Doug's Story

Using technical analysis. I scanned charts, mainly using graphs to find stocks with high targets to buy and a stop loss system to sell. I did occasionally investigate tips from magazines (mostly AIM shares), checking out the charts if a stock appeared to be of interest.

Initially Stockopedia added an extra layer of fundamental analysis when investigating possible investments. Increasingly, I have used the Guru screens and StockRanks to get ideas to check out.

Initially I invested for the long term but was prepared to trade actively (if stop losses were breached). As I get older I feel more inclined to buy and hold so I look for more "stable" stocks rather than just those with a good momentum. I now rely less on charts and mainly on the StockRanks. I still use charts to help me choose which stocks to purchase from a short list, but I concentrate more on the higher ranking shares.

I have had good investment returns in the past using technical analysis, but they were a little variable. Whilst my stop losses frequently got me out of shares with a profit, occasionally I delayed getting back into the market and missed out on a recovery.

I now feel happier holding for the long term knowing that I have good quality stocks that will recover in the long term.

If you are starting out and can only afford one or two holdings, stick to tracker funds initially. Once investing in individual stocks, start with large caps with a high StockRank, paying attention to the momentum value - preferably increasing. Keep a regular watch on the rankings; a consistent fall in a ranking may indicate a problem.