Create and Display Stock Charts with fn_01686

The fn_01686 function (implemented as StockChart in the code) allows you to fetch a stock chart image for a given symbol and insert it directly into your Excel worksheet. If the function succeeds, it will place the chart image into your spreadsheet and return a text value "StockChart." Should an error occur (for example, due to invalid licensing or missing symbol), the function returns "NA." By default, if no chart type ("chartCode") is provided, it retrieves the chart labeled as "history."

This function is particularly beneficial for analysts or traders who need to keep visual tabs on a stock's historical or specific chart data within the convenience of Excel. With just a symbol and an optional chart code, you can quickly see your desired stock chart for both quick reference and deeper analysis.

Why Use This Function?

• Generate live (or latest available) stock charts on-demand within Excel.
• Quickly view historical or specific chart varieties, such as daily or other types of time-series when supported.
• Embed visual data in your worksheets without manually downloading images—saves time and effort.
• Ideal for building dashboards and investment trackers directly in Excel.
• Integrates seamlessly with MarketXLS, ensuring licensing checks and reliable visual data.

How to Use in Excel

=fn_01686("SYMBOL", [ChartCode])

1. Enter your formula in a cell.
2. Replace "SYMBOL" with the stock ticker you want to visualize (e.g., "AAPL" or "MSFT").
3. Optionally specify the ChartCode parameter to request a particular type of chart (e.g., "history"). If omitted, it defaults to "history."
4. If successful, the function inserts the image in your Excel worksheet and returns the text "StockChart" in the cell.
5. In case of an error or invalid input, the cell displays "NA."

Parameters Explained

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. Basic Historical Chart:

   In a cell, type: =fn_01686("AAPL")

   Explanation:
   • "AAPL" is the symbol for Apple.
   • chartCode is omitted, so "history" is used by default.
   • The chart image will be inserted into the sheet, and the cell will display "StockChart."

2. Specifying a Chart Type:

   =fn_01686("MSFT", "history")

   Explanation:
   • Requests a chart for Microsoft ("MSFT") with the "history" chart code.
   • On success, returns "StockChart" and inserts the associated chart image.

Advanced Scenarios

• Using the function in combination with data references:
Suppose cell A1 has "GOOG" and cell B1 has "history." You can use:
=fn_01686(A1, B1)
This flexibility helps scale your analysis across multiple stocks by referencing different symbols and chart codes.

• Inserting charts alongside real-time price updates (when using additional MarketXLS formulas):
You might use MarketXLS data points (e.g., real-time price, volume) in adjacent cells while invoking fn_01686 to show the visual representation of the stock’s performance.

• Automated Workflows:
Create macros or use other Excel features to refresh data at set intervals, prompting fn_01686 to retrieve the latest stock chart if the underlying data changes.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

1. Why do I get "NA" instead of a chart?

   • Ensure your MarketXLS license is valid. An invalid license triggers the function to return "NA."
   • Check that the symbol is correctly spelled. Invalid or unknown symbols yield errors.
   • Confirm that the chart code (if any) is a supported value.

2. What happens if I omit the chartCode parameter?

   • The function defaults to "history," which typically shows a historical price chart.

3. Chart is not refreshing automatically—how can I fix that?

   • Try recalculating the spreadsheet (e.g., press F9 in Excel).
   • Confirm that you have an active internet connection.

4. Can I customize the chart look or size?

   • The chart image is provided as-is by the data source. If you need a different style or size, you’ll need to explore other MarketXLS or Excel features for adjusting inserted images.

Remember:

• Always ensure your symbol is correct and licensed through MarketXLS.
• Experiment with different chartCode values (if supported and documented by MarketXLS) to see varied chart styles.
• Keep in mind that fn_01686 returns only the text "StockChart" or "NA" in the cell; the real value is the chart image integrated into your worksheet.
• For best results, place your usage of fn_01686 where it can be easily viewed or scaled.

By leveraging fn_01686 in Excel with MarketXLS, you can effortlessly embed meaningful, up-to-date stock charts right into your spreadsheets, making analysis and reporting quicker, more visual, and more effective.