The Visual Investor: How to Spot Market Trends

by John J. Murphy

Book Overview

Praise for THE VISUAL INVESTOR "John Murphy is one of a rare breed: an expert technical analyst who can actually write. This combination of skills helped make his Technical Analysis of the Futures Markets a classic. Now John has written the perfect overview aimed specifically at the stock investor who wants to learn technical analysis. . . . The Visual Investor offers a complete course in technical analysis, lucid enough to be accessible to the novice,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471144479
• ISBN13: 9780471144472
• Release Date: November 1996
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

One of the best books to read and own

I have read most of the books on technical analysis and this is probably the best. The book is well organized, has great examples and charts, and most importantly, the concepts can be applied to real trading.The book is organized in 4 sections. Section 1, deals with the importance of using charts AND fundamentals, explains when and how to use daily, weekly and monthly charts, and summarizes the most important chart patterns.Section 2 deals with the indicators. Mr. Murphy cuts to the chase and discusses the most significant indicators in detail. I appreciated this section, because one can quickly become lost in the trees and never see the forest when trying to understand TA, and this section clearly shows the forest.Section 3 deals with "linkage". A very good discussion on markets, sectors, economics, rotation which provides a good, top down reference for investing.Section 4 covers mutual funds and global investing.Mr Murphy wraps up with a summary and some great references for web sites, courses, magazines, software and books.There are so many garbage books and information available, it is refreshing find a book and reference that is well written, logical and most importantly, usable in the real world.

Learn it, know it, live it...

As a day trader I've found the techniques discussed in this book give me a significant edge in my trades. The only time I've lost money in the market since buying this book is when I fell back on my old methods of trading. I've learned my lesson. Now I keep it next to my bed and review it every evening and when I'm screening for my next stock. It's an easy and concise read.

tech. analysis simplified

Packed with much information in an easy to read format. Contains a wealth of information on trends, charts, indicators and intermarket relationships. This is the book to get you on the road to learning visual analysis. Covers the basics in an easy to comprehend approach. It has a non-intimidating style unlike any other I have seen. This is the one to get you started on the road to successful T.A., or at least peak your interest in the subject. I highly recommend this to anyone with limited, or like me, no experience in tech. analysis, but wants to learn.

a clear, thorough, well-written presentation of the subject

This is the best work I've seen so far on technical analysis. I tried a couple of on-line tutorials, as well as a couple of books, and only ended up confused. This author assumes you know nothing and starts you out from scratch. I understand every sentence; it's also well-written enough that it's interesting. I'm now inspired to go on from here, perhaps with Nisan's Candlestick Charting and Beyond Candlesticks. I highly recommend this book.

Outstanding resource for the aspiring technical analyst.

John Murphy has created a very readable source for information about the art of technical analysis. Where his first book, Technical Analysis of the Futures Markets, is more of a reference title which is very difficult to read, this book is presented in "Plain English" and is quite easy to follow. As a professional trader and technical analyst myself, I recommend this book highly. I am not aware of a better title on this subject.