What is a stock screener?

A stock screener is a tool that helps investors and traders filter stocks based on specific criteria. It allows users to search for stocks that meet certain financial metrics, technical indicators, or other parameters. Here’s how it works:

Criteria Selection:

Users can set various filters such as market capitalisation, price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, dividend yield, sector, and more.Technical indicators like moving averages, relative strength index (RSI), and volume can also be used.

Customisation:

Stock screeners are highly customisable, allowing users to combine multiple criteria to narrow down their search. Some screeners offer pre-built screens for common strategies, such as value investing or growth investing.

Real-Time Data:

Many stock screeners provide real-time data, ensuring that users have the most up-to-date information.This is crucial for making timely investment decisions.

Visualisation:

Some stock screeners offer visual tools like charts and graphs to help users analyse the data more effectively.This can include performance charts, trend lines, and other graphical representations.

Accessibility:

Stock screeners are available on various platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and trading platforms.They are often used by both individual investors and professional traders.

Stock screeners are invaluable for identifying investment opportunities and making informed decisions[1][2][3].

References: [1] FINVIZ.com – Stock Screener; [2] Free Stock Screener – Search, Filter and Analyze Stocks – Stock Analysis; [3] Stock Screener: Search and Filter Stocks — TradingView

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What are the best stock screeners available?

Here are some of the best stock screeners available in 2025:

  1. Benzinga Pro: Great for real-time updates and revenue announcements [1].
  2. Stock Rover: Ideal for professional investors with detailed financial metrics [1].
  3. Trade Ideas: Excellent for active traders with AI-powered scanning [1].
  4. TradingView: Popular for its comprehensive charting tools and global stock screening [2].
  5. Finviz: Known for its user-friendly interface and free screening options [2].
  6. Simply Wall Street: Offers visual insights into stock performance [1].
  7. Interactive Brokers: Suitable for active and global traders [1].

These screeners cater to different needs, from beginners to professional investors.

References: [1] 12 Best Stock Scanners and Screeners in January 2025; [2] 10 Best Stock Screeners for Strategic Investing – Liberated Stock Trader

What features should I look for in a screener?

When choosing a stock screener, consider the following features to ensure it meets your investment needs:

  1. Customisable Filters: Ability to set specific criteria such as market cap, P/E ratio, dividend yield, and more. Technical indicators like moving averages and RSI.
  2. Real-Time Data: Access to up-to-date information is crucial for making timely decisions.
  3. User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive design that makes it easy to navigate and use the tool effectively.
  4. Comprehensive Database: A wide range of stocks from various exchanges and sectors.
  5. Visualisation Tools: Charts, graphs, and other visual aids to help analyse data.
  6. Backtesting Capabilities: Ability to test your screening criteria against historical data to see how it would have performed.
  7. Alerts and notifications: Set up alerts for specific criteria to stay informed about potential opportunities.
  8. Integration with Trading Platforms: Seamless integration with your brokerage account for easy execution of trades.
  9. Educational Resources: Tutorials, guides, and other resources to help you make the most of the screener.
  10. Cost: Consider whether the screener offers a free version or if the paid features are worth the investment [1] [2] [3].

References: [1] Getting Started With Stock Screeners—Investopedia; [2] 7 Best Stock Screeners | Investing—U.S. News; [3] How To Use A Stock Screener To Find The Best Stocks | Investing.com

How do I set up alerts in a stock screener?

Setting up alerts in a stock screener can help you stay informed about important market movements. Here’s a general guide on how to do it:

  1. Choose a Stock Screener: Select a stock screener that offers alert features. Popular options include TradingView, Finviz, and Stock Rover.
  2. Log In: Log in to your account on the chosen platform. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.
  3. Select the stock: Find the stock you want to set an alert for. You can usually search for it by name or ticker symbol.
  4. Set Criteria: Define the criteria for your alert. This could be a specific price target, percentage change, volume threshold, or technical indicator.
  5. Choose Notification Method: Decide how you want to receive the alert. Options typically include email, SMS, push notifications, or in-app alerts.
  6. Create the Alert: Follow the platform’s steps to create the alert. This usually involves clicking an “Alert” button or icon, entering your criteria, and saving the alert.

Here’s a brief example using TradingView [1]:

  • Step 1: Search for the stock you’re interested in.
  • Step 2: Click on the “Alert” button (usually represented by a bell icon).
  • Step 3: Set your alert conditions (e.g., price crosses above \$100).
  • Step 4: Choose your notification method.
  • Step 5: Save the alert.

References: [1] Creating a Custom Screener with Alerts in TradingView

Some common types of alerts

Here are some common types of alerts you can set up in a stock screener:

  1. Price Alerts:
    • Crossing: Notifies you when the stock price crosses a specific value, either up or down.
    • Greater Than / Less Than: Alerts you when the stock price exceeds or falls below a certain threshold.
  2. Volume Alerts:
    • Volume spike: Triggers when trading volume exceeds a specified level, indicating unusual activity.
  3. Technical indicator alerts:
    • Moving Averages: Alerts when the stock price crosses above or below a moving average (e.g., 50-day or 200-day).
    • Relative Strength Index (RSI): Notifies you when the RSI crosses certain levels, indicating overbought or oversold conditions.
  4. Pattern Alerts:
    • Chart Patterns: Alerts for specific chart patterns like head and shoulders, double tops/bottoms, or triangles.
    • Candlestick Patterns: Notifies you of specific candlestick formations such as doji, hammer, or engulfing patterns.
  5. Fundamental Alerts:
    • Earnings Announcements: Alerts you before or after a company reports earnings.
    • Dividend Changes: Notifies you of changes in dividend payments or upcoming ex-dividend dates.
  6. Custom Alerts:
    • Custom Criteria: Allows you to set alerts based on a combination of multiple criteria, such as price, volume, and technical indicators.
  7. Channel Alerts:
    • Entering/Exiting Channel: Notifies you when the stock price enters or exits a predefined price channel.
    • Inside/Outside Channel: Alerts you when the stock price stays within or moves outside a specific range.
  8. Percentage Change Alerts:
    • Daily Percentage Change: Notifies you when a stock’s price changes by a certain percentage within a day.
    • Moving Up/Down %: Alerts you when the stock price moves up or down by a specified percentage [1].

These alerts help you stay on top of market movements and make informed decisions.

References: [1] About TradingView alerts

Several platforms support a wide range of alert types for stock screening. Here are some of the best options:

  1. TradingView:
    • Supports price, volume, technical indicators, and custom alerts.
    • Offers real-time data and extensive charting tools [1].
  2. Finviz:
    • Provides alerts for price changes, volume spikes, and technical patterns.
    • User-friendly interface with both free and premium options [1].
  3. Stock Rover:
    • Allows for fundamental alerts, including earnings announcements and dividend changes.
    • Highly customisable with detailed financial metrics [1].
  4. Benzinga Pro:
    • Ideal for real-time updates and revenue announcements.
    • Includes alerts for price movements, news events, and technical indicators [1].
  5. Interactive Brokers:
    • Supports a wide range of alert types, including price, volume, and technical indicators.
    • Suitable for active and global traders [1].
  6. Simply Wall Street:
    • Focuses on visual insights and fundamental alerts.
    • Great for long-term investors [1].

These platforms offer robust alert systems to help you stay informed and make timely investment decisions.

References: [1] 12 Best Stock Scanners and Screeners in January 2025

What are the costs associated with top stock screeners platforms?

Here are the costs associated with some of the top stock screeners:

  1. TradingView:
    • Free Plan: Basic features with ads.
    • Pro Plan: \$14.95/month for more indicators and alerts.
    • Pro+ Plan: \$29.95/month for additional features.
    • Premium Plan: \$59.95/month for the full suite of tools [1].
  2. Finviz:
    • Free Plan: Basic screening and charting tools.
    • Finviz Elite: \$39.50/month or \$299.50/year for advanced features like real-time data and advanced charts [1].
  3. Stock Rover:
    • Free Plan: Limited features.
    • Essentials Plan: \$7.99/month.
    • Premium Plan: \$17.99/month for more detailed financial metrics and analysis [1].
  4. Benzinga Pro:
    • Basic Plan: \$37/month for essential features.
    • Streamlined Plan: \$147/month for more advanced tools.
    • Essential Plan: \$197/month for the full range of features [2].
  5. Interactive Brokers:
    • Free Plan: Basic features with commission-free trading.
    • IBKR Pro: \$10/month minimum activity fee, suitable for active traders [3].
  6. Simply Wall Street:
    • Free Plan: Basic visual insights.
    • Premium Plan: \$10/month for more detailed analysis and data [3].

These costs can vary based on promotions or changes in pricing policies.

References: [1] Epic Free Stock Charting Tools: Full 2 Year Test & Rating; [2] Benzinga Pro Complete Review 2025: Is It Worth the Cost? – CreditDonkey; [3] 10 Best Stock Rover Alternatives in January 2025 – Benzinga