Key Takeaways Learn how to create Fibonacci retracement levels on stock charts  Fibonacci retracement levels may be used to identify support and resistance levels Understand how Fibonacci levels can help make trading decisions Leonardo Fibonacci was a mathematician who worked on the “golden ratio” and developed the Fibonacci sequence. Many technical traders use what’s known […]

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Key Takeaways When the typical charting tools seem to be giving off false signals, some traders turn to less common ones. Learn about three such signals: the Standard Deviation Channel (SDC), Schaff Trend Cycle (STC), and The Simple Cloud (TSC). People and nature tend to be predictable, right? Too bad the stock market isn’t. Using […]

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Key Takeaways The relative strength indicator measures the performance of a stock against a benchmark Learn how to apply relative strength to determine if a stock is leading or lagging the market Understand how relative strength can be used as a confirmation tool for breakouts Some traders who use technical analysis can fall prey to […]

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Key Takeaways Become familiar with the different charting features available on thinkorswim Understand how to compare charts, create drawing alerts, and backtest strategies directly from price charts  Use the expansion area of a price chart to identify future corporate actions and probable price ranges Whether you’re new to thinkorswim® or eager to find new ways […]

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Key Takeaways Know the importance of monitoring volume because it can provide insight into trading activity and sentiment Understand the relationship between price and volume using the VolumeAvg indicator Learn to analyze volume with respect to its average to identify trends Sometimes we take things for granted without realizing their importance. Take volume as an […]

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Key Takeaways Volatility, trend, and momentum are three distinct, yet integrated, ways to view price action There are several types of indicators you can use to analyze each type Bollinger Bands® and average true range indicators can help you better understand a stock’s volatility profile, at least enough to plot effective entries and exits You’ve […]

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Key Takeaways Contrarian trading or investing is about understanding crowd behavior at market extremes Understand that being contrarian isn’t necessarily about timing the stock market Know what indicators to use when identifying a potential trend reversal When times are good, you may get caught up thinking it’ll be that way forever. At some point, that […]

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Key Takeaways Margin on futures can help establish a relatively large position, but it also adds certain risks A certain amount of money, the maintenance margin, must always be maintained on deposit with a futures broker When losses exceed maintenance margin, it may trigger a “margin call” at any time during the trading day Levers […]

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