The Definitive Guide to Point and Figure [Hardcover]

Jeremy Du Plessis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 30, 2005

A Comprehensive Guide to the Theory and Practical Use of the 1-Box, 3-Box, 5-Box and Other Variations of the Point and Figure Charting Method Jeremy du Plessis, CMT FSTA, has produced the most complete work on Point & Figure available. The subject is covered from how it was invented on Wall Street right through to the application of some of the latest techniques. Areas such as On Balance Volume, Bollinger Bands, Market Breadth Analysis, Parabolic Stops are covered as well as sections on Optimisation and Scanning. Box construction, trend lines and Count targets are covered in depth. The 3 and 5 Box reversal methods are explained along with the powerful 1 Box method which has virtually been lost for decades. No element of Point and Figure construction is overlooked. The book also contains some truly groundbreaking work on risk/reward ratios too. The Definitive Guide to Point & Figure gives you hundreds of practical chart examples and steps you through full analyses of a number of charts of world indices and international stocks with further examples of currency and commodity charts. Quite simply, it is the most complete reference on the subject ever produced and a ‘must read’ for any serious investor, trader or fund manager.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Rarely does a book live up to its claim of being the 'definitive' guide to something. Jeremy du Plessis' new book lives up that claim and more. It's almost impossible to imagine a more definitive treatment of point and figure charting. The author pays homage to its early development and the pioneers who first wrote about it. He gives extensive coverage to the original 1-point reversal method before moving on to the more modern methods. The subject is examined from every conceivable angle. I'm not aware of anyone who has even attempted to combine p&f charting with so many modern technical indicators. I expect that du Plessis' book will not only become the definitive book on point and figure, but will also become a classic in the field of technical analysis." John Murphy CMT, Author of Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets "A superbly comprehensive book on this powerful technique from one of the world's leading experts on the subject. A must read for all serious technicians and investors." Adam Sorab, Chairman - UK Society of Technical Analysts "If you had to go to a desert island and were only allowed to take one investment tool with you, then it should be the Point and Figure chart. If you were also allowed to take only one book, other than the Bible and the works of Shakespeare, then make it this Definitive Guide by Jeremy du Plessis. The whole subject is covered from its early historical beginnings as a way of noting the noise of the ticker tape in the days of Charles Dow, then called the Book method, through its evolution to become the 'Voice of the market'. How to construct and use the charts and their unequivocally clear buy and sell signals, revelation of trend, reversal, support and resistance levels are all revealed and well illustrated. The subject is explained as an evidence gathering procedure, that leads to a successful trading method, with accurate entry, stop loss, and targets. It is also brought right up to date with with some new thinking involving indicators such as OBV, Bollinger bands, and parabolic stop and reverse signals. You will have such a great time working through it on your desert island that you might not want to come home." Robin Griffiths FSTA, Head of Asset Allocation, Rathbone Investment Management "Even though point and figure charting is 120 years old, Mr. du Plessis has brought a truly fresh and authoritative approach to a subject that is central to technical analysis. Bravo!" Bruce M. Kamich, CMT, Adjunct Professor of Finance at Baruch College, Past President of the Market Technicians Association "Not only does Mr. du Plessis plumb the history and elucidate the present state of point and figure analysis, he looks at a craft many regard as passe and sees a vibrant future. This eye-opener is a welcome addition to the literature of technical analysis." John Bollinger, CFA, CMT, President, Bollinger Capital Management

About the Author

Jeremy trained as an automotive engineer, then an economist, but gave them both up to become a Technical Analyst. In 1983 he founded Indexia Research and pioneered the development of PC based technical analysis software with the Indexia range of technical analysis systems. During the 1980s he developed a number of technical tools and indicators under the banner of Indexia, which are still used in software to this day. He is an expert on Point and Figure charts, and the Indexia software was the first PC-based system to draw them correctly and clearly in the early 1980s. He lectures the Point and Figure module for the Society of Technical Analysts and sets the Point and Figure syllabus for the International Federation of Technical Analysts. He has taught Technical Analysis, and in particular Point and Figure, to thousands of professional traders and investors over the last 20 years. In 2001, after running Indexia Research for nearly 20 years, he agreed to merge the company with Updata plc, where he is now Head of Technical Analysis and the designer of the Updata Technical Analyst software. He is a Fellow of the Society of Technical Analysts (FSTA) in the UK, and a member of the American Market Technicians Association (MTA). He is a holder of the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation awarded by the MTA.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 450 pages
• Publisher: Harriman House (July 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897597630
• ISBN-13: 978-1897597637
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,320 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Seminal Work, September 13, 2005

By 

Bob Kutchinsky (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Definitive Guide to Point and Figure (Hardcover)

Clearly this writer knows his subject. The title says definitive and that's what it is. In my opinion this is a seminal work on the subject.

The structure is generally good. It starts with an introduction to technical analysis which I guess is too short and too basic and could have been left out. The beef starts with the chapter on the history of Point & Figure charts. The chapter is enlightening and informative. Next is characteristics and construction which explains what makes a PF chart and how it is constructed. I was surprised at how many different methods there are. The next chapter is called understanding PF and details patterns and how they are created. He concentrates on how and why there is a pattern which is good. It is also the first time I have seen the old one point reversal charts and modern 3 point charts reconciled. There is a lucid description of the way to apply trend lines and what they mean. A new technique using 'internal lines' is very useful. The chapters just get better and better. There is a whole chapter on targets that has for the first time explained this part of PF to me better than ever before. There is some ground-breaking detail on risk and reward ratios. I am already using these. He does a full step-by-step analysis of an English FT index as well as the Nasdaq Composite. It doesn't stop there. A chapter on the use of moving averages, John Bollinger's bands and Wilder's parabolic on PF charts is clearly a new area. He covers what he calls market breadth and Bullish Percent in meticulous detail. Every step of the way he describes exactly how everything is calculated.

It is an expensive book but its hardback and its in color. That's something you don't ever see. There are lots example charts. The contents are detailed and the index is very good.

I like the writing style. I highly recommend it

Bob Kutchinsky

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic in the making, November 22, 2005

By 

Kerry Tomlin "Kerry Tomlin" (Sacramento, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Definitive Guide to Point and Figure (Hardcover)

Just completed this exceptional book. Its a masterpiece in clarity and content. I learned more than I have from any other book and I have used point and figure charts for 9 years. There's a lot I didn't know.

Explains every detail of these charts and how to use them effectively. No other book on point and figure does it in so much detail.

The quality of the charts and diagrams set it aside from any other text. Chapter summary's remind you of what you have learnt. There are hundreds of detailed marked up examples.

Sure its expensive but as the other reviewer said you get hard cover and color. Its worth every cent. Its a 10 star book. Get it today. Its a classic in the making.

Kerry

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best book on point & figure, June 6, 2006

By 

Scott Turner Jr (Florida USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Definitive Guide to Point and Figure (Hardcover)

Been looking for a good book on point & figure - this is it - great production - step by step guide - every detail covered - a masterpiece - sure has improved my trading and understanding of the method - 100% recommended