Why it’s important to understand the Dow Theory

The Dow Theory assumes that when a stock market is entering an uptrend or downtrend, the financial markets should agree with each other.

Gordon Kristopher - Author
By

Nov. 27 2019, Updated 6:44 p.m. ET

Why the Dow Theory is important

One of the components in the Dow Theory is that stock prices reflect all news. The stock market reacts to the fundamental news. As soon as the information is available in the market, the information is reflected in the share prices.

The Dow Theory assumes that when a stock market is entering an uptrend or downtrend, the financial markets should agree with each other. The average of the indexes—like the industrial average or railroads’ average—should confirm each other in the same direction. It means when the economy is improving, the industry’s profit will increase because of the increased consumption.

So, rail transportation would also increase because of the increased consumption. Both of the index averages would be in the same direction. As a result, the stock indexes confirm the trend direction.

The above chart shows volume and stock price movement for Chevron’s (CVX) stock.

Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement

When a stock is entering an uptrend or downtrend it should be confirmed by the rise in the stock’s volume. If the stock’s volume is low, the direction of the stock trend can’t be confirmed. When the volume and stock price increase, this indicates more investors are driven by fundamental or psychological factors. It shows that the stock price will increase. This confirms the trend directions.

When market trends reverse after giving strong signals, the stocks will continue to be in an uptrend or downtrend. The stock prices will have a minor correction. The correction doesn’t mean that the trend changed. The stock price declined enough to confirm that the trend changed.

Conclusion

The Dow Theory is useful for understanding technical analysis. It’s also useful for trading strategy. The economy and indexes changed compared to the Dow Theory’s period. The Dow Theory is useful for trend identification. It’s also useful for entry and exit signals.

Applying the Dow Theory

The Dow Theory can be applied to stocks like Ford Motors (F), General Motors (GM), Tesla Motors (TSLA), and Goodyear Tire (GT). These companies are all major parts of exchange-traded funds (or ETFs) like the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY).

Advertisement

Latest Chevron Corp News and Updates

    Opt-out of personalized ads

    © Copyright 2024 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.