Charts play an important role in the trading process. They are useful for identifying trends and analyzing the price history of stocks. Charts provide daily and historical trading information in an easy-to-read graphic format, and with the click of a button can be customized to display different frequencies and styles.
There are two categories of charts: Intraday and Historical. Intraday Charts provide trading information for the current day (and the previous 30 days).Historical Charts provide trading information for times further back than 30 days.
The following components are common to every chart:
Symbol Field: Type the symbol you wish to chart into the Symbol Field. Previously viewed symbols are available by clicking the down arrow.
Order Entry Bar : Use the Order Entry Bar to quickly send orders to the market.
Chart Properties : Use the drop-down menus provided here to select chart type (Candlestick, Bar, etc.) and time parameters. Charts are available for times between 1 day (1D) to 20 years (20Y). Data can be provided in a variety of increments, depending on the time selected: 1-60 Minutes, Daily, Weekly, or Yearly.
Data Bar: A data bar is provided for each increment of time (1 minute, 15 minutes, 1 month, etc.) to represent the trading activity for that period. The top and bottom of the bar represent the open and close price. If the bar is green, the stock went up in value. If the bar is red, the stock went down in value. The thin lines behind each bar represent the high and low for that time.
Price Line : Add multiple Price Lines to any chart to aid trading decisions.
Data Details: Provides detailed trade information for the data bar to which your curser is closest.O=Open, H=High, L=Low, C=Close, V=Volume, DVWAP=Daily Volume Weighted Average Price for the date shown.
Current Price: This number is the current print (close) price for the stock.
Advanced Studies: Advanced Studies (technical analysis tools) can be added to provide insight into chart data. To add studies, right-click on the chart, choose Properties , click the Studies tab, and choose from the studies provided.
Studies include: Moving Averages, Bollinger Bands, Average Price Line, Linear Regression, Envelope Study, and VWAP.
For more information on Studies, see "Adding Studies to Your Charts."
Lower Studies: Advanced Studies can also be added below the chart window. Available studies include: Average True Range, CCI, Fast Stochastics, MACD, MACD & signal, Momentum, Money Flow, Money Flow Index, On Balance Volume, Rate of Change, Relative Strength, Relative Volatility Index, Slow Stochastics, Standard Deviation, Volume Plus, and Williams %R.
For more information on Studies, see "Adding Studies to Your Charts."
Tool Bar: The Tool Bar provides easy access to important charting tools. Some of these tools are also available by right clicking on the chart window. Tool icons, from top to bottom, are:
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The Lock -- By default, the Tool Bar is locked in place. When “unlocked” and your curser moves over the chart the Tool Bar will be displayed and hides when the cursor is moved outside of the chart’s body. |
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Cross-Tool -- Click the cross-hair button, then move your curser over the chart. Left click to reveal time, price and technical information. Double-click in the chart to activate this tool. |
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Trend Line -- Allows you to draw lines to determine possible trends within the chart. To remove lines, unclick the Trend Line button; then right click on a created line and select “Remove”. |
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Zoom Tool -- Allows you to zoom in on a specific area with the chart. Click and drag a box over any area you wish to enlarge. Unclick the button to return to normal view. |
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Fibonacci Arcs -- Left click and draw a line between two points on the chart to display a Fibonacci Arc. To remove, unclick the button, then right click on the line, and select Remove from the drop-down list. |
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Fibonacci Fans -- Left click and draw a line between two points on the chart to display a Fibonacci Fan. To remove, unclick the button, then right click on the line, and select Remove from the drop-down list. |
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Fibonacci Retracements -- Left click and draw a line between two points on the chart to display a Fibonacci Retracements. To remove, unclick the button, then right click on the line, and select Remove from the drop-down list. |
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Fibonacci Time Zones -- Left click and draw a line between two points on the chart to display a Fibonacci Time Zones. To remove, unclick the button, then right click on the line, and select Remove from the drop-down list. |
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Custom Price Line -- Click this button once to activate, then left click at intervals on the chart to add custom price lines. Click the button again to deactivate. To remove a line, right click, then select "Remove" from the list. |
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HLOC -- Quickly allows you to view the securities High, Low, Open, and Closing price levels. |
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Overlay Symbol -- Click this button, insert a symbol in the pop-up window, and click Overlay to overlay two securities. Change line thickness and color by clicking "Show Settings" in the pop-up window. To remove, close the pop-up window. |
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Order Entry -- Click this button, to add an Order Entry Bar to the bottom of any chart. Click the button again to remove it. |
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Notes -- Click this button, then click the location on the chart where you would like to add a note. |
on the Charts Tool Bar (or double-click on the chart). An Order Entry Bar will attach to the bottom of the chart, if one is not already present. on the Charts Tool Bar, then click the location on the chart where you would like the note to appear. 