Research Tools Continued....

Ryan Modesto

Research Tools for Investors Continued.

A while back we posted a blog discussing some free and easy to use research tools that can help with the investment decision making process and wanted to share a few more that we feel are a good supplement to an investors research:

StockChase:

StockChase compiles analyst opinions on a wide range of stocks, most of which are taken from analysts appearing on the Business News Network (BNN). The site allows you to search either by company or analyst and has opinions dating quite far back.

• Pros: 
• Simple and easy to use
• Quick way to get an idea of general sentiment for a particular stock
• Easy way to track an analyst of interest
• Cons:
• Focus is on Canadian analysts only
• Paraphrasing of opinions can lead to errors/misinterpretation

 http://www.stockchase.com/

Seeking Alpha:

Seeking Alpha offers news and opinions/commentary on just about everything related to equities and ETFs. The users range from the neighbours’ kid next door to investment professionals and everything in-between so caution is warranted. Similar to StockChase, it can be particularly useful as a ‘final check’ before you make a buy/sell decision to ensure you didn’t overlook something substantial. Readers should assume that everyone writing on the site has something to gain from you taking a position in the investments mentioned.

• Pros:
•  Can provide inspiration for investment ideas
•  Can open eyes to pros/cons of stocks you may not have thought about Reading material for all stages of investors
•  Cons:
• Approach articles assuming extreme conflicts of interest exist
• Investments talked about are often ‘hot stocks’ and can be emotionally charged 
• Conflicts of interest (we felt we should say it one more time to drive the point home)

 http://seekingalpha.com/

TMX:

In addition to the typical stock metrics (high/low, beta, P/E, etc.), TMX also offers option quotes which is a great feature for those interested. TMX has an OK stock screen tool and various other resources that are worth viewing.

•  Pros:
•  Price quotes, charts, option quotes and news feed all in one place
• Significant amount of reading material offered
• Offers a mobile app
• Cons:
• Many aspects seem to be more for people who know what they are looking for, opposed to those who are just looking
• Similar to above, the site could be more user-friendly

 http://www.tmx.com/en/index.html

StockCharts:

SotckCharts offers a handy charting service. While it is more designed for technical analysis, it is a tool that any type of investor can find value in. Registration is not required for the basic service which is a plus.

• Pros:
• Easy to use charting tool
•  Offers various technical indicators
• Cons:
• Likely more suited to ‘traders’ than long term investors

 http://stockcharts.com/

by Ryan Modesto