Editor's Letter

FOREWORD

Nicole Elliott, FSTA

Technical Analyst, Private Investor, E-journalist for the STA

Here we go again; I hadn’t imagined we’d still be in some sort of Covid-19 limbo. Yet, as Mark Twain said: ‘History doesn’t repeat itself but often rhymes’. Yet the economy hasn’t dropped to the terrifying lows of Q1 and Q2 2020. Somehow we are learning to co-exist with infection, government imposed and self-imposed strictures, and the new environment generally. I’m sure you all know of friends and family who have got sick and pulled through - including several STA Board and Committee members. My condolences to those who know people who haven’t.

One of the salient features of life last year was our increasing reliance on and, more importantly, our growing confidence in using socially enabling technology. It’s no longer the domain of the Generation Z cohort (and their TikTok addiction), but a tool for good, for connectivity and for learning. Talking of which, the live on-line versions of the STA Diploma Part 1 and 2 courses have been a real hit. Tweaked and perfected over the past two years, they are a very viable and enjoyable version of traditional inhouse teaching – and they allow for a much wider international audience. Interactive and delivered in English, here we are at an advantage because ‘Globish’ [Global English] is the most widely spoken second language. Diploma Part I exam can be sat at the candidate’s personal space - online invigilation courtesy of the new technologies including using the camera on a laptop. The Diploma Part 2 exam, with essay-type answers, is now also conducted using remote supervision, again increasing global accessibility.

Do take a look at the lists of successful exam candidates, (pg.53) distinctions and the Bronwen Wood memorial prize winner (pg.50) towards the back of this issue. I think you will agree that the STA has fans well beyond its original UK base.

Tweaked and perfected over the past two years the live on-line versions of the Diploma 1 and 2 STA courses have been a real hit.

Likewise, our on-line monthly meetings have benefitted with speakers from all corners of the world, willing to deliver their talks, plus live question and answer sessions, recorded virtually. I feel this is a real leap forward and would personally like to thank Niels Kaastrup-Larsen, Tom Bundgaard, Robin Mesch, Alexander Aburumieh, Denise Shull and the legendary John Bollinger for their time and effort. This global reach is so very inspiring that we hope to continue with a mix of virtual and in-person monthly meetings.

We also encourage all technical analysts to submit material for consideration, either for a monthly meeting (in-situ or virtual) or for publication in this journal. This issue is no exception to our global reach, with research papers from Australia, Egypt, Europe and more. Members are reminded that they can view full monthly presentations as a video, or a brief written synopsis is available in the blog section of our website, which all can view at: www.technicalanalysts. com

I also think that global connections between technical analysts can be stretched and strengthened via informal discourse. For this please consider taking a look at our LinkedIn and Facebook pages (just type in Society of Technical Analysts and they’ll pop up), or our Twitter feed @STA_ORG. If you need help, offer a teenager a tenner and they’ll sort it out for you in a jiffy. Feel free to discuss your ideas and compare notes with other like-minded people involved in technical analysis.

To more practical matters: Concerning the society’s top brass, you’ll note there are several new additions and shifting of positions at the STA’s Board and Committees. Some are detailed in this magazine, others in the list of current position holders. (pg.54) Remember, most of the work carried out on behalf of the society is on a voluntary basis, so we always welcome suggestions and hands-on contributions from our members.

Consider taking a more active role if you can. New transferable skills and new horizons ahoy!