The exchange reports how many round lots were traded during the previous day. In order to calculate how many shares of a particular stock were traded simply multiply the volume by 100. This gives the investor a little bit of historical data about which direction the stock has moved and is perhaps still moving. This number is also an indicator of volatility. The larger the spread between these two numbers, the higher the volatility.
High volatility can mean quick profits as well as quick Losses.
Stock quotes are given in points and factions of points. The following column tells the change in points between the previous two days' closing. A plus or minus sign precedes this number showing which direction the stock moved. Newspaper quotes are extremely useful and are a great resource. The only drawback is that they report information that is a day old.