Blog Post

Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Trading Charts

Marius Bogdan Dinu • August 13, 2019

Understanding the world of trading can sometimes be a very difficult task, especially for beginners. When you step inside to explore this topic, there is a great chance that you are going to be overwhelmed by the amount of data present on different forums and websites. You may not be able to understand countless buzz words being thrown at you.

In order to avoid such a situation, it is important to learn some trading basics and, what could be more important than learning how to read trading charts, also known as stock charts? Whether you are dealing with currency, options, cryptocurrency or traditional stock trading you will encounter different types of charts.

These charts sum up the large amounts of data that is recorded throughout as prices fluctuate. Whether you are short term day trading or a long term investor, understanding trading charts will help your investment decision making.

In this article, we are going to discuss three  types of charts and how to read and analyze them.

The Line Chart

A line chart is one of the most basic chart types used in trading and finance markets. A line chart connects a series of data points with a line. The most common use of this chart type by traders is to monitor the closing prices of stocks or different currencies. These line charts can be used on any time frame such as days, month or even years. Line charts are focused on a price chart which shows the price movement of the underlying security, or stock, over a period of time. This is also known as price action.

When analyzing a security chart, too much information can overwhelm traders, even the most experienced ones. The term for this phenomenon in trading is called ‘paralysis by analysis’. Using charts that show a plethora of price information and indicators can give multiple signals that lead to confusion and complicate trading decisions. Using a line chart simplifies the identification of the key trends and chart patterns.

A line chart of the closing prices of a stock or a currency gives the trader clear information regarding the price change over a given time period. Line charts only show the closing price thus reducing the noise from other pricing during the trading day, such as the open, high and low prices. Since closing prices of different stocks and currencies are the most significant daily price, it is understandable to see why line charts are popular with traders.

OHLC Chart

OHLC charts are similar to line charts as they also show closing prices of different stocks and currencies. However, OHLC charts may differ from a line chart due to the fact that instead of showing only the closing price, an OHLC chart also shows open, high, low and closing prices for each period.

An OHLC chart consists of a vertical line marked by two horizontal lines on its left and right as shown in the above picture. The height of the vertical line is an indicator of the intraday range of the period. The high point of the vertical line is the period’s highest price and the low of the vertical line represents the period’s lowest price. The horizontal line extending to the left represents the opening price of the period and the line extending towards the right represents the closing price of the period. All of this combined is known as a price bar.

This chart type is useful because it shows increasing or decreasing momentum. When opening and closing lines are far apart, the graph shows strong momentum and vice versa. The high and low shows the full price range of the period which can help in assessing the volatility. These patterns help traders make decisions on whether to buy or sell.

Candlestick Chart

Like a bar chart, a candlestick chart also shows the market’s open, high, low and close price for the day. The candlestick, however, has a wider body than the vertical line in a price bar.

This area represents the price range between the opening and closing price of that particular day’s trading. When the area is filled in, this represents that the close was lower than the open. When the area is empty this means that the close was higher than the open.

Traders can change the color of these areas in their trading platform. For example, a down candle can be shaded red instead of black and up candle can be shaded green instead of white. According to the Japanese who originated the candlestick charts, the candlesticks represent the emotions of the traders and can strongly influence how trade is done.

Moving Average

Stock and trading charts can be volatile, meaning that they change quickly from day to day based on a variety of factors. Some factors may not relate to the stock at all, but global politics, the general stock market conditions, etc. Adding a moving average trend line to a chart can help analyze the stock to smooth out day to day noise and focus on the overall price trend. Moving averages are also used in technical analysis to try and predict future price movements and if there is “support” at a given price.

Support and Resistance

The concepts of support and resistance are two of the most important points in analyzing different trading charts in the field of technical analysis. Traders use these two terms to refer to price levels on charts that tend to act as barriers preventing the price of an asset from moving up or down.
  • Support occurs where a downtrend is expected to pause. This is mainly due to increased demand.
  • Resistance occurs when an uptrend is expected to pause for a short time. This can be due to excessive supply.

Conclusion

Trading charts offer insights into much more than just stock price. They also show a window into possible trends for the future and help traders make the most informed purchase and sale choices. We hope this short introduction has improved your chart reading IQ and familiarized you with the various types of financial, stock and trading charts. Now that you have done this introductory review, we suggest you explore more in-depth chart analysis. We found an interested website that you may find useful:   JSCharting.

This article is contributed by JSCharting .


Disclaimer: This is not trading or investment advice. The above article is for entertainment and education purposes only. None of the content on Crypto Folds is investment advice nor is it a replacement for advice from a certified financial planner. Please do your own research before purchasing or investing into any cryptocurrency.  
By Press Release March 28, 2025
Momentum is building fast in the XRP ecosystem as XRPTurbo —a rising DeFi and AI-powered launchpad built on the XRP Ledger—breaks through the 250,000 XRP milestone in its presale.  With under four days remaining , investor interest is reaching new heights as anticipation grows around XRPTurbo’s game-changing platform demo. Earlier this week, the XRPTurbo team previewed a redesigned landing page, giving the community a sneak peek of what’s to come. A full demo of the platform is expected to drop any day now. This highly awaited reveal, expected later this week, showcases XRPTurbo’s robust suite of tools and innovations poised to revolutionize decentralized finance on the XRP Ledger. Join Xrpturbo Presale XRP Whales Are Taking Notice In a strong show of confidence, a major XRP whale recently contributed 20,000 XRP in a single transaction—further validating XRPTurbo as a credible project with serious momentum. As support from prominent figures within the XRP ecosystem pours in, XRPTurbo is becoming the launchpad of choice for Ripple's growing Web3 community. Built for the XRP Ecosystem—A Launchpad Without Barriers XRPTurbo is setting itself apart from other platforms by offering a simple yet powerful launchpad tailored specifically for developers and creators on XRPL. Unlike other existing solutions, XRPTurbo eliminates technical hurdles, allowing users to create tokens, mint NFTs, and launch decentralized apps with just a few clicks. A highlight of the platform is the GUI Token Minter —a no-code solution that enables effortless token creation. Historically, minting on XRPL required command-line expertise, but XRPTurbo’s tool opens the doors to everyday users and creators, unlocking true mass adoption. Liquid Staking With Flexibility and High APY Another headline feature is the soon-to-be-launched Liquid Staking Portal , which will allow users to stake their $XRT tokens while maintaining complete custody of their assets. Offering yields of up to 25% APY , this staking system blends DeFi flexibility with competitive returns—without locking up tokens. Buy XRT Tokens Why $XRT Matters: Real Utility and Early Access Owning $XRT offers far more than token speculation—it unlocks core advantages that position holders for long-term value, including: Early Access to Launches : $XRT holders gain first access to new AI and RWA projects launching through XRPTurbo. Staking Rewards : Benefit from high-yield passive income with no lockup required. Revenue Sharing : Earn a share of platform revenues, rewarding loyal supporters. With only 100 million tokens ever in circulation, the supply scarcity paired with deep utility positions $XRT for strong growth potential. Just Days Remain—Presale Ends Soon The clock is ticking. With over 250,000 XRP raised out of the 300,000 XRP Hardcap and exchange listings confirmed at a 25% premium over the final presale price, early supporters stand to gain significantly once trading goes live. XRPTurbo is already in active talks with top exchanges, ensuring high liquidity and wide market access from day one. Combined with a dedicated team, a growing community, and a roadmap full of firsts, XRPTurbo is shaping up to be a cornerstone of XRP’s DeFi revival. Join the XRPTurbo Presale Now: xrpturbo.com/presale Stay Connected with XRPTurbo: Telegram : t.me/xrpturbocom Twitter (X) : x.com/xrpturbocom Website : xrpturbo.com Whitepaper : docs.xrpturbo.com
By Press Release March 26, 2025
Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) have become a game-changer for crypto enthusiasts in the fast-paced financial world we’re in today. These platforms provide enhanced security, transparency, and full control over digital assets. Agrifi is at the forefront of this innovation, introducing an advanced DEX where users can seamlessly trade AGF tokens with popular cryptocurrencies like USDT, ETH, and MATIC, as well as participate in liquidity provision to earn valuable LP tokens.  Seamless Crypto Trading Agrifi’s Decentralized Exchange allows users to effortlessly swap AGF tokens for major cryptocurrencies like USDT, ETH, and MATIC. Unlike traditional exchanges, our DEX offers a secure, transparent, and censorship-resistant trading environment. Transactions occur directly between users, eliminating the need for intermediaries and significantly reducing transaction costs. Even newcomers can navigate our intuitive and user-friendly interface with ease. With just a few clicks, you can trade tokens securely, optimizing the flexibility and efficiency of your crypto portfolio. Since this decentralized method ensures your funds remain under your control at all times, it greatly minimizes the risk of centralized hacks or losses. Earn Rewards Through Liquidity Provision Beyond simple trading, Agrifi gives users a unique opportunity to earn passive income by providing liquidity to the exchange. When users deposit token pairs (such as AGF-USDT, AGF-ETH, or AGF-MATIC) into our liquidity pools, they receive Liquidity Provider (LP) tokens in return. These tokens serve as proof of participation and entitle holders to a share of transaction fees generated within the pool. Providing liquidity not only offers a steady stream of rewards but also strengthens the exchange’s stability and functionality. This helps traders experience minimal slippage and smooth transactions, making liquidity provision a mutually beneficial endeavor that supports both individual users and the broader Agrifi ecosystem. Why Choose Agrifi's DEX? Agrifi isn’t just another decentralized exchange—it’s a complete financial ecosystem built on sustainability and long-term value creation. Our DEX operates on robust blockchain technology, ensuring top-tier security and transparency. Thanks to decentralized governance, our platform continuously evolves to meet community needs, fostering fair, user-driven decision-making. Blockchain integration guarantees that every transaction is immutable, transparent, and secure. You can trade with confidence, knowing that your investments are safeguarded, verifiable, and entirely under your control. Join Our Growing Community Stay connected and informed by following Agrifi on our official platforms: Telegram : https://t.me/agrifi Twitter : https://twitter.com/agrifi_tech Facebook : https://facebook.com/agrifitech Instagram : https://instagram.com/agrifi.tech Community Telegram : https://t.me/agrifi_official Start Your Decentralized Trading Journey Today! With Agrifi’s DEX, experience the future of decentralized finance today. Trade securely, earn rewards through liquidity provision, and join a thriving community committed to innovation, transparency, and sustainability. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your crypto portfolio with Agrifi’s cutting-edge DEX platform. Explore now and be part of the decentralized revolution!
By Press Release March 26, 2025
The CDG project has officially launched, introducing an innovative solution that enables everyone to earn passive income directly from their homes. With just a compact device, a power outlet, and an internet connection, CDG simplifies earning predictable, reliable, and hassle-free daily income.  Earn Daily Rewards Effortlessly CDG offers two user-friendly models: CDG Home and CDG Power Home , which provide GPU computing power to a decentralized computing network. In return, device owners receive daily rewards in the form of CDG credits. CDG credits operate similarly to loyalty points and can be conveniently exchanged for fiat currency through the easy-to-use CodegoPay app , available on both iOS and Android. Each credit maintains a guaranteed minimum value, ensuring consistent and predictable earnings. Why CDG is Different The concept of sharing computing resources isn't new, but CDG's implementation is uniquely accessible and efficient. CDG devices are incredibly energy-efficient: the CDG Home model consumes just 10 watts , and the powerful CDG Power Home uses only 30 watts . Designed for home use, these devices are compact, quiet, and discreet, seamlessly blending into any living space. Device owners begin generating income immediately upon activation. The CDG Home device generates a minimum of $5 per day , while the CDG Power Home offers at least $20 per day . Setup is straightforward, requiring no technical expertise. Simply plug the device in, connect through the CodegoPay app, and instantly start earning. Quick Start Guide Getting started with CDG is easy: Download the CodegoPay app (Android or iOS ), and open your account to receive your personal IBAN instantly. Order your preferred CDG device via the app or through an authorized reseller. Activate your device using CDG credits with a few simple taps. Your daily earnings will be tracked in real time within the app. Pricing and Activation CDG offers two versatile device models: CDG Home : Priced at $2,500 , requiring 10,000 CDG credits for activation. It consumes only 10 watts and delivers daily rewards of 50 CDG credits , valued at a minimum of $5 per day . CDG Power Home : Available for $10,000 , requiring 40,000 CDG credits for activation. It consumes just 30 watts , providing daily earnings of 200 CDG credits , equivalent to at least $20 per day . Earn Even More with Referrals CDG users can further increase their income through a rewarding referral program: Earn €150 cash for every friend who purchases a CDG Home , plus your friend receives a €50 discount . Receive €600 cash for every friend who purchases a CDG Power Home , with your friend enjoying a €200 discount . Referral bonuses are paid directly to your bank account via the CodegoPay app. Contributing to a Growing Global Network By owning a CDG device, users actively contribute to a decentralized GPU network, essential for industries like gaming, artificial intelligence, and mobile services. As the global demand for GPU computing power continues to grow, the potential value of CDG credits increases, providing additional long-term value. About CDG and Codego The CDG project was developed by Codego , a fintech leader providing secure, comprehensive digital banking solutions. Codego offers core banking, prepaid and debit card issuance, and European IBAN accounts, supporting more than 12 fiat currencies and over 500 cryptocurrencies . Thanks to Codego’s advanced financial infrastructure, users enjoy a seamless experience in managing their CDG devices through the CodegoPay app, which includes integrated IBAN accounts, secure real-time earnings tracking, and compliance with the PSD2 regulatory standards. Learn more about Codego and the CDG project: Codego (Website) | CDG (Website) | X (Twitter) | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Discover how CDG transforms passive income generation—simple, efficient, and rewarding from day one.
By Press Release March 25, 2025
BTCC , one of the world’s longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, is thrilled to announce a significant revamp of its VIP program, specifically designed to cater to high-volume traders among its 6.8 million users globally. This initiative highlights BTCC’s continued commitment to delivering an exceptional trading experience through increased efficiency, exclusive rewards, and personalized support.  Founded in 2011, BTCC has been a trusted name in crypto, offering reliable and user-friendly trading services across the globe. The newly enhanced VIP program ushers in a new era of perks, prestige, and personalization for elite traders seeking more than just competitive fees. The revamped VIP program introduces several exciting features: Competitive Trading Fees : VIP futures trading fees have been reduced to an industry-leading rate of as low as 0.007%. Enhanced Liquidity : SVIP users can now withdraw up to 2,500,000 USDT daily, catering to the demands of high-volume traders. Generous Upgrade Rewards : Each upgrade in VIP levels unlocks rewards worth up to 2,500 USDT, including trading vouchers and exclusive merchandise. 24/7 Personalized Support: VIPs enjoy round-the-clock access to dedicated account managers for tailored trading assistance. Community Prestige: Users receive a custom VIP badge that reflects their status within the BTCC community. Luxury Experiences : SVIP users will be randomly selected to win premium vacation packages to destinations like the Maldives and Bali. VIP Status Protection : SVIP users benefit from a grace period that prevents immediate downgrades, even during periods of reduced trading activity. "We’re incredibly excited to launch this revamped VIP program, which truly puts our users at the heart of everything we do,” expressed Alex, Head of Operations at BTCC. “This revamped program is all about empowering high-volume traders. With tailored services, competitive fees, and exclusive rewards, we are dedicated to providing the tools and support that our most active users need to thrive in the fast-paced crypto market.” BTCC’s enhanced VIP offering isn’t just a loyalty program, it’s a reflection of the platform’s ongoing mission to create a secure, rewarding, and dynamic trading environment for users around the globe. About BTCC Founded in 2011, BTCC is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange with the vision to make crypto trading reliable and accessible to everyone. With a strong presence in over 100 countries and regions and a user base of over 6.8 million, BTCC continues to deliver innovation, security, and unmatched user experience in the cryptocurrency world. Official website: https://www.btcc.com/en-US X: https://x.com/BTCCexchange Contact: press@btcc.com
Show More
paper_plane

NEVER MISS AN ARTICLE!

Sign up and stay up-to-date about what's happening at our site.

Share by: