Economic data releases occur almost every day and can have a dramatic effect on the forex markets, and indeed all major markets. They can cause wild swings and increased volatility which is great for traders, but can you successfully profit from them as a forex trader?
Before I address that question, let me start off by talking about data releases in more detail. As a trader the first thing you should do every day is consult an economic calendar to see what releases are scheduled for the forthcoming day. This will allow you to determine when you should be out of a trade if you don't want to trade through them, or when to turn your computer on and be ready to trade if you do wish to trade them.
The best economic calendar in my opinion is at Forex Factory as this tells you not only what releases are scheduled for the day, but also the predicted and actual figures for each release, plus the importance of each one and the effect that they may have on specific currency pairs.
Different data releases affect currencies in different ways. For example, interest rate decisions and non-farm payrolls have a major impact on dollar currencies whereas other less significant data releases will hardly have an effect at all and will remain little changed.
So it's best to arm yourself with all this information and be fully prepared for any scheduled releases, but can you profit from them?
Well in my opinion I don't think you can consistently make profits trading the news as soon as it's released simply because it's extremely difficult to predict how the market will react to any given news.
For example, sometimes you will get seemingly bullish figures and expect the currency to go up, but it will do the complete opposite. Other times it will go up initially and then reverse as analysts and traders digest the news.
It really is an extremely difficult way to trade the markets, particularly for the individual trader working alone. Trying to second guess the market is a very dangerous game.
In my opinion there are far easier ways to trade the forex markets using solid technical analysis methods. You don't need to trade during those times when market-moving figures are announced because all they will do is distort any technical analysis and make it very difficult to enter a trade with confidence.
Furthermore I always believe it's best to exit trades in advance of economic data releases simply because prices can move very fast and your stop losses may not get filled at the price you requested.
I'm sure there are people who can make profits from news releases, but in my experience it's extremely difficult and akin to gambling in some instances.
James Woolley has been trading currencies for around five years and also runs a forex trading blog dedicated to offering free forex tips and strategies. Click on the following link for more information:
http://theforexarticles.com
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
How to Trade With Accurate Forex Forecast Signals
Serious forex traders around the world need accurate forex signals beside technical and fundamental analysis for a disciplined and rewarding trading. With accurate forex signals based on research and market study, forex traders should be ready to apply their analysis, and experience for maximizing the return on investment.
Accurate forex trading signals are indicators of trends in the forex market. Indicators like breakouts, support and resistance levels, envelope patterns, currency pairs near moving averages, oscillators, Fibonacci levels, help the forex traders to decide on a profitable entry into the market.
Accurate forex signals are selling and buying recommendations, which you can receive from independent service providers for a small subscription. Your forex broker can offer the signals for free as an add on service.
Accurate forex signals comprise of signals, tips, and trends and in most of the cases offered daily. Accurate forex signals are entirely based on fundamental and technical analysis of the market and not on speculations or rumors.
Accurate forex signals are free from the traders' emotion. Signals follow certain patterns following the market trends and various forces of demand and supply of currencies and therefore mechanical in nature.
They are best for traders who cannot watch the market round the clock. As the accurate forex signal services monitor and analyze the market and send their findings directly to you, either by email or sms, you can take action the moment you receive a signal.
Using a variety of technical studies the accurate forex signals are generated. For example, SMA or Simple Moving Average and MACD or Moving Average Convergence Divergence studies indicate buy signals when currency prices rise over the average line.
Accordingly, sell signals occur when the price falls below the moving average line. Some accurate forex signal services offer volume indicators that can determine market interest. For example, Bollinger Bands indicate sharp price changes in the market.
The best and accurate forex signal service will be the one that uses more than one indicator to form the signal. Many such indicators together will form a reliable source of information. But it must be remembered, the signals can never be 100% accurate.
They work as very good advice guiding the trader on currencies to trade, but can never guarantee the return it predicted. You must always ask for the track record to show the past performances of a forex signal service.
Accurate forex trade signals software application sends alerts in real time. It generates entry and exit points for major currency pairs on the basis of market parameters. This works as a perfect tool and ideal solution for traders to strengthen their. These signals are easy to understand and use.
To start trading automatically check out Accurate Forex Signals
Accurate forex trading signals are indicators of trends in the forex market. Indicators like breakouts, support and resistance levels, envelope patterns, currency pairs near moving averages, oscillators, Fibonacci levels, help the forex traders to decide on a profitable entry into the market.
Accurate forex signals are selling and buying recommendations, which you can receive from independent service providers for a small subscription. Your forex broker can offer the signals for free as an add on service.
Accurate forex signals comprise of signals, tips, and trends and in most of the cases offered daily. Accurate forex signals are entirely based on fundamental and technical analysis of the market and not on speculations or rumors.
Accurate forex signals are free from the traders' emotion. Signals follow certain patterns following the market trends and various forces of demand and supply of currencies and therefore mechanical in nature.
They are best for traders who cannot watch the market round the clock. As the accurate forex signal services monitor and analyze the market and send their findings directly to you, either by email or sms, you can take action the moment you receive a signal.
Using a variety of technical studies the accurate forex signals are generated. For example, SMA or Simple Moving Average and MACD or Moving Average Convergence Divergence studies indicate buy signals when currency prices rise over the average line.
Accordingly, sell signals occur when the price falls below the moving average line. Some accurate forex signal services offer volume indicators that can determine market interest. For example, Bollinger Bands indicate sharp price changes in the market.
The best and accurate forex signal service will be the one that uses more than one indicator to form the signal. Many such indicators together will form a reliable source of information. But it must be remembered, the signals can never be 100% accurate.
They work as very good advice guiding the trader on currencies to trade, but can never guarantee the return it predicted. You must always ask for the track record to show the past performances of a forex signal service.
Accurate forex trade signals software application sends alerts in real time. It generates entry and exit points for major currency pairs on the basis of market parameters. This works as a perfect tool and ideal solution for traders to strengthen their. These signals are easy to understand and use.
To start trading automatically check out Accurate Forex Signals
Monday, 29 October 2007
Using Percent R Indicator to Trade - Get Precise System
In his original work, Williams' method focused on 10 trading days to determine a market's trading range. Once the 10-day trading range was determined, he calculated where the current day's closing price fell within that range.
The %R study is similar to the Stochastic indicator, except that the Stochastic has internal smoothing and that the %R is plotted on an upside-down scale, with 0 at the top and 100 at the bottom. The %R oscillates between 0 and 100%. A value of 0% shows that the closing price is the same as the period high. Conversely, a value of 100% shows that the closing price is identical to the period low. The Williams indicator is designed to show the difference between the period high and today's closing price with the trading range of the specified period. The indicator therefore shows the relative situation of the closing price within the observation period.
The trading rules are simple. You sell when %R reaches 20% or lower (the market is overbought) and buy when it reaches 80% or higher (the market is oversold). However, as with all overbought/oversold indicators, it is wise to wait for the indicator price to change direction before initiating any trade.
Larry Williams defines the following trading rules for his %R: Buy when this percent reaches 100%, and five trading days have passed since 100% was last reached, and after which it again falls below 85/95%. Sell when %R reaches 0%, and five trading days have passed since 0% was last reached, and after which the Williams %R again rises to about 15/5%.
Visit his site at http://www.profitguideforex.com
The %R study is similar to the Stochastic indicator, except that the Stochastic has internal smoothing and that the %R is plotted on an upside-down scale, with 0 at the top and 100 at the bottom. The %R oscillates between 0 and 100%. A value of 0% shows that the closing price is the same as the period high. Conversely, a value of 100% shows that the closing price is identical to the period low. The Williams indicator is designed to show the difference between the period high and today's closing price with the trading range of the specified period. The indicator therefore shows the relative situation of the closing price within the observation period.
The trading rules are simple. You sell when %R reaches 20% or lower (the market is overbought) and buy when it reaches 80% or higher (the market is oversold). However, as with all overbought/oversold indicators, it is wise to wait for the indicator price to change direction before initiating any trade.
Larry Williams defines the following trading rules for his %R: Buy when this percent reaches 100%, and five trading days have passed since 100% was last reached, and after which it again falls below 85/95%. Sell when %R reaches 0%, and five trading days have passed since 0% was last reached, and after which the Williams %R again rises to about 15/5%.
Visit his site at http://www.profitguideforex.com
Friday, 26 October 2007
Forex - Holiday Trading Good or Bad Idea?
As the widely observed holidays approach, you, as a trader, may wonder whether it would be a good idea to trade in the foreign exchange (FOREX) market on these special days. Because the FOREX is 24-hour, worldwide market, you would think that this would be the greatest of times to trade, especially since money is flowing everywhere in commerce. But what is it really like to trade on the holidays?
Market Open
You will generally find the markets open even on the major holidays like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, as well as on the U.S. Thanksgiving. The vast FOREX is true to its insomniac nature during the festive season and follows it regular schedule. Throughout the trading year, the U.S. or New York Session is one of the largest in the FOREX. However, you must also remember that U.S. banks are very liberal with taking holidays off. Therefore, just because the FOREX market itself is considered open, that does not mean that the banks are all open and rendering full service.
Brokers' Platforms Open
Many FOREX Brokers, especially of the online variety, have facilities available for trading on these major holidays. But the reality is that the volume becomes very thin. Let's face it-even traders like to take time off to spend with their families and friends and spend money at the mall. The effect of the decreased volume in the FOREX is decreased liquidity. When a market does not have liquidity, it is difficult, at best, to get in and out of positions profitably. On the other hand, when there are lots of traders participating, fun can be had and money made. The U.S. Thanksgiving is not going to be as quiet as Christmas in the FOREX market, since it will perhaps affect only the U.S. Dollar-based currency pairs for the most part. Apparently, other countries and their traders are not as excited about our national holidays as we are. Surprise, surprise.
Downside Risks
One of the consequences of a market that is not so liquid is the increase in the spread charged by the broker. You will notice a similar effect during any given weekend of the year, by virtue of the same reason of lack of liquidity. Naturally, as a trader, you prefer the smaller spreads, since you get to keep more of the profits in your pockets as a result.
Conclusion
So then should you or should you not engage in FOREX trading on these holidays? If you like boring and expensive trades, then go for it. Otherwise, look your loved ones in the eye and tell them that you are so thrilled to spend some quality, uninterrupted time with them. Then prove it by spending some of that quality cash you earned during the previous months. Happy spending!
Sandy Robinson, J.D., Copyright 2007
If you are ready to change your future by stepping into the exciting world of trading FOREX, go to http://www.winningtradersassociation.com for more information. Author Sandy Robinson, J.D. is part of the Winning Traders Association, an educational organization founded by John Beiler, President. The organization consists of a network of committed trainers and motivated traders willing to provide support to those interested in trading foreign exchange. Many of the members work from home.
Market Open
You will generally find the markets open even on the major holidays like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, as well as on the U.S. Thanksgiving. The vast FOREX is true to its insomniac nature during the festive season and follows it regular schedule. Throughout the trading year, the U.S. or New York Session is one of the largest in the FOREX. However, you must also remember that U.S. banks are very liberal with taking holidays off. Therefore, just because the FOREX market itself is considered open, that does not mean that the banks are all open and rendering full service.
Brokers' Platforms Open
Many FOREX Brokers, especially of the online variety, have facilities available for trading on these major holidays. But the reality is that the volume becomes very thin. Let's face it-even traders like to take time off to spend with their families and friends and spend money at the mall. The effect of the decreased volume in the FOREX is decreased liquidity. When a market does not have liquidity, it is difficult, at best, to get in and out of positions profitably. On the other hand, when there are lots of traders participating, fun can be had and money made. The U.S. Thanksgiving is not going to be as quiet as Christmas in the FOREX market, since it will perhaps affect only the U.S. Dollar-based currency pairs for the most part. Apparently, other countries and their traders are not as excited about our national holidays as we are. Surprise, surprise.
Downside Risks
One of the consequences of a market that is not so liquid is the increase in the spread charged by the broker. You will notice a similar effect during any given weekend of the year, by virtue of the same reason of lack of liquidity. Naturally, as a trader, you prefer the smaller spreads, since you get to keep more of the profits in your pockets as a result.
Conclusion
So then should you or should you not engage in FOREX trading on these holidays? If you like boring and expensive trades, then go for it. Otherwise, look your loved ones in the eye and tell them that you are so thrilled to spend some quality, uninterrupted time with them. Then prove it by spending some of that quality cash you earned during the previous months. Happy spending!
Sandy Robinson, J.D., Copyright 2007
If you are ready to change your future by stepping into the exciting world of trading FOREX, go to http://www.winningtradersassociation.com for more information. Author Sandy Robinson, J.D. is part of the Winning Traders Association, an educational organization founded by John Beiler, President. The organization consists of a network of committed trainers and motivated traders willing to provide support to those interested in trading foreign exchange. Many of the members work from home.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
How to Scalp Effectively in Forex Market
Scalping for small profits is one of the most popular strategies in Forex trading. Scalpers rely on trading regularly and taking consistent small profits. They usually liquidate their trades on the same day. However, the problem with this strategy is that it has the tendency to turn you into a compulsive gambler (especially for beginners). Why did I say that? There are various reasons for leading a new scalper into a compulsive gambler. When a trader turns into a compulsive gambler, he/she will be doom for failure. In this article we will take a quick look at the 2 common reasons for that and discuss on tips to scalp efficiently;
1. Addiction to Random Profits
Most newbie thought that they can make some quick profits by taking small profits in the Forex arena everyday. They enjoy the random rewards from the market, which may turn into an addiction. It is just like teaching your dog to perform a task and randomly rewarding it every time a task is done. In this way, there is no way your dog can know when it will be rewarded. As a result, there is no reason for your dog to quit doing the task, even without being rewarded for doing it.
2. Trading for Revenge
There is a common saying among scalpers; "Trade for today, not yesterday". Many newbie try to recoup their money back after their losses a few hours ago. They cannot swallow a loss or losses and became mesmerized with their fond memories of their past winnings. They keep thinking on how to win back their money, which tends to cloud their judgment on the market. They begin to fantasize opportunities in the market to enter a trade. This will eventually lead to their emotional attempt at revenge that is doomed to failure.
Tips to Scalp Efficiently
1. Determine the direction of the day by first looking at the daily chart.
2. Using candlestick studies, trendline or pivot points to enter a trade in the hourly chart.
3. For the above it must be use together with support and resistance.
4. Trading on continuous trend has a higher probability of success.
5. For contrarian trading, always enter at a better filled price or average your lot size to enter the trade
6. Scrape your trade if you do not feel comfortable after the point of entry or it takes too long for the trade to go in your direction.
7. Stop trading for the day if you have 3 losses in a row
Sebastian Sim
I'm a 31 year old Singaporean. Who started my trading journey since 2004. Now, I focus mainly in Stock Options, Forex and Unit Trusts(Mutual Funds) Investments. I've started a site The Trading Zone - a site about trading pyschology, Forex trading, investments and other topics that interests me from time to time.
http://sebastian-sim.blogspot.com
1. Addiction to Random Profits
Most newbie thought that they can make some quick profits by taking small profits in the Forex arena everyday. They enjoy the random rewards from the market, which may turn into an addiction. It is just like teaching your dog to perform a task and randomly rewarding it every time a task is done. In this way, there is no way your dog can know when it will be rewarded. As a result, there is no reason for your dog to quit doing the task, even without being rewarded for doing it.
2. Trading for Revenge
There is a common saying among scalpers; "Trade for today, not yesterday". Many newbie try to recoup their money back after their losses a few hours ago. They cannot swallow a loss or losses and became mesmerized with their fond memories of their past winnings. They keep thinking on how to win back their money, which tends to cloud their judgment on the market. They begin to fantasize opportunities in the market to enter a trade. This will eventually lead to their emotional attempt at revenge that is doomed to failure.
Tips to Scalp Efficiently
1. Determine the direction of the day by first looking at the daily chart.
2. Using candlestick studies, trendline or pivot points to enter a trade in the hourly chart.
3. For the above it must be use together with support and resistance.
4. Trading on continuous trend has a higher probability of success.
5. For contrarian trading, always enter at a better filled price or average your lot size to enter the trade
6. Scrape your trade if you do not feel comfortable after the point of entry or it takes too long for the trade to go in your direction.
7. Stop trading for the day if you have 3 losses in a row
Sebastian Sim
I'm a 31 year old Singaporean. Who started my trading journey since 2004. Now, I focus mainly in Stock Options, Forex and Unit Trusts(Mutual Funds) Investments. I've started a site The Trading Zone - a site about trading pyschology, Forex trading, investments and other topics that interests me from time to time.
http://sebastian-sim.blogspot.com
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