The Weekend Investor - Part 3 of 4

The "weekend investor" can't keep their eyes on 100s of stocks... in fact, a few dozen can be mind numbing. But looking at the numbers on the weekend shouldn't require you to buy bifocals. So, quit staring at the numbers... yip, you heard me. Instead, take a quick glance at the picture and move on.

Here's a few strategies to keep in mind this weekend as you review your stock watch list...  Yes, you should have a stock watch list.

• Use yesterday's financial media options list to generate one or add to your current list.  Just make sure when the fundamentals decline on a stock, you delete it from your list so it doesn't become cumbersome. 
• So, you've listened to the "experts" and done your homework, determining "XYZ" stock is one you want to own... when the timing is right.  If it's a solid stock, it will likely look a little like this following chart:

• When you're flipping through the charts quickly on the weekend, look to see how the stock reacts to its moving averages (MAs).  Often the 50 day MA and 200 day MA are key points to buy.  With one quick glance, the weekend investor can see how close the stock price is to the moving averages and know whether or not it is at an intriguing price point.
• Perhaps this next chart will illustrate some great buy points, using this quick glance MA approach:

Weekend investors can't read all the fine print, but they can see the big picture. You don't need to be a technical analyst to make money on the markets every morning after glancing at the charts.  And remember... a stock's reaction to the moving averages is a quick way to identify the trends!