Technical analysis is the study of human psychology, which is represented in the form of price action on a chart. You analyze the stock itself.
Technical analysts look for repeatable patterns and indications that can predict future price movements. Since human psychology and emotions will always be a factor in stock markets, the study of historical price movements of a stock relays the fear and greed associated with that stock.
Let's look at two technical tools that I use often – which is to say, every day the markets are open.
The first shows the movement of price in a group of stocks relative to each other. The second is a broadly watched tool that shows us both the long-term trend of a stock and important areas of support and resistance.