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NEWS & ANALYSIS POSTS

Fundamental vs Technical - Stock Performance Analysis for Beginners

As a beginner, understanding how to analyse stock performance is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

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In this beginner's guide, we will explore two essential methods of analysis: fundamental analysis and technical analysis. By grasping the basics of these approaches and learning from real-life examples, you can gain valuable insights into stock price movements and trends, setting you on the path to successful investing.


Fundamental Analysis Made Easy


Fundamental analysis is like looking under the hood of a company to understand its true value. Here are some straightforward steps to conduct fundamental analysis:


1. Financial Statements: A company's financial statements are like its financial report card, providing vital information about its performance. The income statement shows how much money the company earned and spent. The balance sheet reveals its assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity. The cash flow statement tracks the company's cash inflows and outflows. For example, suppose you want to analyse a tech company called XYZ Inc. By looking at its financial statements, you can determine whether it's making profits, managing debts well, and maintaining healthy cash flow.


2. Economic Conditions: The broader economic environment can significantly impact a company's performance. Factors like GDP growth, inflation rates, and interest rates influence how businesses operate. For instance, during an economic downturn, consumer spending might decrease, affecting retail companies like Amazon. By considering economic conditions, you can assess how well a company might fare in different scenarios.


3. Industry Trends: Understanding the industry in which a company operates is crucial. Each sector has its unique challenges and opportunities. For instance, renewable energy companies like CleanPower Inc. might benefit from growing environmental awareness and government incentives. By analysing industry trends, you can identify promising sectors for investment.


4. Management and Leadership: A strong and capable management team can drive a company's success. Look for companies with experienced leaders who have a track record of making sound decisions. For example, a pharmaceutical company like MedLife Corp with innovative leaders might have a higher chance of developing breakthrough drugs.


5. Valuation Tools: Simple valuation tools help determine whether a stock is overvalued or undervalued. The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compares a company's stock price to its earnings per share. A high P/E ratio might indicate an overvalued stock, while a low P/E ratio might suggest an undervalued one. For instance, if XYZ Inc. has a P/E ratio of 25, you can compare it to industry peers and historical averages to assess its value.


Technical Analysis Demystified


Technical analysis involves studying price charts and patterns to predict future price movements. Here's how beginners can start with technical analysis:


1. Stock Charts: Stock charts provide a visual representation of a stock's historical price movements. Understanding these charts is fundamental to technical analysis. For example, a simple line chart can show how ABC Retailers' stock price has changed over the past year.


2. Trendlines: Trendlines help identify the general direction of a stock's price movement. By drawing a line connecting the stock's higher lows in an uptrend or lower highs in a downtrend, you can identify potential buying or selling opportunities. For instance, if CleanPower Inc.'s stock price has been steadily rising over time, it might indicate a bullish trend.


3. Support and Resistance: Support levels are price points where a stock's price tends to stop falling, while resistance levels are where it tends to stop rising. Recognizing these levels can help you make better entry and exit decisions. For example, if MedLife Corp's stock consistently bounces back after reaching a certain price, it could indicate strong support.


Medlife stock price, Bar chart showing forex and commodities prices, green/red candles depict daily trading trends. Includes moving average, Bollinger bands, and RSI.
MedLife stock price bounces off a support line

4. Moving Averages: Moving averages smooth out price fluctuations and highlight trends. The crossover of short-term (e.g., 50-day) and long-term (e.g., 200-day) moving averages can signal potential buying or selling opportunities. For example, if XYZ Inc.'s 50-day moving average crosses above its 200-day moving average, it might suggest a bullish signal.


5. Momentum Indicators: Momentum indicators, like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), help identify overbought or oversold conditions. These can be used to confirm trends and potential reversals. For instance, if ABC Retailers' stock is overbought based on the RSI, it might indicate a potential pullback in price.


Real-Life Examples


Let's look at some real-life examples to illustrate the power of fundamental and technical analysis:


Example 1: Tesla Inc.


Fundamental Analysis: Tesla Inc. is a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. By conducting fundamental analysis, you would assess its financial statements, like revenue growth and profitability, to gauge its financial health. You might also consider the growth potential of the EV industry and Tesla's position within it.


2023.

In the second quarter, Tesla achieved a record-breaking revenue of $21.27 billion, marking a 46% YoY increase in its core automotive business. However, the company faced margin pressure as its operating margin dropped to 9.6%. The decline was attributed to the rise in research and development (R&D) costs, reaching $943 million, driven by Tesla's focus on AI development and the production of Dojo training computers. While the increased investment in cutting-edge technology is essential for long-term growth, investors closely monitor its impact on short-term profitability. The stock initially dropped 5%.


Technical Analysis: Looking at Tesla's stock chart, you might identify trends and support levels. If the stock has been steadily rising (uptrend) and bounces back from specific price points (support), it could indicate positive momentum.


Tesla stock devalued after the latest earnings report, Bar chart showing forex and commodities prices, green/red candles depict daily trading trends. Includes moving average, Bollinger bands, and RSI.
Tesla stock devalued after the latest earnings report

Example 2: Amazon.com Inc.


Fundamental Analysis: Amazon.com Inc. is a dominant player in the e-commerce industry. As part of fundamental analysis, you would examine its financials, economic conditions, and industry trends. You might also analyse its management's ability to innovate and expand the business.

Amazon Stock, Bar chart showing forex and commodities prices, green/red candles depict daily trading trends. Includes moving average, Bollinger bands, and RSI.
Amazon Stock

Technical Analysis: Studying Amazon's stock chart, you might notice patterns like breakouts or breakdowns. A breakout occurs when the stock price surpasses a resistance level, indicating potential upward movement. A breakdown happens when the stock falls below a support level, suggesting possible downward movement.


Final note on Fundamental vs Technical stock analysis.


Analysing stock performance through fundamental and technical analysis is a crucial skill for successful investing. By conducting fundamental analysis, you gain insights into a company's financial health, competitive position, and growth potential. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about which stocks to invest in for the long term.


On the other hand, technical analysis equips you with the ability to study price charts, identify trends, and determine entry and exit points, making it valuable for short-term trading strategies.


As a beginner, remember that investing in the stock market is an ongoing learning process. Start with simple techniques and gradually build your expertise. Learn from real-life examples, keep updated with market trends, and seek knowledge from reputable sources.


Consider seeking guidance from experienced investors or financial advisors as you navigate the complexities of the stock market.


Always stay patient and disciplined in your approach to investing. Stock market fluctuations are normal, and successful investors stay focused on their long-term goals while avoiding knee-jerk reactions to short-term market movements.


In conclusion, investing in the stock market can be a rewarding journey when armed with the right knowledge and approach. So, happy investing, and may your new understanding of Fundamental vs Technical analysis assist you.


Trading and investing carry financial risks and could lead to partial or complete loss of funds. Invest only what you can afford to lose and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have doubts about your investment choices.

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