A user of charting data and price history is typically engaged in what type of research function?

• A. Quantitative analysis
• B. Economic forecasting
• C. Fundamental analysis
• D. Technical analysis

Answer: (D)

Charting data and price history belongs to technical analysis, which focuses on price and volume data to forecast future price movements. By studying charts, trends, patterns, and indicators (like moving averages or momentum tools), technicians try to infer market sentiment and potential turning points without looking at a company’s fundamentals. This contrasts with fundamental analysis, which evaluates a security’s worth based on financial statements and business fundamentals; economic forecasting, which uses macro indicators to predict broad economic trends; and quantitative analysis, which applies mathematical models to data sets. So the use of price history and chart patterns is the hallmark of technical analysis.