In this book, Brian Shannon, a trader with many years of experience explains probably more clearly than in any other book I've read, why technical analysis works, and how to do use it to develop understanding and insight into markets, and ultimately an edge in trading.

Technical analysis is a hot topic for investors right now and offers powerful, objective tools for picking stocks and making money--but most explanations of the subject simply confuse investors instead of enlightening them. In this clear, practical book, Barron's columnist Michael Kahn introduces technical analysis in simple English. Kahn explains exactly how technical analysis works, then teaches you how to read charts and translate what they tell you into real buy and sell decisions. The fully updated Second Edition contains many new examples reflecting major market changes since the First Edition: 9/11, equities bear markets, commodities bull markets, changing interest rates, and more. Step by step, Kahn illuminates the basic theory of technical analysis, demystifies its jargon, outlines its core techniques, and shows how to use it to complement (not replace) the reader's current approach to stock selection. He explains trendlines, chart patterns, and corrections; reveals what makes a stock look promising; and helps to assess potential risk and reward.