Learning Technical Analysis

One of the questions I'm asked most is how to learn technical analysis. There are dozens of books and many more websites that certainly will help you get the basics.

One book I always recommend as a starting point is "Getting Started in Chart Patterns" by Thomas Bulkowski. That along with his other two books "Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns," and Trading Classic Chart Patterns" are all highly recommended. In fact, Bulkowski's visual index of chart patterns should be something you have at your fingertips at all times.

But, if you're like me, I can only get so much from just reading/looking about chart patterns. The only way to get good at it, is to practice, practice, and practice some more. And, yes, that even includes those of us who've been using TA for some time. As a testament to his desire to help others learn TA, Bulkowski offers free chart pattern recognition software. Not only can this software help you spot chart patterns within your own watchlists, but for those of you just starting out learning about technical analysis, it provides real-life examples of patterns in stocks you're watching and holding. In my opinion, there's no better way to learn.

So, if you truly desire to learn technical analysis, take full advantage of Bulkowski's website, books, and software. I know I have.