| Over the last thirty years I have seen the invention | | | | it what you like. Stock analysis software only shows |
| of more and more powerful versions of stock trading | | | | you indicators, but a human has to be pull the trigger. |
| software, but when it comes to selecting the best | | | | For this it helps to have a visual look at the stock of |
| software for your personal needs, I think the adage | | | | interest. |
| that should apply is "Simplest is best." This is not to | | | | Now if you do not feel comfortable with a stock |
| berate the power of many stock market software | | | | trading software package, skip it once again unless |
| packages, but the simple fact that as I get older I | | | | they give you a free trial. Most large cities have an |
| want my stock trading methods to simplify, and I do | | | | investment expo where various packages are shown |
| not want to be overwhelmed with too many options. | | | | in real time, and if something looks too complicated |
| As a result, I tend to prefer very simple trading | | | | to master, move on to something else. You can also |
| systems and techniques. | | | | search YouTube for terms like "stock trading |
| Tips for Choosing the Best Stock Trading Software | | | | software," "stock trading robot," "automatic buying |
| At one time I used a system of index cards and | | | | selling stock," or "stock automation" to find |
| post it notes to keep track of my trades. I have | | | | demonstrations of what is available. You should also |
| tried EXCEL spreadsheets and other forms of | | | | search for reviews and ratings of the stock trading |
| computer automation, but frankly, these simple | | | | software available. The magazine Technical Analysis |
| manual methods seem best because you can pick up | | | | for Stocks and Commodities always has an issue |
| your log and take it with you to lunch or anyplace | | | | with the results of polls about the best software and |
| else for analysis. However, nothing beats a watch list | | | | data feeds available. |
| in stock trading software that can tag certain | | | | If you are ready to purchase software and it is |
| companies for potential signals. You want to look for | | | | expensive, but the company is small, that is another |
| this in any system you buy. | | | | indication that you have to pause and think for a bit. |
| Another thing you want to look for is a wide variety | | | | If it is small and you are paying $2000 for a package, |
| of entry and exit methods you can apply to your | | | | will they be there for upgrades and technical support |
| stock lists. This might include moving average | | | | in a year's time? Will they be around for a money |
| crossovers to relative strength indicators, valuation | | | | back guarantee to kick in. I recently had to make this |
| models, trend line breakouts, new high or low | | | | decision for a package that cost nearly $10K, and my |
| breakouts, Elliott wave corrections, and more. If I did | | | | partner and I said "no" because the risks were too |
| not have any trend following indicator to confirm my | | | | high. If there is any doubt in your mind, consider |
| hunches about buying or selling a stock, I would not | | | | waiting unless it is a monthly membership type plan |
| use software at all. Once again, forget about fancy | | | | that gives you access to the service. |
| systems. Pick good stocks and use simple methods | | | | Lastly, make sure your software has a charting |
| to get in and out of trades. Ben Graham himself used | | | | feature that lets you see the target market, for that |
| a simple 50% profit rule or two year holding period | | | | will make it easier for you to trade with confidence. |
| to get out of value stocks he purchased, whichever | | | | Having traded hundreds of black box systems over |
| cam first. | | | | the years, I cannot tell you how much advantage |
| However, if we are talking about stock analysis or | | | | there is to having a great stock charting feature in |
| stock market charting software packages, that is a | | | | your software, because since no system is 100% |
| different story. In this case it is all about analysis to | | | | fool proof, a stock chart helps me eliminate bad |
| find shares of interest, and it is up to you to do with | | | | trades manually. |