Charts are a trader's main tool. Learn the three main chart types and what each one shows.
Reading the Market
Charts turn raw price data into a visual story. The three most common types each present that story differently.
Line Chart
The simplest type, connecting closing prices. Great for seeing the overall trend at a glance.
Bar Chart
Each bar shows the open, high, low and close for a period, giving more detail than a line.
Candlestick Chart
The most popular type. Candlesticks show the same data as bars but in a clear visual form, with colours indicating up or down moves. They also form patterns traders watch closely.
Which to Use
Most traders prefer candlesticks for the balance of detail and readability.