I often find all manner of reference to Technical Analysis whilst reading threads, questioning certain elements, asking for advice on indicators and also requesting advice on a stock and whether it's a good time to buy, sell, hold or remain indifferent. I am the first to admit that my own TA is still in its infancy, but I do spend time on expanding my knowledge (hopefully in the right direction!).

Rather than having to ask a TA question on a particular thread, perhaps this thread could be used as a forum for TA queries and become a knowledge base. Just a thought, if there is little or no interest, the thread will sink without trace and that will be the end of that. I will personally add a few snippets to help those with less knowledge (if that's possible) to keep things rolling. There is a danger that the thread will receive countless requests for opinions on a variety of stocks and there is only so much I can do alone, therefore I would more than welcome input from other posters, no matter how rudimentary they believe their own knowledge to be, hopefully some real experts will take the time to contribute.

The so called golden cross is generally viewed as the 50 moving up through the 200, both of which must be on the way up.

20 through the 50 may be positive, although don't use any one indicator in isolation, look at others and especially the trend, resistance and supprt.

All IMHO of course

pth

Suggest look at Market, Sector & Stock Trend, Patterns, Resistance & Support, Volume Trend & Indicators in that order.

When the 50 dma crosses the 200 dma,both ascending,[aka a golden cross, i believe] does this 'usually' signify a up turn in the SP or does it mean that if you were trying to buy into the share you have missed the boat as the SP has already gone upwards. Looking at the chart for DES and can't help thinking the opportunity has now passed. hindsight is a wonderful thing
Anyone care to comment?
Alex

I won't comment on the chart analysis for DES as others are far more knowledgeable than me, but purely on the news front for DES, I would think it is very likely to follow a similar chart pattern to FOGL, who now have BLT on board. Once the initial excitement of one of the big boys joining in has died down, then the sp settles back to a realistic level.

2pworth, Rather than being stuck to a specific 41 day, 50day or 200 day MA (EMA, MA) why not back test the MA to that particular share adjusting length to you trading period. It may give you more information than working on a fixed period. Also don't go long if your MA is going down or short if the medium and short MA are going up. But put your stops in before you put your trade an in the market we have just had wider than normal unless you playing the game of cut and run on daily movements.