Introduction

While intensifying our efforts to bring value-added content to MTA members and affiliates through the Career Development Center site, we received feedback from members and affiliates inquiring as to where opportunities lie for practitioners of technical analysis in today’s competitive job market. When we put this question before the Career Development Committee, the answer was a relatively swift and unanimous “everywhere.” The Career Development Committee began its work by attempting to meet the query of technical analysts with answers that offer practical guidance. We began to brainstorm how to explain what opportunities existed, and where an experienced or budding technician might find satisfactory work. In our discussions it became clear that there is a wide array of opportunity, perhaps wider than many members and affiliates believe. In an environment where opportunity no longer appears quite as deep as it once was, we believe it will be worthwhile for affiliates to

How would you describe your job?

I’m a senior pro equity trader for National Bank Financial (NBF). My task is relatively simply; trade day in and day out to maximize gains month over month while limiting risk. My focus is on U.S and Canadian stocks and I am free to employ any trading strategy I feel will be best. This allows for a great deal of flexibility. I am paid based on a percentage of profits and it is important that I am comfortable with the approach I am using.

What led you to look at the particular markets you specialize in as opposed to another tradable?

The easy answer is that at NBF I cannot trade other markets apart from North American equities. However, I have traded futures and commodities extensively on a personal basis. I do prefer equities, however for a number of reasons. Firstly, equities are very liquid and actively traded.

On October 27, 2010, Chuck LeBeau, made a presentation called “A Study of ADX Indicators” as part of the MTA Educational Webcast series. It is available in the on demand video archives section of the MTA web site.

ADX was one of several indicators introduced in the book “New Concepts in Technical Trading Systems” written in 1978 by J. Welles Wilder. LeBeau feels it was one that didn’t achieve general acceptance quickly because it isn’t an intuitive indicator. Most indicators move in the same direction as the price trend. As prices rise, an indicator like stochastics will generally be moving higher, or a declining value of RSI is usually associated with falling prices. ADX is different.

LeBeau uses the direction of ADX to help identify the trendiness of the trend. A rising indicator indicates a trending market, and shows the trend is strengthening. Declining values of ADX indicate that the trend is

MTA 2011 Annual Symposium at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) –Register Today!

The 2011 Annual Symposium will take place on May 11th, 2011 through May 13th, 2011 at the New York Stock Exchange. This event will feature two full days of presentations as well as two networking cocktail receptions: one at the Museum of
American Finance and the other on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange!

The following speakers have been confirmed for the event:

• • Tom DeMark (Chief Executive Officer, Market Studies, LLC)
  • Julius de Kempenaer (Director, Taler Investment Consulting)
  • Larry Leibowitz (Chief Operating Officer, New York Stock Exchange)
  • David Linton (Chief Executive Officer, Updata PLC)
  • Steve Poser (Managing Director, New York Stock Exchange)
  • More to follow!

The member discounted registration rate is $425. You may register by calling Courtney Musarra at 646-652-3300 or by clicking here.

The 2011 Annual Symposium qualifies for 15 MTA Continuing Education