Proponents of technical analysis believe that there is a large set of identifiable patterns that can reliably – though not definitively – predict both short- and long-term stock price moves.

All of this means that, while technical analysis is interesting, it wouldn't prompt me to buy or sell. But a close look at Amazon's long-term prospects would make me a buyer of this market leader.

A 'rectangle pattern' has formed on the chart of Microsoft (MSFT). The pattern could mean that a move higher is coming. Beat the market with ready-to-go trades and pro tools—now 60% off for ...