A line graph, also known as a line chart or a line plot, is a type of chart that displays information as a series of data points called markers connected by straight line segments. It is a basic type of chart common in many fields and is similar to a scatter plot except that the measurement points are ordered (typically by their x-axis value) and joined with straight line segments. A line graph is often used to visualize a trend in data over intervals of time – a time series – thus the line is often drawn chronologically. A line graph comprises two axes called the x-axis and the y-axis. The horizontal axis is called the x-axis, and the vertical axis is called the y-axis. Line graphs are often used in finance to create visual representations of values over time, including changes in the prices of securities, company revenue sheets, and histories of major stock indexes. They are also useful for comparing different securities. In investing, specifically with respect to the field of technical analysis, line graphs are used by investors to visualize trends, which can greatly aid them in their analyses. A line graph gives a clear picture of an increasing or a decreasing trend.