Independent Professional Analysis

Professional analysts use various sources of information to study companies and form opinions on their current and future performance.

Analysts perform two types of analysis: fundamental and technical. Both are used to make investment decisions, but from different perspectives. Fundamental analysis concentrates on evaluating a company's financial strength and growth potential, while technical analysis looks for patterns in price movement and trading volume. You might use fundamental analysis to decide which companies to buy and technical analysis to determine when to make investment decisions.

The information and content provided in the Scottrade® Knowledge Center is for informational and/or educational purposes only. The information presented or discussed is not, and should not be considered, a recommendation or an offer of, or solicitation of an offer by, Scottrade or its affiliates to buy, sell or hold any security or other financial product or an endorsement or affirmation of any specific investment strategy. You are fully responsible for your investment decisions. Your choice to engage in a particular investment or investment strategy should be based solely on your own research and evaluation of the risks involved, your financial circumstances and your investment objectives. Scottrade, Inc. and its affiliates are not offering or providing, and will not offer or provide, any advice, opinion or recommendation of the suitability, value or profitability of any particular investment or investment strategy.