Post of the Day: Trendline Slopes

Published June 25th, 2009 - 12:07 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Student’s Question:


On the charts I notice that trendlines can have various types of “slopes” associated with them.   What kind of information can be gained by looking at the slope…if any.  Thanks.



Power Course Instructor’s Response:

You are correct…the slopes can provide insight.  Take a look at the chart below…

As you might suspect, anything that goes up (or down) quite dramatically can reverse itself in much the same rapid manner.  Notice the steepest slope on the chart below.  Rising as quickly as it does, it will not be able to sustain itself over the longer term and will decline, on average, more quickly than either of the other two.

Ideally, as with many things, a slow steady building process is the key to longer gains and, potentially, those that are more likely to be sustained over time.