Classic Charts Faqs
1. How do I add volume, moving averages, splits, dividends etc. to my chart images?
2. I'm trying to make a chart with a custom time range, but the data frequency keeps changing from daily to monthly. What am I doing wrong?
3. Can I download the historical stock quotes that were used to build a particular chart image?
4. How can I build a chart based on a specific date range that I specify?
5. Why can't I get a 1-Day chart for mutual funds?
6. What symbols do I use to chart the major market indices?
7. Do you have interactive Java charts?
| How do I add volume, moving averages, splits, dividends etc. to my chart images? |
All of these options are located on the control panel to the right of the chart. To view all of the options available, including chart style, chart color scheme etc., click on the arrow next to "Chart Settings". All of the available controls will be revealed.
| I'm trying to make a chart with a custom time range, but the data frequency keeps changing from daily to monthly. What am I doing wrong? |
Nothing. The charting application may automatically reset the data frequency based on the timeframe specified. For example, if you requested a chart covering a 10 year time frame and specified daily data points, the application will reset to monthly data points to build a reasonably sized image. To obtain charts with a daily or weekly time frame, try shortening the length of the time period you are covering.
| Can I download the historical stock quotes that were used to build a particular chart image? |
Yes! This is actually a very popular feature of the charting interface. Once you have built the chart you want data for, click on the "Show Chart Data" link. This will display the underlying historical pricing which may be downloaded in an ASCII text format that you can import to a spreadsheet or other application.
| How can I build a chart based on a specific date range that I specify? |
In the control panel on the right hand side, click on the link that reads "Custom Dates". You will be asked to provide a start date, and end date and a data frequency preference. NOTE: AOL Stock Chart data is available beginning in January of 1987.
| Why can't I get a 1-Day chart for mutual funds? |
Unlike stocks, most mutual funds are only priced once per day. Therefore, a 1-Day chart is not available, as it would only include a single data point.
| What symbols do I use to chart the major market indices? |
Here is a quick list of the most commonly requested index symbols:
| Index | Symbol |
| Dow Jones Industrial Average | $INDU |
| NASDAQ Composite | $COMPX |
| S&P 500 | $INX |
| Russell 2000 | $RUT.X |
| Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index | $TMW.X |
| AMEX Composite | $XAX.X |
| Dow Jones Transportation Average | $TRAN |
| Dow Jones Utility Average | $UTIL |
| Dow Jones Composite | $COMP |
| Pacific Stock Exchange Technology 100 | $PSE |
| Fortune 500 | $FFY.X |
For a more complete list of available market indices, check the Market Indices page.
| Do you have interactive Java charts? |
Yes, AOL offers interactive Java charting through our partner Prophet.net. We encourage you to visit the site that Forbes and Barron's have named Best Charts on the Web. Click here for access to free interactive Java charting.