Show some of the basic charts with explanantion which traders can use while trading
Title: Essential Trading Charts Every Trader Should Know
The fundamental concept of trading is all about understanding and interpreting data, and charts play a significant role in this process. By visually displaying price information, they provide traders with a quick view of the markets. Here, we’re going to explore some of the basic charts that are invaluable in predicting future price movements.
1. Line Chart
![Line Chart](https://analyzingalpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/analyzing-alpha-line-chart.png)
One of the simplest and intuitive forms of charts, a line chart is plotted using the closing price for a specific interval. This interval could be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or any other predefined period. Each closing price is connected to the next one, forming a continuous line that reveals trends over time.
Example: If a trader is observing daily prices, each point on the line will represent the closing price of the asset for the day.
2. Bar Chart
![Bar Chart](https://analyzingalpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/analyzing-alpha-bar-chart.png)
Often preferred by technical analysts, bar charts help traders understand activities during a specific period. Each bar in the chart represents data for a specified duration, including opening price, closing price, and the highs and lows for that period.
Example: The top of the vertical bar shows the highest price traded, while the bottom represents the lowest price. The closing price is marked by a horizontal line on the right side of the bar, and the opening price on the left.
3. Candlestick Chart
![Candlestick Chart](https://analyzingalpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/analyzing-alpha-candlestick-chart.png)
Developed in the 18th century by Japanese rice traders, candlestick charts represent four price points: opening price, closing price, high, and low, each for a specific period. The filled part, or the ‘body,’ marks the range between the opening and closing price. The ‘wick’ or ‘shadow’ illustrates the highest and lowest prices within the period. If the closing price is higher than the opening price, the body is usually white or green (bullish candle); if it’s lower, then the body is black or red (bearish candle).
Example: A long green body with short shadows shows strong buying pressure, while a long red body with short shadows indicates strong selling pressure.
4. Point and Figure Chart
![Point and Figure Chart](https://analyzingalpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/analyzing-alpha-point-and-figure-chart.png)
Unique in their construction, point and figure charts focus on price movements and ignore time. Columns of ‘X’s indicate rising prices, while columns of ‘O’s denote falling prices. The charts generally move diagonally, and traders can gauge market trends without the noise of small price movements.
Example: Three consecutive X columns with prices exceeding previous ones indicate a bullish trend, while three consecutive O columns show a bearish trend.
These fundamental charts offer insights into market trends and potential reversals, assisting traders in their decision-making process. Understanding and interpreting these charts correctly could be a game-changer in effective trading. Moreover, today’s trading platforms provide more advanced charting types and tools, which can further improve analysis and decision-making abilities.
Remember, though, financial markets are unpredictable and carry inevitable risks. Never trade more than you can afford to lose, and always keep learning and improving. After all, knowledge is power in trading. Happy trading!