Free Online Stock Charting Software
Review of TrixyChart, FreeStockChart, and StockCharts
Oct 14, 2009
Traders need not pay for expensive software any longer just to have high-caliber stock charting services. Some high-quality packages are available online, for free, and don't even require a download. Here's a look at three of the better ones.
Vestyl Software's TrixyChart platform is crisp and clean, and offers all the technical tools a trader would expect. The appearance (such as color, height, and width) is quite customizable. And, toggling between several charts is a snap with the chart tabs along the top of the interface.
One of the more appealing features of TrixyChart is the option to take a snapshot of a particular chart, and save it for future reference (or to share) on the TrixyChart server. The interface also allows registered users to send notes/reminders about charts to themselves or to other users.
Additionally, the TrixyChart software allows registered users to store multiple portfolios, for paper trading purposes, or to reflect actual trades. Though paper trading platforms are available in other venues, TrixyChart is the only service of its caliber at this time to offer the option.
FreeStockChart.com is founded on MicroSoft's SilverLight platform. So, traders may need to download (it's free) SilverLight when prompted.
What they'll get when the package is up and running is the kind of charting that one would expect from Worden- the designers of TeleChart software. Though the free web-based version doesn't offer everything TeleChart does, it's a pleasant surprise for the price of zero dollars.
Any security, in any timeframe, can be viewed. The sliding scale at the bottom of the chart can show as much or as little time as the trader desires, from five minutes to several years. And, all of the basic technical tools can be applied just using the file/insert menu along the top of the screen.
For traders who create an account, FreeStockChart.com allows them to 'scan' for stocks meeting a particular chart criteria. Traders can also establish an alert to notify them when a certain charting event has been triggered. Registered members can also build and save chart layouts that can be applied later.
FreeStockChart.com also allows for side-by-side comparison of multiple symbols.
StockCharts.com
As the original free-yet-customized charting solution, StockCharts.com has set the standard. Unfortunately, the platform hasn't quite kept pace with the competition the site spawned. Nevertheless, the platform has some unique tools investors may prefer.
The paid package from StockCharts.com offers the same as the free version, but with one key addition.... the ability to annotate a chart, and then store it for later use with those annotations still intact. Paying members also have access to more data history, and can insert more indicators onto their charts than free members can.
Though the 'cool' factor other charting services offer may not be as strong with StockCharts.com, this site offers something few other sites do- lots of help with interpreting charts, and an explanation of what the indicators are actually suggesting.
Suggested Reading
- Beginners Technical Stock Analysis
- Technical Analysis' Stochastic Oscillator
- How to Start Trading Stock Options
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