature. Price trends seem to be determined by investors’ decisions in response to a complex mix of psychological, sociological, political, economic and monetary factors. Technical analysis attempts to measure the strength of these trends and to forewarn of potential changes in these trends.