Two Major Schools of Stock Analysis -2
By Saghir Aslam
Rawalpindi, Islamabad
(The following information is provided solely to educate the Muslim community about investing and financial planning. It is hoped that the Ummah will benefit from this effort through greater financial empowerment, enabling the community to live in security and dignity and fulfill their religious and moral obligations towards charitable activities)
Technical analysts are not as concerned with a company’s financial performance; instead, they focus on the market for the stock. They believe that everything sells for its approximate worth. So, it is ultimately the market, not a company’s financial performance, that determines the price of the stock. These analysts spend their time measuring price performance and volume behavior other known as supply and demand, as well as psychology of investors. They are often referred to as “chartists” because they chart price performance over time to determine ceilings (high) or floors (lows) of a stock’s price. Many charting services are available through the internet and even through certain newspapers.
Technical analysis is more difficult for the individual investors than fundamental analysis. While much data is available, the methods of technical analysis are complicated and often confidential. Investment newsletters based o technical analysis will predict future price movements but keep the systems that generated the predication secret. There are some general methods that individuals with the time and a computer can utilize. For example, charting the price performance of a particular stock will often reveal certain patterns and behaviors at certain price levels or in certain market conditions. However, the most sophisticated technical analysis is best left to professionals.
While the two major approaches to stock analysis are very different, they do not necessarily operate independently of one another. First, fundamental financial performance is a catalyst for people’s desire to own a particular stock. This increased demand will be measured by technical analysts who will in turn predict that the price will increase.
Successful analysts come from both the fundamental and technical schools. Individual investors don’t need to choose one or the other. Rather, they can incorporate the beliefs of both schools when choosing stocks. They can use fundamental analysis to identify what to buy. Then, they can use technical analysis to decide when to buy.
(Saghir A. Aslam only explains strategies and formulas that he has been using. He is merely providing information, and NO ADVICE is given. Mr Aslam does not endorse or recommend any broker, brokerage firm, or any investment at all, nor does he suggest that anyone will earn a profit when or if they purchase stocks, bonds or any other investments. All stocks or investment vehicles mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. Mr Aslam is not an attorney, accountant, real estate broker, stockbroker, investment advisor, or certified financial planner. Mr Aslam does not have anything for sale.)
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