CFA Institute Magazine

Fundamental vs. Technical Analysis

Controversy between the two schools is still alive and well

  1. Cynthia Harrington, CFA

This article addresses the following key points:

  • Technical analysis is based on the belief that the market is not efficient.
  • Technical analysts use indicators that are independent of the company's financial condition.
  • Fundamental analysts focus on the financial health of companies.
  • Fundamental analysis chooses stocks to buy; technical analysis chooses when to buy for analysts who use both.
  • Proponents of strong form efficient market theory and technical analysts are at opposite ends of the philosophical spectrum.
Fundamental vs. Technical Analysis View the full article (PDF)

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