How to Scan for the Best Stocks to Trade
Stock scans are easy to write and absolutely essential to swing trading. You need to be able to find stocks with the exact setup that you are looking for. For day trading and swing trading, you have to be able to run scans!
So, on this page, I have compiled a list of some of the best charting and scanning services on the net. By going through this list, you can make an informed decision and pick the one that is right for you.
TradeMiner
TradeMiner is a software program that you install on your computer (PC, Mac, or Linux). This program scans for historically profitable trends and market cycles. It runs a back test and tells you what stocks have historically been winning trades in a certain time frame. It also gives you the entry date and exit strategy including where to place a stop loss order.
This software program is available for stocks, futures, and forex with no monthly data subscription fees. Download TradeMiner.
MarketClub
This scanning and charting solution is unique from anything else on the net. You don't actually write scans. Instead, it scans the market for you based on their "Trade Triangle and Smart Scan" technology. It then identifies on a chart when to go long or short.
It has a nice charting platform with multiple indicators, ability to draw trend lines, Fibonacci retracemets, etc. Really, this service is a charting, scanning, and trading system all in one. Read my review of Market Club.
Equity Feed
Are you a day trader? If so, then you may want to check out Equity Feed. You can filter the stock market, look at charts, get trading alerts, and news - in real time.
The nice thing about Equity Feed is how clean and simple the interface is. You won't find a lot of clutter like other similar products. You can download it for free and take a test drive. Download Equity Feed Here.
StockCharts
StockCharts.com definitely has the best looking charts on the net. No doubt about it. They also have a fast and powerful scanning engine. You can use their pre-defined scans or create your own from scratch.
You won't get a lot of bells and whistles with StockCharts.com. If that is what you are looking for, then you will be disappointed. If you want a simple charting and scanning solution, then you will be pleased with their service. Learn about scanning using StockCharts.com.
StockFetcher
StockFetcher has released it's 2.0 version of its standard screening and charting interface. It sports a nice clean charting platform with scanning capabilities. No software to download.
The first thing I noticed right away is how fast it scans for your specified criteria. Nice! It also has some useful annotation features and chart themes. Learn more about StockFetcher here.
TeleChart
This is a popular technical analysis software program among traders. It has so many features that it would take forever to list. You can create your own scans, watch lists, get access to proprietary technical indicators, and view streaming real time charts.
The unique thing about TeleChart is that it "automatically maintains a highly-indexed, massive stock market data bank locally on your hard drive". This makes scanning for stocks a lot faster than getting the data from a website. Check out TeleChart.
Amibroker
AmiBroker is a comprehensive technical analysis software program, allowing you to study and predict trends in the market and to maintain a portfolio of shares. It incorporates a powerful set of technical analysis tools, OLE Automation/ARexx interface with rich command set and several options for quotation data import.
The great thing about Amibroker is you only have to pay a one time fee for the software. It also offers back testing, screening, and charting features. Amibroker.
Trade Ideas
Trade Ideas is a real time streaming stock alerts and scanner. With this service, you will get real time streaming alerts on a tick by tick basis to find intra day trading opportunities.
Although this service is mostly for day traders, there are some useful free scans that you can run off of the daily chart. These include: volatility, moving averages, consecutive up/down days, and consolidations. Trade Ideas
Finviz
Finviz has a free stock screener and lists stocks with common chart patterns including triangles, double bottoms, and head and shoulders. They also have free stock charts and news feed.
There is quite a bit of free content on this website but they do offer an Elite version that gives you access to real time quotes, advanced charting, email alerts, and back testing. You definitely want to check out this website. Finviz
Which One is Right For Me?
It would be impossible for me to tell you. It all depends on your personal preference and the type of trader that you are. My best advice? All of these scanning and charting services offer free trials. Sign up for one and try it out.
Then you will be able to make the best decision.