Best Ways to Learn Technical Analysis

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Technical analysis is the study of charts and patterns, but can also include aspects of behavioral economics and risk management.
Novice traders can turn to books and online courses to learn about technical analysis.
Many online trading courses promise spectacular results and use high-pressure sales tactics, but then fail to deliver the promised results.
Simulated or "paper" trading can help traders see how technical indicators work in live markets.

1. Build a Foundation
The first step in learning technical analysis is gaining a fundamental understanding of the core concepts, which is best accomplished by reading books, taking online or offline courses, or reading through educational websites covering these topics. Many of these resources are free, but some educators, workshops, or courses charge a fee
2. Practice and Develop Your Skills
Traders developing automated trading systems can use backtesting to see how a set of rules would have performed using historical data. For example, a trader might develop a moving average crossover strategy that generates a buy signal when a short-term moving average crosses above a long-term moving average and vice versa. The trader could then backtest the system to see how it would have performed over the past several years.

What Is Technical Analysis?
In the financial markets, technical analysis is the study of behavioral economics, risk management and trends, all of which can be applied to trading. It involves using price action to make predictions about future stock movements.

How Does Technical Analysis Work?
Traders use technical charts to assess a stock or index's strengths and weaknesses, price action, trends, and volume. Through this process, traders can predict stock movement, typically in the short-term

What Are Some of the Best Technical Analysis Courses?
The overall best technical analysis course, as determined by Investopedia, is through Udemy, but other highly-ranked ones include Bullish Bears, and The Chart Guys.

The Bottom Line
The best way to learn technical analysis is to gain a solid understanding of the core principles and then apply that knowledge via backtesting or paper trading.

Learn the Basics of Trading and Investing
Looking to learn more about trading and investing? No matter your learning style, there are more than enough courses to get you started. With Udemy, you’ll be able to choose courses taught by real-world experts and learn at your own pace, with lifetime access on mobile and desktop. You’ll also be able to master the basics of day trading, option spreads, and more. Find out more about Udemy and get started today.
Technical IndicatorsTrend Analysis

Penafian