Technical analysis is the study of a security's price action for the purpose of forecasting probable price trends and movement. Price action is defined as movement in a security's price, volume, and open interest.

Primarily, but not exclusively, technical analysis is conducted by studying charts of past price action. Many different methods and tools are used in technical analysis, but they all rely on the assumption that price patterns and trends exist in markets, and that they can be identified and exploited.

Technical analysis does not try to analyze the financial data of a company such as cashflow, dividends and projection of future dividends. That type of analysis is called fundamental analysis. Nevertheless, some speculators try to combine elements from both technical and fundamental analysis.

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MarketWatch.com - MarketPulse

Louisiana declares emergency in advance of Gustav: report
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:59:23 -0000
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Louisiana is declaring a state of emergency in advance and activating the National Guard in preparation for Tropical Storm Gustav, according to the Associated Press Wednesday. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal gave the order for the preparations, the AP said. While it's too early to chart the storm's course, speculators say the storm could reach the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane by Labor Day weekend.Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.
Obama officially nominated as Democratic candidate
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:49:09 -0000
DENVER (MarketWatch) -- Putting a long and sometimes-bitter nomination fight behind them, the Democrats officially nominated Illinois Sen. Barack Obama as their presidential candidate on Wednesday. His chief rival, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, ended the roll-call vote prematurely with a dramatic call from the floor for the party to unanimously endorse Obama by acclamation. Obama, 47, is the first African-American to win a major party's endorsement. Next week, the Republican Party is expected to nominate Sen. John McCain of Arizona as its candidate. Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.
MBIA to reinsure $184 bln of FGIC's public bond portfolio
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:27:04 -0000
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- MBIA Insurance Corp. will reinsure U.S. public finance bonds insured by Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. with a total net face value of about $184 billion, said FGIC Corp. late Wednesday. MBIA will get about $741 million for the reinsurance deal, according to MBIA Inc. . FGIC and its subsidiary FGIC UK Ltd. also reached a settlement with Calyon, a French bank, in regard to a commitment agreement provided by FGIC UK to Havenrock II Ltd., a special purpose vehicle. As a part of the settlement, FGIC UK paid Calyon $200 million. Calyon was a third party beneficiary of FGIC UK's obligation on the commitment agreement.Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.

Elliott Wave International NewsWire

U.S. Financial Crisis: NOT A “Shock” To Our System
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:47:51 -0500
Think the U.S. economy has gone to the dogs? You may be more right than you thought.  A Wednesday, August 27 L.A. Times article explains why consumer confidence is sinking to a 40-year low, via a science experiment involving -- well -- two obedient canines. Here’s the gist:  
What Does A Contracting Triangle In Soybeans Mean For You?
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:10:10 -0500
A lot can happen in a week, especially in the commodities markets.   That's why Senior Commodities Analyst Jeffrey Kennedy writes the Daily Futures Junctures Weekly Wrap-up each Friday.  Jeffrey uses these updates to review and post forecast charts for  every major commodity market. He also records a video update which allows him to talk about each one of his charts in depth.   By way of example, here's an excerpt of last Friday's update, with Jeffrey discussing what the week's action in Soybeans means for the future:
Video: How Do You Pick Best Stocks and Sectors?
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:49:29 -0500
The question “How do I pick the best stock?” is as old as the stock market itself. You’ve probably heard about a method or two, and you may already be using them – maybe even successfully. Watch this free 7-minute video and learn a new tip from an industry expert.

FT.com - Commodities News and Market Data

Storm concerns push oil higher
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:40:00 -0000
Oil prices rose as traders kept close watch on the progress of tropical storm Gustav amid mounting concerns that it could affect oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico
Rio Tinto predicts post-games boom
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:57:00 -0000
A surge in demand from China could cause a bounce in commodities prices as restrictions on industrial activity around Beijing are eased after the Olympics
Indonesia to limit tin output
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:09:00 -0000
Indonesia, the world's biggest exporter of tin, has confirmed plans to limit production of the commodity in a bid to support prices and sustain the local industry

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