Sunday, January 11, 2009

Forex - Pips, Spread, Margin, Leverage

Currencies are traded in pairs and exchanged against each other. The majority of currencies are traded against US Dollar. The first currency in the exchange pair is called Base Currency and the second currency is called the Counter Currency or Quote Currency.

The exchange rate tells you how much of the counter currency must be paid to buy one unit of the base currency. The exchange rate also tells the seller how much is received in the counter currency when selling one base unit. For example, an exchange rate for EUR/USD of 1.2083 specifies to the buyer of Euros that 1.2083 USD must be paid for one Euro.

Spread is the difference between the buy and sell price. Like in stock market ask and bid. This is the difference between the market makers selling price and the price the market maker is ready to pay to buy the same currency. This means that if you buy a currency and then sell the currency before the price has changed you will lose money because of the spread. Bid price is always lower than the ask price, thus the situation. For example if EUR/USD bid/ask is 1.2010/1.2015 then by selling the security before the price has changed, you will lose 5 pips.

Now you might be wondering what the heck the pip is. I know that when I first started reading about forex and such I wondered for quite a bit what is that pip they are talking about. Basically, as currency rates do not change a lot then the changes are brought out in pips. One pip is 0.0001 in case of all the currencies excluding Yen. For Japanese Yen one pip is 0.01. So if the exchange rate changes by 20 pips then now you’ll know it means 0.0020.

When in banks the exchange rates – buy/sell rates (spread) for different currencies may vary even more than 1000 pips, in forex market it’s a lot smaller and because of that investors may profit even from only small price movements.
Price of a currency is called Quote and there are two kinds of quotes – direct quotes and indirect quotes. Direct quote is the price for 1 US dollar in terms of the other currency. Indirect quote is the price of 1 unit of a currency in terms of US Dollars. The market maker provides the investor with quotes. The quote is the price the market maker will honor when the deal is executed.

When quote is not put against US dollar but against another currency, this is called Cross rates. For example GBP/YEN. This is called cross rate because it is calculated via US Dollar. To give you an idea how cross rate is calculated:

GBP/USD = 1.7464 USD/JPY = 112.29 Thus GBP/JPY = 112.29*1.7464 = 196.10

Don’t worry about the calculation though, in different forex trading platforms the calculations are all done for you. But it’s still good to know where the rate has come from.

Now, lets talk about MARGIN. Trading providers need collateral to make sure that the investor can pay up in case of losses. This collateral is called margin and is also known as minimum security in forex. This is basically the deposit to the trader account that is intended to cover and possible trading losses in the future. Margin enables traders to hold a lot larger position than their account value.

Some trading providers also require a maintenance margin that is used to cover administrative costs and such. And most importantly to cover loss in case of a “gap” or “slippage” in rates. For example if you have set a stop-loss rate to 1.8075 but the the rate jumps from 1.8050 directly to 1.8090. To cover loss that might come from here, the maintenance margin is used.

Leverage allows traders of forex market use credit. You might sort of compare it with short selling in stock market. Not the same, but starting traders might find the idea bit similar.

The leverage may allow a trader control 50-400 times bigger amount than he has actually deposited. For example if you deposit just $100 you may be able to actually play with $10 000. Of course, in this case this $100 is the margin you are willing to lose, everything’s at stake.

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9 Tricks Of The Successful Trader

For all of its numbers, charts and ratios, trading is more art than science. And just as in artistic endeavors, there is talent involved, but talent will only take you so far. The best traders hone their skills through practice and discipline. They perform self analysis to see what drives their trades and learn how to keep fear and greed out of the equation. In this article we'll look at nine steps a novice trader can use to perfect his or her craft; for the experts out there, you might just find some tips that will help you make smarter, more profitable trades, too.

Step 1. Define your goals and then choose a style of trading that is compatible with those goals. Be sure your personality is a match for the style of trading you choose.

Before you set out on any journey, it is imperative that you have some idea of where your destination is and how you will get there. Consequently, it is imperative that you have clear goals in mind as to what you would like to achieve; you then have to be sure that your trading method is capable of achieving these goals. Each type of trading style requires a different approach and each style has a different risk profile, which requires a different attitude and approach to trade successfully. For example, if you cannot stomach going to sleep with an open position in the market then you might consider day trading. On the other hand, if you have funds that you think will benefit from the appreciation of a trade over a period of some months, then a position trader is what you want to consider becoming. But no matter what style of trading you choose, be sure that your personality fits the style of trading you undertake. A personality mismatch will lead to stress and certain losses.

Step 2. Choose a broker with whom you feel comfortable but also one who offers a trading platform that is appropriate for your style of trading.

It is important to choose a broker who offers a trading platform that will allow you to do the analysis you require. Choosing a reputable broker is of paramount importance and spending time researching the differences between brokers will be very helpful. You must know each broker's policies and how he or she goes about making a market. For example, trading in the over-the-counter market or spot market is different from trading the exchange-driven markets. In choosing a broker, it is important to read the broker documentation. Know your broker's policies. Also make sure that your broker's trading platform is suitable for the analysis you want to do. For example, if you like to trade off of Fibonacci numbers, be sure the broker's platform can draw Fibonacci lines. A good broker with a poor platform, or a good platform with a poor broker, can be a problem. Make sure you get the best of both.

Step 3. Choose a methodology and then be consistent in its application.

Before you enter any market as a trader, you need to have some idea of how you will make decisions to execute your trades. You must know what information you will need in order to make the appropriate decision about whether to enter or exit a trade. Some people choose to look at the underlying fundamentals of the company or economy, and then use a chart to determine the best time to execute the trade. Others use technical analysis; as a result they will only use charts to time a trade. Remember that fundamentals drive the trend in the long term, whereas chart patterns may offer trading opportunities in the short term. Whichever methodology you choose, remember to be consistent. And be sure your methodology is adaptive. Your system should keep up with the changing dynamics of a market. (For related reading, see What is the difference between fundamental and technical analysis and Blending Technical And Fundamental Analysis.)

Step 4. Choose a longer time frame for direction analysis and a shorter time frame to time entry or exit.

Many traders get confused because of conflicting information that occurs when looking at charts in different time frames. What shows up as a buying opportunity on a weekly chart could, in fact, show up as a sell signal on an intraday chart. Therefore, if you are taking your basic trading direction from a weekly chart and using a daily chart to time entry, be sure to synchronize the two. In other words, if the weekly chart is giving you a buy signal, wait until the daily chart also confirms a buy signal. Keep your timing in sync.

Step 5. Calculate your expectancy.

Expectancy is the formula you use to determine how reliable your system is. You should go back in time and measure all your trades that were winners, versus all your trades that were losers. Then determine how profitable your winning trades were versus how much your losing trades lost.

Take a look at your last 10 trades. If you haven't made actual trades yet, go back on your chart to where your system would have indicated that you should enter and exit a trade. Determine if you would have made a profit or a loss. Write these results down. Total all your winning trades and divide the answer by the number of winning trades you made.

Step 6. Focus on your trades and learn to love small losses.

Once you have funded your account, the most important thing to remember is that your money is at risk. Therefore, your money should not be needed for living or to pay bills etc. Consider your trading money as if it were vacation money. Once the vacation is over your money is spent. Have the same attitude toward trading. This will psychologically prepare you to accept small losses, which is key to managing your risk. By focusing on your trades and accepting small losses rather than constantly counting your equity, you will be much more successful.

Secondly, only leverage your trades to a maximum risk of 2% of your total funds. In other words, if you have $10,000 in your trading account, never let any trade lose more than 2% of the account value, or $200. If your stops are farther away than 2% of your account, trade shorter time frames or decrease the leverage.
Step 7. Build positive feedback loops.

A positive feedback loop is created as a result of a well-executed trade in accordance with your plan. When you plan a trade and then execute it well, you form a positive feedback pattern. Success breeds success, which in turn breeds confidence - especially if the trade is profitable. Even if you take a small loss but do so in accordance with a planned trade, then you will be building a positive feedback loop.
Step 8. Perform weekend analysis.

It is always good to prepare in advance. On the weekend, when the markets are closed, study weekly charts to look for patterns or news that could affect your trade. Perhaps a pattern is making a double top and the pundits and the news is suggesting a market reversal. This is a kind of reflexivity where the pattern could be prompting the pundits while the pundits are reinforcing the pattern. Or the pundits may be telling you that the market is about to explode. Perhaps these are pundits hoping to lure you into the market so that they can sell their positions on increased liquidity. These are the kinds of actions to look for to help you formulate your upcoming trading week. In the cool light of objectivity, you will make your best plans. Wait for your setups and learn to be patient.

If the market does not reach your point of entry, learn to sit on your hands. You might have to wait for the opportunity longer than you anticipated. If you miss a trade, remember that there will always be another. If you have patience and discipline you can become a good trader.

Step 9. Keep a printed record.

Keeping a printed record is one of the best learning tools a trader can have. Print out a chart and list all the reasons for the trade, including the fundamentals that sway your decisions. Mark the chart with your entry and your exit points. Make any relevant comments on the chart. File this record so you can refer to it over and over again. Note the emotional reasons for taking action. Did you panic? Were you too greedy? Were you full of anxiety? Note all these feelings on your record. It is only when you can objectify your trades that you will develop the mental control and discipline to execute according to your system instead of your habits.

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ForexGen Introducing Brokers ,White Label and Money Manager holders are recognized as a strategic business partners. The main focus of our service is to satisfy our partner's needs in order to deal with a qualified service and gain a large income sharing plan.
[ForexGen] provides appropriate services satisfying the needs of all business partner's specified situation and requirements.

ForexGen offers 1 pip spread on 10 pairs with high trading techniques that make ForexGen
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Getting Started In Forex

The forex (FX) market has many similarities to the equity markets; however, there are some key differences. This article will show you those differences and help you get started in forex trading.

Choosing a Broker

There are many forex brokers to choose from, just as in any other market. Here are some things to look for:

• Low Spreads -

The spread, calculated in "pips", is the difference between the price at which a currency can be purchased and the price at which it can be sold at any given point in time. Forex brokers don't charge a commission, so this difference is how they make money. In comparing brokers, you will find that the difference in spreads in forex is as great as the difference in commissions in the stock arena.

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1. Lowest spreads in the market with 0-1 pips in 10 pairs, no commissions, no swaps and instant account Activation.
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3. ForexGen offers Forex trading in the major currency pairs and crosses.
4. Low capital start, with $250 as a minimum account size.
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Are The Spreads Fixed or Variable?

The interbank forex market has variable spreads. If you are trading fixed spreads you are in effect paying for an insurance premium—unless you trade only around news events when markets tend to be more volatile—since fixed spreads are typically higher than variable spreads. Is it worth it? That depends on your trading pattern. (But if you choose fixed spreads, be sure to ask the next two questions too.)

………….. Has variable spreads. As in the interbank forex market, spreads will widen dynamically during times when liquidity is tight. This widening occurs typically around news announcements or off-market hours. ………… allows you to trade all weekend, but spreads will be significantly wider during weekends when liquidity is almost non-existent.

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An individual who is responsible for the entire financial portfolio of another individual or another entity. A money manager receives payment in exchange for choosing and monitoring appropriate investments for the client.

Benefits of being a Money Manager with [ForexGen]:

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* P = k * D “P=Profit, k=Variable Parameter, D=Deposits”

The money manager gets a fixed percentage of the profit previously agreed upon with the client for managing the client funds as a bonus feature.

The most competitive trading conditions:

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* Providing online trading services without maintenance margin, margin call and no automatic closing of positions below the initial margin on weekdays for accounts with initial equity of up to $1 million US. The margin level have to be recognized Fridays at 23:00 CET and before public holidays.
* Leverages up to 1:200 for accounts up to $1 million US.
* Liquidity and 24/5 availability are the characteristic factors of the Forex market compared with other financial markets.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Forex Trading - Fatal Errors Novice Traders Make and Lose

There are essentially two fatal errors most novice traders make and they wipe them out but they don't of course need to make them, just be aware of them and avoid them - here they are...

1. You can Buy Success

There all over the internet junk Forex robots and sure fire trading systems and they don't work. They rely on back tested simulations (made up knowing the closing prices in plain English) and of course, these simulations never work in the real world.

One fact is clear about Forex trading it's isn't easy, if it was 95% of traders wouldn't lose! The people who tell you that you get financial freedom for $100 or so and can make money while you sleep are really not traders, their just out to sell their made up systems and the fact they never come with real track records, shows the confidence they have in their products - none!

On the other hand, it is a skill anyone can learn, if you avoid the myths and the junk systems and get a solid education, you can get a successful Forex trading system together in about 2 week but this is only half the equation needed for success which leads onto the next point

2. Discipline and Money Management are the Keys to Success not an After Thought!

Its funny, how most traders think that a method that is based on sound logic is all they need to succeed - but you need to be able to apply your trading system with discipline and if you don't have the mindset to do this, you don't have a system.

You don't just get discipline - its based on the right Forex education and understanding what you are doing, then having rock solid confidence that you will succeed.

The reason you need discipline, is that you are going to face losing periods that last sometimes for weeks and you are going to have to keep trading through these periods, until you hit profits.

Don't believe the rubbish you read that drawdown periods don't last long or can be avoided they can't, even the best traders face them and have to cope with them and you will too.

You are going to have to keep going and follow your system, as the market makes you look stupid and gives you losses. In Forex trading, learning to lose is actually necessary to win - you are in it for long term profits and short term losses along the way are part of trading.

The Good News
If you get yourself the right Forex education and have confidence in what you're doing you can learn to be disciplined as it's a skill anyone can learn.

So get yourself a simple system, learn how and why it works and apply it with discipline for long term Forex success and you could soon be making big Forex profits in just 30 minutes a day.

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Forex White Label partnership allows the trader a quick access to the online foreign currency exchange market.

[ForexGen] provides two types of trading White Label partnerships, a limited and a full solution. ForexGen different types of forex White Label partners are able to access ForexGen's trading platform entirely branded under each partner's unique company image and name. We provide a customizable online trading platform for the different types of the two White Label solutions.

Forex Trading Method - A Simple Method For Triple Digit Annual Gains

The Forex Trading method enclosed can be incorporated in your Forex trading strategy and will quickly help you make bigger profits. It's simple to learn, easy to understand and will help you make bigger profits...

Firstly let's look at a common mistake many traders make with their Forex trading methods.

Most traders think that prediction is the way to make money in Forex trading - but predicting is hoping or guessing and your predictions will end up like your horoscope! Markets don't move to some mystical mathematical formula - if they did, we would all know the price in advance and there would be no market.

Trading the Reality, Trading Breakouts
The best way to trade to get the odds on your side, is simply to trade the reality of price change, as you see it on a Forex chart. This means trading breaks to new highs and lows, breakout trading methods work and will always work for one simple reason:

Most trends start and continue from new market highs or lows and as long as markets trend, going with breakouts to new highs and lows will work.
Why Most Traders can't Do it
Most traders can't trade breakouts though, because they are obsessed with pinpoint market timing (which of course is not possible) and they think they have missed a bit of the move, so they sit back and want to get in at a better price.

As breakouts tend to carry on in the direction of the breakout, a pullback does not come and the trader who waits misses a great trend and profit.

A Breakout Strategy for Big Gains
If you want to trade breakouts then you only need a simple Forex trading strategy and it should consist of spotting trades on the chart and maybe using a couple of momentum indicators to confirm the move.

In any form of Forex trading system simple systems beat complicated ones because they are more robust and has fewer elements to break. If you don't want to make your own, here is a simple one that works.

A Breakout Method that Has Worked for Over 25 Years

The strategy below is so simple but has made millions for savvy traders and has just one rule which you simply follow. Devised by trading legend Richard Donchian it's outlined below.

Buy breaks to new 4 week highs or lows. When in the market, wait for a new 4 week low or high to be hit and reverse the position - simply keep buying and selling new 4 week highs and lows as there hit and always maintain a position in the market.

You can't get much simpler than that! Try it though and you will see it works.
A simple Timeless Method for Gains
If you want to use breakouts the logic is easy to understand and it's very profitable.

If you want currency trading success then with breakouts you know you are trading the reality and have the odds on your side and that means bigger profits and less risk - check out this trading methodology in more detail and you maybe glad you did.

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