Stock Investment Software

Well, it depends a bit on the trading you're planning on.

The best growth stock traders don't require massive charting capabilities. Whilst charts will be vital to your decision making you'll really be focusing on volume action and basic moving averages so almost all charting packages will meet your needs. (Just make sure you can plot logarithmic charts.)

What you'll want to focus on more is making sure your screening, statistical information and stock analysis software is top notch.

True charting is really the domain of the technical trader. This covers most other types of trading which rely on technical indicators derived from a stocks action and plotted graphically in chart form.

If you plan to short stocks you will also rely on technical indicators and so require a decent charting package.

The best stock charting software packages should be:

Easy to use! - This may sound obvious but if you can't pick up how to set up basic chart layouts and settings within a few minutes then the chances are that their more advanced features will waste hours of your precious time to grasp.

Have live chat support. -If you need help, you need it Now! It can be more than frustrating if you just have an hour to get a bit done but find yourself wasting half your precious time wading through forums looking for answers or waiting for a techie to answer your email.

Has the ability to set up and save several chart layouts and to easily swap between them. - E.g. You may want a weekly chart with a set of indicators to flag potential prospects but another daily or even intra day chart giving sell signals. It can also be a bonus if 2 charts can be viewed side by side occasionally.

The ability to screen the entire market according to both fundamental and technical parameters. You must be able to freely manipulate the stock market screener for it to be of real value in enabling you to locate a good stock pick.

You want full control over technical indicator values and not need a PHD in programming to set those. - Even better if they have a video tutorial area to explain and demonstrate this.

The package should of course be reasonably priced and cancelling ought to be easy in case you change your mind.

There are enough choices available to get exactly what you want and more. I'll be posting reviews of the favorite best charting software packages soon.