classic technical analysis or price action

Classic technical analysis is a method for evaluating financial markets by focusing on price behavior and trading volume. This approach aims to predict future market movements by examining patterns present in price charts. Technical analysts use tools such as trendlines, support and resistance levels, and various indicators to identify buying and selling opportunities.

In classic technical analysis, it is assumed that past patterns can provide clues about the future direction of prices. Analysts study price charts to identify levels where prices have previously shown specific reactions. These levels can act as support (a price range where demand is stronger than supply, usually preventing further price decline) or resistance (a price range where supply is stronger than demand, usually preventing further price increase).

The main tools of classic technical analysis include

• Trendlines: Lines that indicate the general direction of price movement.
• Support and Resistance Levels: Price levels that have historically prevented significant price movements.
• Moving Averages: Indicators that help smooth out price fluctuations.
• Oscillators: Indicators that show the relationship between supply and demand.
• Price Patterns: Specific shapes on the price chart that indicate potential future price behavior.

Classic technical analysis is applicable in various financial markets, such as stocks, forex, and futures markets. However, it is essential to remember that technical analysis is not an exact science, and its results are not always definitive. Analysts use their tools and knowledge to increase the likelihood of success in trading rather than achieving certainty.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Classic Technical Analysis

In the following, while examining the advantages and disadvantages of classic technical analysis, we help you better understand the position of this method in your trading strategy.

Advantages of Classic Technical Analysis
Disadvantages of Classic Technical Analysis

What is the history of classic technical analysis?

Technical analysis, also known as chart analysis, is a method for predicting the future movements of a financial asset’s price by examining its historical price and trading volume data. The roots of technical analysis date back hundreds of years, but its peak can be attributed to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During that time, experienced traders attempted to identify price behavior patterns in stock markets by manually drawing price charts on paper. These patterns indicated the tendencies of buyers and sellers in the market and helped traders predict the probable direction of the next price move.

One of the prominent pioneers of technical analysis was Charles Dow, who introduced the Dow Theory in the late 19th century. This theory provided a set of fundamental principles about market behavior and the importance of trends. Other important figures in the development of technical analysis include individuals like William D. Gann and Richard Wyckoff, who enriched this analytical method by inventing new indicators and price patterns.

Throughout the 20th century, technical analysis underwent significant evolution with the advent of computers and technical analysis software. These tools made it possible to calculate complex technical indicators and automatically draw price patterns on charts. Consequently, technical analysis transitioned from a manual method to an automated and efficient approach.

Despite the advancements in technical analysis, it is important to remember that this method is still considered an art. Correct interpretation of price patterns and indicators requires experience, knowledge, and sound judgment. Technical analysis is a powerful tool for analyzing the market but cannot alone guarantee success in trading.

What is Price Action?

Price action is based on the principle that all the information needed to understand market behavior and predict future price movements is directly observable in the price chart. In other words, the price fluctuations formed on the chart reflect the interaction between buyers and sellers in the market. By understanding these price patterns and how they form, we can receive signals for entering and exiting trades.

Advantages of Price Action

• Price action does not require complex tools or mathematical calculations. By simply using the price chart, you can identify market behavior patterns. This simplicity makes it usable for a wide range of traders, from beginners to professionals.
• Price action can be used in all financial markets that have price charts, including stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. The behavioral patterns of price are consistent across all these markets, and with slight adjustments, they can be used for analysis.
• With price action, you are less dependent on the momentary fluctuations of indicators and can focus on the actual movements of the price. This allows your analysis to be less influenced by short-term market emotions.
• Focusing on price action enables you to follow price movements more accurately and gain a better understanding of market psychology. Over time, this skill helps you make better trading decisions.

Disadvantages of Price Action

• Price action patterns can be interpreted in different ways. This can lead to disagreements among traders regarding the future trend of the market. To reduce this ambiguity, it is recommended to use patterns with higher reliability and confirm them with other technical analysis methods.
• Mastering price action requires practice and experience. Beginner traders may initially face difficulties in identifying valid patterns and interpreting them correctly.
• Price action mainly focuses on short-term price movements. For analyzing long-term market trends, it may be necessary to combine this method with other technical analysis tools.

Price action is one of the powerful methods for analyzing financial markets that has gained the attention of many traders due to its simplicity and flexibility. By considering the advantages and disadvantages of this method and acquiring sufficient experience and skills, you can use price action as an effective tool in your trading.

What is the History of Price Action?

Technical analysis, which relies on the study of price charts, aims to predict the future price movements of assets. Among its key components, price action is considered a cornerstone of technical analysis. But where do the roots of this concept lie?

In fact, price action is not a completely new concept. Its roots can be traced back to the very origins of technical analysis. In the 17th century, Japanese merchants used simple charts to analyze the price trends of rice. These charts laid the initial foundation for technical analysis.

Over time, technical analysts refined drawing tools and charting methods, gaining a deeper understanding of price movements. They realized that the price chart itself contains valuable information about market supply and demand. As a result, analysts turned their attention to “price movement” (Price Action) and its behavioral patterns on the chart.

In the mid-20th century, figures like Richard Wyckoff and Nison Sadiq emphasized the importance of understanding price action and played a significant role in the development of this concept. They believed that by focusing on price movements on the chart and identifying their behavioral patterns, analysts could gain insights into market psychology and forecast future price probabilities.

Today, price action is one of the most widely used methods in technical analysis and is highly regarded by many traders. Its simplicity, high flexibility, and effectiveness across different markets are among the reasons for its popularity.

By studying the history of price action, we find that this concept is built on the experiences and knowledge of past generations of analysts. Understanding these historical roots helps us approach technical analysis and specifically price action with deeper insight.

Price Action in the Stock Market

In the stock market, price action is used to analyze the prices of stocks and other securities. Traders examine price charts to identify various patterns, such as support and resistance levels, candlestick patterns, divergences, and trendlines. These patterns can indicate future price trends and help traders determine optimal entry and exit points for their trades.

Tools Used in Price Action for the Stock Market

• Candlestick Charts
• Support and Resistance Levels
• Moving Averages
• Trendlines
• Graphic Patterns (e.g., Head and Shoulders, Flags, Triangles, etc.)
• Divergences (between price and indicators)

Price Action in Forex

In the forex market, price action is used to analyze currency pairs. The patterns and concepts of price action in forex are similar to those in the stock market, but due to the nature of the forex market, there are some differences. For instance, price fluctuations in forex are generally higher than in the stock market, and trades are conducted with leverage.

Tools Used in Price Action for Forex

• Candlestick Charts
• Support and Resistance Levels
• Fibonacci Levels
• Pivot Points
• Chart Patterns (e.g., Head and Shoulders, Flags, Triangles, etc.)
• Divergences (between price and indicators)

Which Approach is Right for You?

Both classic technical analysis and price action can be effective for analyzing the market. Choosing the right approach depends on several factors, including:

Your Trading Style

• If you are looking for precise, rule-based trading systems, classic technical analysis might be a better choice.
• However, if you prefer to trade based on a direct understanding of price movements, price action is more suitable.

Your Experience and Knowledge

• Classic technical analysis often requires learning and practice to master indicators and patterns.
• Price action also requires a proper understanding of price movements and market psychology.

Your Goals and Expectations

• Some traders aim for quick profits, while others focus on capital preservation and gradual gains.
• Both approaches can be adapted to align with different objectives.

The best approach for you is a combination of classic technical analysis and price action. By understanding chart patterns and using technical analysis tools alongside interpreting price movements and supply-demand dynamics through price action, you can achieve a more comprehensive market analysis.

Remember, no method can fully guarantee profits in financial markets. Continuous practice, proper risk management, and a solid understanding of economic and political events are essential for your success.