Technical Analysis 101
Learn chart patterns, indicators, and price action analysis.
Technical Analysis 101: Read the Market
Technical analysis is the art and science of reading price charts to identify trends, reversals, and trading opportunities. This hub covers the essential indicators, chart patterns, and price action concepts every trader needs.
Foundation Indicators
- Moving Averages: Trend direction and support/resistance levels
- RSI: Overbought/oversold momentum signals
- MACD: Trend-following momentum confirmation
- Volume: Confirming price moves and spotting divergences
Articles
Coinbase vs Kraken for Beginners (2026): Which Crypto Exchange Is Better?
Kraken publishes the trading rates a beginner pays, from the app's flat 1% fee to Kraken Pro's 0.40%/0.80% first tier; Coinbase prices simple trades per order but is the option of the two in New York and Maine, where Kraken does not operate.
tastytrade vs thinkorswim 2026: Which Options Platform Wins?
Choosing between TD Ameritrade and E*TRADE for options? We compare platforms and fees.
How to Start Trading Stocks With $100 in 2026: Fractional Shares, Fees and Rules
With $100 you can buy slices of stocks and ETFs: Fidelity, Schwab and Robinhood take fractional orders from $1, and Fidelity and Schwab state no account minimums. The account, order and fee rules that matter at that size, checked October 2026.
Best Crypto Exchanges in the US (2026): Fees, State Access and Custody Compared
Kraken is the strongest default for most US states on published fees, Gemini covers New York and Maine where Kraken does not, and Binance.US prints the lowest order-book rates but is licensed in 32 states.
Robinhood vs Webull (2026): Which Trading App Is Better for You?
Both apps charge $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options, so the deciding factors are the IRA match and the subscription behind it, margin terms, desktop tools and Webull's paperTrade practice mode.
Common Questions
What's the minimum amount needed to start trading?
Many online brokers now offer $0 minimums for stock trading. Forex typically requires $100-$500 for micro accounts. Options usually needs $2,000+ for margin accounts.
Stock broker vs forex broker - which do I need?
Stock brokers offer equities, ETFs, and options. Forex brokers specialize in currency pairs with higher leverage. Some like Interactive Brokers offer both. Consider fees, platforms, and asset variety.
What trading fees should I watch out for?
Key fees: commissions per trade, spreads, overnight/swap fees, inactivity fees, withdrawal fees, and data subscriptions. Commission-free doesn't mean free - brokers may earn from payment for order flow.
Is day trading profitable for beginners?
Statistics show 70-90% of day traders lose money. Success requires education, practice, disciplined risk management, and $25,000+ for US pattern day trading rules. Start with swing trading.
Key Terms
Moving Average (MA)
A smoothed line calculated by averaging closing prices over a set period. The 50-day and 200-day MAs are widely watched. When the 50-day crosses above the 200-day (golden cross), it signals bullish momentum. MAs lag price action — they confirm trends rather than predict reversals.
Relative Strength Index (RSI)
A momentum oscillator ranging 0-100. RSI above 70 suggests overbought conditions; below 30 suggests oversold. Developed by J. Welles Wilder. Most effective as a confirmation tool alongside other indicators. Divergence between RSI and price often signals trend reversals.
MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)
A trend-following momentum indicator showing the relationship between two moving averages (typically 12-day and 26-day EMAs). Signal line crossovers and histogram changes identify trend shifts. One of the most popular technical indicators across all timeframes.
Support and Resistance
Price levels where buying (support) or selling (resistance) pressure historically concentrates. Support acts as a floor; resistance acts as a ceiling. When broken, support becomes resistance and vice versa. Key levels are identified through previous highs/lows, round numbers, and moving averages.