Mapping the Markets: A Guide to Stock Market Analysis

The global financial markets turn over billions of dollars daily. An array of different instruments is available to trade in these markets, ranging from simple stocks and shares to exotic creatures such as butterfly spreads. Participation at any level involves taking a view as to which way the market in question will move. There are essentially only two methods for analysing the future direction of the markets in equities, currencies, interest rates or commodities: one involves fundamental analysis, the other technical analysis. The two camps of investment analysts are separated by a wide gulf of distrust and suspicion. This book seeks to bridge the gap between the two disciplines and show how you can benefit from both, highlighting:

As the world of investment gets ever more complicated and faster, Mapping the Markets will provide an invaluable route to improving your chances of investment success and avoiding investment distress, whether you are a long-term investor or a short-term trader.

Deborah Owen is managing director of Investment Research of Cambridge (IRC). Founded in 1945, IRC was one of the first companies in the UK to specialise in technically-based research and it has a global reputation for the quality of its analysis of the financial markets. Owen started working in the City of London as a financial journalist for Euromoney magazine. She then worked as a currency strategist for Chemical Bank and Charterhouse Bank before starting her own financial publishing business. She is a fellow of the Society of Technical Analysts and edits the society’s journal. She is also coauthor of EMU in Perspective, published in 1999.

Robin Griffiths has worked in the financial markets since 1964. He is currently head of global investment strategy at Rathbones, a leading UK investment firm. From 1986 to 2002 he was HSBC’s senior technical analyst, publishing commentary on world stockmarkets, bonds, currencies and commodities. Prior to that he worked at Grieves and Grant, W.I. Carr and Phillips & Drew. A former chairman of the International Federation of Technical Analysts, he is a fellow of the Society of Technical Analysts and is a regular commentator on BLOOMBERG NEWS®. For twenty-five years he wrote the Amateur Chartist newsletter.