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How to Screen Stocks Using Plain English

· 5 min read

Most stock screeners look the same: dozens of dropdown menus, cryptic filter panels, and a learning curve that takes hours. What if you could just describe what you're looking for?

That's exactly what Cotrader does. Instead of navigating menus, you type a query in plain English and get results instantly. Here are some examples to get you started.

1. Find Oversold Stocks

The RSI (Relative Strength Index) is one of the most popular indicators for finding oversold stocks. Traditionally, you'd need to find the RSI filter, set the period to 14, pick "less than" from a dropdown, and type 30. With Cotrader:

show me stocks where RSI is below 30 Run this screen →

That's it. Cotrader understands "RSI" means the 14-period RSI, "below" means less than, and returns every stock in the universe that matches.

2. Combine Multiple Criteria

Real screening power comes from combining criteria. Want oversold large-caps? Just say so:

stocks with RSI below 30 and market cap over 1 billion Run this screen →

You can chain as many conditions as you want using "and." Cotrader handles the logic.

3. Spot Volume Spikes

Unusual volume often signals institutional activity or a breakout. Find stocks with volume significantly above their average:

stocks where volume is more than 3 times the 20-day average volume Run this screen →

4. Screen by Sector

Focus on a specific sector by adding it to any query:

technology stocks with price above the 200-day EMA and RSI between 40 and 60 Run this screen →

This finds tech stocks in a healthy uptrend (above 200 EMA) that aren't overbought or oversold — a classic momentum continuation setup.

5. MACD Crossover Signals

MACD crossovers are a widely followed momentum signal. Screen for them naturally:

stocks where MACD is above the MACD signal line and RSI is below 60 Run this screen →

This finds bullish MACD crossovers that still have room to run (RSI not yet overbought).

Try It Yourself

The best way to learn is to experiment. Head to the stock screener and try typing what you're looking for. If a query doesn't work the way you expect, use the feedback form to let us know — we're constantly expanding what Cotrader understands.

For the full list of supported indicators and syntax, check out the Screening Guide.

Ready to screen stocks in plain English?

No dropdowns. No complicated filters. Just describe what you want.

Try the Screener