How To Read The Stock Pages
How to read the stock pages
The first two columns of a stock page will show the stocks High and Low prices. These are the highest and lowest prices that the stock has traded over a period of time. These figures are adjusted, reflecting any stock splits that have occurred. This information can come in handy by showing the range the stock has traded in for the past year.
The third column is called the YTD % chg. This figure portrays the stocks percentage price change since the beginning of the year or its initial public offering (IPO). YTD stands for year-to-date. This shows exactly where a stock stands from its high and low.
The fourth column is called Stock-Div. This listing displays the names of the company followed by their dividend. The Dividend is shown as an annual figure and is determined by the last quarterly or semiannual dividend payout. If there is a small “f” after a dividend, it means that it increased on the last declaration being made in the market.
The fifth column provides the stock’s yield which is an annualized percentage return provided by the dividends that have been given. This is a great way to identify an undervalued stock.
The sixth column shows the stock’s price-earnings ratio or P/E- figured by dividing the closing price of the stock by the company’s total earnings per share for the latest four quarters. The most common measure if a stock is to be considered as a good stock purchase for you.
The seventh and eighth columns show the closing price as well as the dollar charge for the previous day.
If you are going to be an independent investor, you will need to know how to read a stock page, and what the different points of data mean. You will then be able to know what you are doing with your trading decisions.
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