The Definitive Guide to Point and Figure: A Comprehensive Guide to the Theory and Practical Use of the Point and Figure Charting Method - Hardcover

Plessis, Jeremy Du

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1897597630 ISBN 13: 9781897597637

Publisher: Harriman House Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

Point and Figure charts are one of the great secrets of the Technical Analysis world. Highly sophisticated and with a thoroughbred pedigree, they can, however, be overlooked by traders today. This should change with the long-awaited publication of this book. Jeremy du Plessis - one of the foremost Point and Figure experts in the world - has written what can truly be described as the definitive guide to the topic. For the first time this book thoroughly demystifies the world of Point and Figure charting, with a detailed explanation of the history and development of the technique from its invention to the modern day. This book covers the makeup of the chart patterns, why they are created, and their interpretation. Throughout, readers are encouraged to understand Point and Figure charts from first principles, rather than just remember the names of a series of patterns. It is the first major work for 50 years to discuss in depth the original 1-box reversal method of Point and Figure charting and contrast it with the more popular 3-box reversal method. Further, the explanation of how to use Point and Figure charts to project targets and calculate risk-reward ratios is the most comprehensive ever seen. Also covered in detail are: a step-by-step analysis of the FTSE 100 Index using the 3-box method, as well as the NASDAQ Composite Index using the 1-box method; a detailed discussion of optimising techniques; Point and Figure's contribution to market breadth with bullish percent; and, lesser known, more advanced techniques such as the use of moving averages, parabolic SAR and Bollinger Bands on Point and Figure charts. All this is illustrated with numerous colour charts and observations from years of trading experience. According to du Plessis, Point and Figure charts are the 'voice of the market'. This book helps you listen to, and understand, that voice.

About this title

Review

"Rarely does a book live up to its claim of being the 'definitive' guide to something. Jeremy du Plessis' new book lives up that claim and more. It's almost impossible to imagine a more definitive treatment of point and figure charting. The author pays homage to its early development and the pioneers who first wrote about it. He gives extensive coverage to the original 1-point reversal method before moving on to the more modern methods. The subject is examined from every conceivable angle. I'm not aware of anyone who has even attempted to combine p&f charting with so many modern technical indicators. I expect that du Plessis' book will not only become the definitive book on point and figure, but will also become a classic in the field of technical analysis." John Murphy CMT, Author of Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets "A superbly comprehensive book on this powerful technique from one of the world's leading experts on the subject. A must read for all serious technicians and investors." Adam Sorab, Chairman - UK Society of Technical Analysts "If you had to go to a desert island and were only allowed to take one investment tool with you, then it should be the Point and Figure chart. If you were also allowed to take only one book, other than the Bible and the works of Shakespeare, then make it this Definitive Guide by Jeremy du Plessis. The whole subject is covered from its early historical beginnings as a way of noting the noise of the ticker tape in the days of Charles Dow, then called the Book method, through its evolution to become the 'Voice of the market'. How to construct and use the charts and their unequivocally clear buy and sell signals, revelation of trend, reversal, support and resistance levels are all revealed and well illustrated. The subject is explained as an evidence gathering procedure, that leads to a successful trading method, with accurate entry, stop loss, and targets. It is also brought right up to date with with some new thinking involving indicators such as OBV, Bollinger bands, and parabolic stop and reverse signals. You will have such a great time working through it on your desert island that you might not want to come home." Robin Griffiths FSTA, Head of Asset Allocation, Rathbone Investment Management "Even though point and figure charting is 120 years old, Mr. du Plessis has brought a truly fresh and authoritative approach to a subject that is central to technical analysis. Bravo!" Bruce M. Kamich, CMT, Adjunct Professor of Finance at Baruch College, Past President of the Market Technicians Association "Not only does Mr. du Plessis plumb the history and elucidate the present state of point and figure analysis, he looks at a craft many regard as passe and sees a vibrant future. This eye-opener is a welcome addition to the literature of technical analysis." John Bollinger, CFA, CMT, President, Bollinger Capital Management

About the Author

Jeremy trained as an automotive engineer, then an economist, but gave them both up to become a Technical Analyst. In 1983 he founded Indexia Research and pioneered the development of PC based technical analysis software with the Indexia range of technical analysis systems. During the 1980s he developed a number of technical tools and indicators under the banner of Indexia, which are still used in software to this day. He is an expert on Point and Figure charts, and the Indexia software was the first PC-based system to draw them correctly and clearly in the early 1980s. He lectures the Point and Figure module for the Society of Technical Analysts and sets the Point and Figure syllabus for the International Federation of Technical Analysts. He has taught Technical Analysis, and in particular Point and Figure, to thousands of professional traders and investors over the last 20 years. In 2001, after running Indexia Research for nearly 20 years, he agreed to merge the company with Updata plc, where he is now Head of Technical Analysis and the designer of the Updata Technical Analyst software. He is a Fellow of the Society of Technical Analysts (FSTA) in the UK, and a member of the American Market Technicians Association (MTA). He is a holder of the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation awarded by the MTA.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harriman House Publishing
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1897597630
• ISBN 13: 9781897597637
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 550