Tracking Stocks on a Spreadsheet: Tips and Tools for Successful Investors

Tracking stocks effectively is crucial for successful investing. Whether you're a seasoned trader or a beginner, utilizing a spreadsheet can provide you with a powerful tool to monitor your portfolio. In this article, we will explore how to set up and use a spreadsheet for stock tracking.

How to Set Up Your Stock List in Excel

1. Type the keyword of the stock you need. Start by typing the name or ticker symbol of the stock you wish to track into any cell in your spreadsheet. You can find the ticker symbol by searching on any finance website or using the `GOOGLEFINANCE` function in Google Sheets.

2. Select the appropriate data. Click on the stock button from the Data menu. You will get several options: current value, 52-week low, 52-week high, and more. Choose the data you need and drag it into your spreadsheet.

3. Format and organize your spreadsheet. After selecting the data, you will see multiple options in a cell. Adjust these options as needed to create a clear and organized layout. For instance, create a nifty-50 stock list with rows for each stock and columns for current value, 52-week low, 52-week high, and change in volume.

4. Use conditional formatting. Highlight stocks that hit a 52-week low with a specific color. This helps you quickly identify potential buying opportunities or stocks that are underperforming.

Using Google Finance Functions for Real-Time Data

Google Sheets offers a powerful `GOOGLEFINANCE` function, which provides real-time data with a delay of no more than 20 seconds. To use it:

Open a Google Spreadsheet. Enter the formula `GOOGLEFINANCE("ticker_symbol", "attribute")` in the cell. Replace ticker_symbol with the stock's ticker and attribute with the data you want (e.g., price, volume). Press Enter to populate the cell with the latest data.

For example, GOOGLEFINANCE("GOOGL", "price") will display the current price of Google stock.

Alternative Tools and Methods

While Google Sheets is highly effective, if you prefer Excel, you will need more advanced programming skills to fetch live data. Some portfolio management websites, such as InvestTiger by Sharekhan (formerly known as TradeTiger), offer real-time data through VBA programming.

For managing your inventory, consider these methods:

Periodic Inventory: Manually count your inventory every two weeks and compare the numbers with sales. This method is good for small businesses that can afford to do manual counts. Perpetual Inventory: Integrate an inventory management app or software with your point of sale (POS) system. This method provides real-time updates and is suitable for larger businesses.

Using MS Excel for Trading

For traders and investors, Microsoft Excel is an invaluable tool. It allows you to track prices, volumes, and open interest. If you're skilled in using Excel macros, you can even calculate complex ratios like Sharpe, Treynor, and Jensen's Alpha to make more informed decisions. With enough price data, you can generate your own charts and gain deeper insights into market trends.

By leveraging these tools and methods, you can build a robust system for tracking your stocks and making well-informed investment decisions.