Forex Trade

By Bart Icles

Many individuals are already putting in new investments into the Forex Trade, and its gaining popularity more and more each day. Because of today's financial difficulties, it is fast becoming a good source of steady income for all successful traders. Some still shy away from this business venture because of the apparent risk involved. But this can be balanced out by getting a good Forex education before actually doing active trading to help lessen the risks, and thereby have a chance at doing profitable transactions.

To start right in Forex Trade, get yourself into the right state of mind by staying positive and properly motivated since getting educated in Forex demands a fair amount of your time reading, studying and understanding new Forex related concepts. However, there are so many online sites available on the Internet today where you can get all the necessary information via e-books, free or sold program software packages, blogs, articles and such.

Forex trade is really all about getting to make the most accurate decisions in determining the next exchange rate trend and to be able to act on it to make a profitable deal by buying or selling. One then has to able to take in the details efficiently and to interpret them correctly; the details involved mainly involve knowing how to read the patterns or fluctuations they produce, how to read and analyze charts, and come up with an immediate decision.

With the current progression of Forex trade these days, those with money and interested enough can make get into Forex trading and possibly make profitable trade deals by studying the basic strategies and techniques. This can be achieved by studying and understanding all information about the Forex trade, and correctly applying it in trade deals. If for some reason this part is too much to do, there is always the option of buying an account from a Forex Broker and let them do all the trading in your behalf. The only downside is that this option will leave all the decision making to the broker.

Although great pains have been taken to create the most advanced and best methods to help make Forex trading easier and convenient, these by no means are perfect and fool proof methods. Like all business ventures, it is has upsides and downsides where anything can happen no matter how well the plan was not executed, nor how much data was collected on a trade transaction. Some days one may win big, on other days it might be the exact opposite. Just keep in mind not to get greedy or careless, and that there is no universal strategy or software that can always predict the end result of a highly volatile and fairly unpredictable market. - 23196

About the Author:

Learning how to trade forex starts with a desire to learn and a drive to become a great trader. Learning to make forex trades takes dedication and a good teacher. But once you learn how to trade and do so successfully your life will change and you have options and financial resources you never had before.

Finding the Right Forex Trading Broker

By Jane MacRae

Finding a good forex trading broker can be tough, not because there are too few of them, but because there are so many of them. With all of the choices out there, trying to find the right one can be overwhelming. But, when searching for a forex broker, here are some tips to keep in mind.

* Select One That Offers a Free Demo Account

Many online forex brokers offer free demo or test accounts to new and potential members. Take advantage of them.

Aside from being a great introduction for those forex newbies, demo accounts also let you take a look at the trading platform used by that broker. You want an interface that is easy to learn and understand, and that you will be comfortable to use.

* Do Not Be Shy to Ask For References

A good broker will not mind giving you references. So don't be too shy to ask for them! You need to be able to talk to other people who have used his services, and find out whether or not they are happy with their experiences.

If a broker refuses to give you references, you should probably steer clear.

* Check Out the Minimum Deposit Requirement to Open an Account

Almost all forex brokers ask for a minimum amount deposit when you open an account with them.

If the amount of minimum deposit asked by one broker is higher than what you are comfortable with, simply search for one that requires a lower minimum. There are options out there for every investor, no matter how much or how little they have to invest.

* Find Out the Broker's Credentials

There is no centralised, governing body to regulate the whole forex market over the world. However, the business practices of each forex broker is regulated by institutions in the countries where they are located.

For example, a broker located in the US should be registered as a Futures Commission Merchant (or FCM) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or CFTC). They should also be registered with the National Futures Association (or NFA).

* Check Out the Service Charge

Keep in mind that cheaper is not always better.

Compared to their competition, some brokers may charge less for their services. However, they may try to make up for the difference with hidden fees that you may not even be aware you are being charged.

Before going into business with a broker, ask about possible hidden fees, read the fine print, and learn as much about them as you can.

To find a good forex trading broker is probably an inevitable experience for almost all players in the forex field. With what has been discussed in this article, you should at least know what to look at. But, don't get frustrated if you still make a mistake. Sometimes, we just grow out of try and error. - 23196

About the Author:

Click here for our review of a well-known automatic forex trading program in the market, which will grant you an unfair advantage over your competitors. Also check out this related article about trading spot forex.

Know These Trading Secrets

By Ahmad Hassam

Trading is not investing. Trading is speculating. Trading can be challenging. Speculating is defined as taking business risk in the hope of profiting from market fluctuations. Successful speculating requires predicting outcomes and analyzing different market situations. It also requires putting your money on the side of the trade on which you think the market is going to go up or down.

Trading can also be the appreciation of the fact that you can be wrong 70 percent of the time and still be a successful trader if you apply the correct techniques for analyzing trades, managing your money and protecting your account.

Right now forex and gold markets are really hot while the stock market is down. Stock market was a great investment opportunity a few years back. Over time, opportunity keeps on shifting from one market to another. Gold prices are going up. Those investors who entered this trend in the gold market by investing at the right time if they are going to ride the trend till it lasts in the gold market will make a lot of money. At the moment almost everyone is investing in gold as a hedge against likely USD depreciation. Everyone includes countries like China, Russia, India, hedge funds, institutional investors like big corporation and big banks, and retail investors.

Last year in 2008, oil prices had reached almost $140 per barrel in a matter of few months. Many hedge funds had made a lot of money by investing in crude oil futures in the year 2008. Then the bubble burst and oil prices came tumbling down to almost close to $35 per barrel. This situation may continue for some months or some years but suddenly you will find that crude oil futures have become a great investment opportunity again. Right now oil prices are down due to the reduced demand in the global markets.

Timing for entering the market and the timing for exiting the market is very important for a successful trade. In trading it is the timing that is of essence. As the global economy recovers and demand for oil increases, oil prices will again go up in a few years time.

A lot of people make the mistake of focusing only on one market. Many people end up spending time on only one market. In reality all the markets are interlinked. Successful trading requires mastering a strategy that enables you to trade multiple markets and multiple time frames. If something happens in one market, you will find the repercussions in the other markets.

They do testing, development, put on a million indicators, go and trade live. They do everything they can while spending all kinds of time trying to figure out one market and one timeframe. But then what almost happens is that market starts to go sideways or the opportunity shifts to another market.

You really should have the ability to be able to adapt to different market conditions and not waste your time mastering one market. This is critical if you want to make a fortune in trading. You can start with one market but over the years add a few other markets as well. This will diversify your risk as well. For example, there were so many stocks just a few years ago that were incredible to trade that either dont exist anymore or would not trade successfully today. Stocks are no more a good investment. But if you want to trade stocks, you will have to wait for a few more years for the stock market to boom again.

Many gurus will teach you that you really need to learn the ins and outs of one market. They will tell you to focus only on one market and then stick with it. But the problem with that philosophy is that opportunity keeps on shifting from one market to another. Mastering different markets is counterintuitive. Always remember a good trader always follows where the money goes. In other words, follow where the opportunity goes. - 23196

About the Author:

Mr. Ahmad Hassam has done Masters from Harvard University. He is interested in day trading stocks and currencies. Know The Trend Forex System. Learn Forex Trading!

Following Oil in Currency Trading

By Ahmad Hassam

If you want to become a good investor in forex, then you need to learn that the currency markets evolve and change with time. As the forex markets evolve and change, your trading strategies should also evolve and adjust. You will need to make a little tweak here and a little tweak there sometimes in your trading strategies in order to continue making profit.

There will be periods of low returns or losses when your trading strategies need adjustment with the markets. But once you have made the adjustments to your trading strategies, you will start making profits again. Dont make the mistake of getting stuck with only one currency pair and one trading strategy. Always look at macroeconomic events and how different currency pairs react to these events.

Now, lets discuss a trading strategy that depends on following oil prices in the markets. There are many sources of oil. Some currency pairs react more strongly than other when oil prices change. Fortunately for you, oil prices trend for extended periods. When oil prices rise, they continue to rise for several months.

Almost in the same fashion, when oil prices start declining, they tend to continue declining for several months. In 2008, we saw oil prices on the rise for several months before a sudden collapse. Oil prices than stabilized around $55 for many months. Some of the currencies that react strongly to oil price changes are British Pound (GBP) and the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Lets focus on USD/CAD currency pair in our example.

United States is the major importer of Canadian oil. The value of CAD increases with increase in oil prices in relationship to US Dollar (USD). Increase in oil prices means that the pair USD/CAD should start trending downward. This is a good example of a trend trading strategy.

Do you watch CNBC daily? You should watch for times when the oil prices are rising and the exchange rate USD/CAD is decreasing. Similarly, on CNBC look for times when oil prices decline and the exchange rate USD/CAD increases.

Use CCI, Commodity Channel Index, to trigger your trade. Watch for the 14 period CCI (Commodity Channel Index) to cross above 100 and then cross back below 100. This will tell you that the buyers have made a temporary upward push on the currency pair USD/CAD but were unable to turn the trend around. The trend is still downward.

Enter the trade and set a limit order of 300 pips and a stop loss order of 75 pips by going short on USD and long on CAD. This setup will give you a risk to reward ratio of 1:4. This risk to reward is very good and it allows you to be wrong a few times without ruining your chances of being profitable. 300 pips mean $3000 and usually such a trade will continue for 4-5 weeks.

You can also trade the USD/CAD currency pair in the opposite direction if the oil prices start to decline. However, prolonged downtrends in the oil prices are unlikely under rising global oil demand. This trading strategy depends on just knowing which way the oil prices are moving right now. You can take advantage of this oil price movement. Oil prices have again started to climb. It has reached above $68. Take advantage of the rising oil prices by trading USD/CAD pair as described above. - 23196

About the Author:

Mr. Ahmad Hassam is a Harvard University Graduate. He is interested in day trading and swing trading stocks and currencies. Discover A Revolutionary New Forex Robot. Develop your own Forex Trading System.

Discover The Truth About Out Of The Money Covered Call Option Writing!

By Marc Abrams

Many websites and e-books on investment training strategies promise you incredible things. Writing Covered call options on stock is one of the most popular trading strategies taught today. These websites promise that you can earn up to 10% monthly returns using that very strategy. Sound good? Read on.

I will be the first to admit that selling out-of-the-money covered calls can bring lucrative monthly returns under the right circumstances. This strategy has been successfully used by me. However, this strategy is not without its disadvantages. The public has not been properly educated by the website and e-book marketers. They market this strategy as conservative with little risk. They leave you holding the bag when it all goes wrong.

When the stock market is rising in value selling out of the money covered calls works well. Additionally, when the stock market is neutral (not going up or down by any meaningful amount), this strategy also works well. Please tell me when the last time was that the stock market remained neutral for any length of time?

The current market seems to be bouncing all over the place. The Dow frequently moves as much as 200 points either way in a single day. This is not an ideal market for an out of the money covered call writer. Your profits will start to evaporate once the stock you are holding starts to decline. Believe me, those profits can evaporate very quickly. I have seen the value of a stock drop from $10 to $1 over night! An option sale will never yield enough premium to cover that kind of a loss.

You want the stock to get called, that is the key to out of the money covered call writing. Many so called experts do not want the stock to get called. They say you should keep the stock so you can continue to sell a covered call option on it in future months. This strategy is flawed. What you should do is select stocks that are moving up in value, in a rising market. Those stocks will make you the most money. I am happy when a stock gets called because I ended up making the profit that I expected.

What happens if the stock goes way up in value? The stock simply gets called away if it rises up past the strike price and stays there through expiration. Isn't that what you wanted in the first place? Because you did not participate in those gains you may feel like you left money on the table. If you feel that way just buy the stock outright and don't sell covered call options on it. Why not just let the stock get called away, take your profit and move on? Then look for stocks to buy and sell calls on for the next month.

Remember, selling out-of-the-money covered calls can provide an excellent source if income in a rising stock market. However, this strategy is less than ideal in a stock market like the one we find ourselves in today. There are, however, other strategies that will offer significant protection in a volatile or declining stock market. - 23196

About the Author:

Marc Abrams Is A Certified Public Accountant With Over 15 Years of Financial And Investing Experience. Visit Marc's Website at http://www.rebuildingmyfuture.com To Learn More About Successful Covered Call Option Writing Strategies In Today's Stock Market.