A Short Course in Technical Trading
$16.77
| Author(s) | |
|---|---|
| Pages |
334 |
| Format |
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| Published Date |
2003 |
A Short Course in Technical Trading by Perry J. Kaufman is a practical and accessible introduction to the art and science of analyzing financial markets through technical tools. Known for his deep expertise in quantitative trading and systematic analysis, Kaufman distills decades of experience into a clear, concise guide that equips readers with the essential knowledge to navigate today’s fast-paced markets with confidence.
The book is designed for traders who want to understand not just the mechanics of technical indicators, but also the philosophy and logic that underpin them. Kaufman begins by exploring the foundations of technical analysis, emphasizing its role in identifying market trends, timing entries and exits, and managing risk. He explains how patterns, price behavior, and statistical tools can be combined to provide traders with a structured decision-making framework.
Beyond the basics, Kaufman introduces readers to momentum strategies, trend-following systems, and methods for distinguishing real signals from market noise. He highlights the importance of volatility and shows how it can be used to adapt trading approaches to changing conditions. Practical examples, charts, and step-by-step illustrations ensure that even complex concepts are easy to grasp, while offering enough depth to benefit experienced traders looking to refine their skills.
A defining feature of Kaufman’s work is his focus on disciplined, rules-based trading. Rather than encouraging speculation or guesswork, he stresses the necessity of consistency, risk management, and the avoidance of emotional pitfalls. This approach makes the book an invaluable tool for traders seeking sustainable success, whether in stocks, futures, forex, or other markets.
A Short Course in Technical Trading bridges the gap between theory and application, offering a streamlined yet comprehensive path into technical analysis. For anyone eager to gain a practical grounding in trading techniques and market behavior, this book provides both clarity and actionable insights, making it a valuable addition to any trader’s library.
Contents:
- 1. Timing Is Everything
- 2. Charting the Trend
- 3. Breakout Trends
- 4. Calculating the Trend
- 5. The Trading Game
- 6. Channels and Bands
- 7. Event-Driven Trends
- 8. Controlling the Risk of a Trade
- 9. One-Day Chart Patterns and Reversals
- 10. Continuation Patterns
- 11. Top and Bottom Formations
- 12. Retracements, Reversals, Fibonacci Numbers, and Gann
- 13. Volume, Breadth, and Open Interest
- 14. Momentum and MACD
- 15. Overbought/Oversold Indicators and Double Smoothing
- 16. Managing Your Entry and Exit
- 17. Volatility and Portfolio Management
- 18. Dow Theory
A Short Course in Technical Trading By Perry J. Kaufman PDF
10 reviews for A Short Course in Technical Trading
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Rose Crosby (verified owner) –
This book is a terrific basic text for those who are looking for a clear and concise introduction to technical analysis. Of great value are the personal insights of the author, a noted authority on the development of trading systems.
Cameron Valenzuela (verified owner) –
Investors and traders who have been battered by the markets in recent years may find themselves saying, ‘There must be a better way.’ There is: systematic trading. In this timely book Perry Kaufman provides an excellent introduction to the world of systematic trading, where rules–not emotions–rule.
Abel Singleton (verified owner) –
In trading, timing is everything, and now is the time to read this excellent and easy-to-follow book on technical trading systems by Perry Kaufman. He shares his trading tips, insights, and sound advice. He takes you from his rules on price to the recognition of trends and the importance of breakouts. Enjoy this book and find out why trading systems work and which ones work the best.
Henley Warren (verified owner) –
TA is a highly sophisticated topic which cannot be covered thoroughly with a 316 page book. That’s for sure. In fact, the author had been honest not to over promise with the humble title of his book. The scope of discussion is limited to chart patterns, trendlines, channels, moving averages, Fibonnaci numbers, MACD, Stochastics, RSI and a few others. As the author had emphasized his objective to make his book only an introduction to TA, I am not going to comment on the variety of TA tools covered. However, I still want to criticize on some of the weaknesses:
1) Number of real life examples/price charts are few.
2) The choice of parameters for MACD and Stochastics had not been discussed
3) False breakouts are so frequent in the author’s graphs samples (that’s a fact of life, I admit). However, the author made little attempt to teach readers how to avoid such traps with the use of multiple TA tools.
4) The relative weak Q&A sections that questions are focused on readers’ understanding of the definition of jargons instead of the usage of TA tools.
Though the price is affordable, I am hesitant to recommend it to any aspiring trader/investor who are serious to get an elementary but quality course on TA. It’s not the cost of the book that matters, but the cost of time and potential trading loss for reading it.
Tristen Salgado (verified owner) –
In no way is Technical Analysis a easy subject to tackle. It’s full of intricacies, formulas, and complexities that most people have a hard time getting a full grasp of what they are trying to accomplish with technical analysis.
Mr. Kaufman does an excellent job of bringing this subject to the reader in a digestible form. As the author of three financial books I can attest to the difficulty of separating the art from the science of technical analysis. In “Futures For Small Speculators” I only bring it up briefly. In this respect Mr. Kaufman shines and exceeds my communication abilities.
This is a great start into the world of Technical Analysis without having to be overwhelmed by mathematics.
I definitely recommend it.
Marvin Barrett (verified owner) –
Looking for a book to get started in TA as a complete novice to the field? You might give this book a try. It’s a nice introduction by a guy well known in the field of system trading and technical analysis. Kaufman has also written a pretty comprehensive work of almost 1.000 pages on technical analysis, well worth considering if you’re serious about technical analysis.
This book is just what the title says it is, a short introduction to TA. He’ll explain all the concepts to the reader in an understandable way so you can apply most of the concepts.
He’ll show you how to apply this stuff on futures and stock charts, probably the reading why you will be buying this book.
In my opinion he could have spent more material on technical indicators and oscillators, instead of all those chart patterns, but that’s personal taste. Another disadvantage is his part on the RSI indicator. I’m not sure how he did it, but he completely messed up the explanation on this indicator. Normally this is a pretty simple technical indicator to understand, but he uses confusing formulas which didn’t help at all understanding this indicator.
Avalynn Mathews (verified owner) –
I’ve read a decent amount of books, and articles describing various technical strategies and how to use them. I am no expert on them and use them as one tool among others as a way to make investment decisions. This book is clearer and easier to understand than most. Technical analysis can seem silly for many people until you truly get it. This book demystifies things a bit. One definite drawback though is the editing is quite poor. There are numerous mistakes referencing wrong prices, and charts which sometimes made me wonder if I was looking at what the author was writing about. If not for that issue I may have given it 5 stars as the book is what is says it is and does it quite well.
Kendall Murphy (verified owner) –
Limited, dated, reference diagrams are poorly placed. Little to no discussion of the various free on line sources for using techniques. Great Excel modeling formulas but why use bother with plentiful great progrms. I don’t know why I gave it two stars. Worthless, really.
Jamir Novak (verified owner) –
Haven’t gotten to it yet but it appears to be an excellent primer. Very satisfied with it.
Kaiya Conley (verified owner) –
Clear and easy to follow explanations from a professional point of view. This is a down-to-earth method used for teaching my masters-degreed daughter how to trade-for-a-living when she couldn’t find a job coming out of school. If you are serious this book is a must.