Charles Dow

Charles Dow (1851-1902) was an American journalist and businessman who co-founded Dow Jones & Company and served as the first editor of The Wall Street Journal. He is widely recognized as a pioneering financial journalist and the creator of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which remains one of the most watched stock market indices. Dow developed foundational theories about market behavior that became known as Dow Theory, establishing core principles still used in technical analysis today. His work analyzing market trends and industrial stocks helped establish systematic approaches to understanding market movements and laid the groundwork for modern financial analysis. While working as a financial journalist in New York, Dow created the first version of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1896, initially tracking 12 important American companies. The index represented his vision to create a clear benchmark for market performance and industrial growth in America. Dow's enduring influence on financial markets stems from his ability to translate complex market dynamics into understandable principles. The company he co-founded continues to be a major force in financial publishing and market analysis, while the indices bearing his name remain crucial barometers of market performance.

Readers consistently highlight Dow's clear explanations of complex market concepts in his Wall Street Journal editorials and collected writings. Investors appreciate his focus on practical observations over complex theories. What readers liked: - Simple, timeless principles that remain relevant - Focus on real market behavior rather than academic theory - Brief, direct writing style that makes concepts accessible - Historical context provided through actual market examples What readers disliked: - Some writings feel dated or repetitive - Limited original source material available - Few complete collections of his work exist - Some concepts need more modern context Ratings from financial history books containing Dow's writings: Amazon: 4.3/5 (127 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 reviews) One reader noted: "Dow explains market psychology better than most modern authors." Another commented: "His observations about market trends hold up after 100+ years, but finding his original writings takes work." The main criticism centers on accessibility - readers want more of Dow's direct writings rather than interpretations by others.

Scientific Stock Speculation A compilation of Dow's essays focusing on his theories about market movements and stock trading principles.

The History of Henry the Fifth A historical account of the life and reign of King Henry V of England.

The Dow Papers A collection of Dow's editorials from The Wall Street Journal examining market patterns and financial theory.

Journalism in the United States from 1690-1872 A comprehensive study of American journalism's development from colonial times through the post-Civil War era.

William Peter Hamilton continued Dow's work on technical market analysis and wrote "The Stock Market Barometer" which expanded on Dow Theory principles. Hamilton served as editor of The Wall Street Journal after Dow and developed methods for interpreting market trends.

Robert Rhea wrote "The Dow Theory" in 1932, providing a comprehensive explanation of Dow's market principles and technical analysis methods. Rhea compiled and organized Dow's original Wall Street Journal writings into a structured theory.

Richard Russell published the Dow Theory Letters for over 50 years, applying Dow's concepts to market analysis. Russell focused on interpreting primary and secondary market trends using Dow Theory indicators.

Victor Sperandeo developed trading methods based on Dow Theory and wrote "Trader Vic: Methods of a Wall Street Master." Sperandeo expanded on Dow's principles by incorporating additional technical indicators and risk management techniques.

Richard Wyckoff created a market analysis method that built upon Dow Theory concepts while adding volume analysis and price patterns. Wyckoff's work on market cycles and trends complemented Dow's theories about market behavior.