It's possible to trade profitably on the Forex, the nearly $2 trillion worldwide currency exchange market. But the odds are against you, even more so if you don't prepare and plan your trades. According to a 2014 Bloomberg report, several analyses of retail Forex trading, including one by the National Futures Association (NFA), the industry's regulatory body, concluded that more than two out of three Forex traders lose money.
This suggests that self-education and caution are recommended. Here are some approaches that may improve your odds of taking a profit.
Prepare Before You Begin Trading
Because the Forex market is highly leveraged -- as much as 50 to 1 -- it can have the same appeal as buying a lottery ticket: some small chance of making a killing. This, however, isn't trading; it's gambling, with the odds long against you.
A better way of entering the Forex market is to carefully prepare. Beginning with a practice account is helpful and risk-free. While you're trading in your practice account, read the most frequently recommended Forex trading books, among them
Currency Forecasting: A Guide to Fundamental and Technical Models of Exchange Rate Determination, by Michael R. Rosenberg is short, not too sweet and highly admired introduction to the Forex market.
Forex Strategies: Best Forex Strategies for High Profits and Reduced Risk, by Matthew Maybury is an excellent introduction to Forex trading.
The Little Book of Currency Trading: How to Make Big Profits in the World of Forex, by Kathy Lien is another concise introduction that has stood the test of time.
All three are available on Amazon. Rosenberg's book, unfortunately, is pricey, but it's widely available in public libraries. "Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline and a Winning Attitude," by Mark Douglas is another good book that's available on Amazon, and, again, somewhat pricey, although the Kindle edition is not.
Use the information gained from your reading to plan your trades before plunging in. The more you change your plan, the more you end up in trouble and the less likely that elusive forex profit will end up in your pocket.
Diversify and Limit Your Risks
Two strategies that belong in every trader's arsenal are:
Diversification: Traders who execute many small traders, particularly in different markets where the correlation between markets is low, have a better chance of making a profit. Putting all your money in one big trade is always a bad idea.
Familiarize yourself with ways guaranteeing a profit on an already profitable order, such as a trailing stop, and of limiting losses using stop and limit orders. These strategies and more are covered in the recommended books. Novice traders often make the mistake of concentrating on how to win; it's even more important to understand how to limit your losses.
Be Patient
Forex traders, particularly beginners, are prone to getting nervous if a trade does not go their way immediately, or if the trade goes into a little profit they get itchy to pull the plug and walk away with a small profit that could have been a significant profit with little downside risk using appropriate risk reduction strategies.
In "On Any Given Sunday," Al Pacino reminds us that "football is a game of inches." That's a winning attitude in the Forex market as well. Remember that you are going to win some trades and lose others. Take satisfaction in the accumulation of a few more wins than losses. Over time, that could make you rich!
Rocky Road with Maltesers This has to be the best rocky road that I have ever tasted, it is a must try! Naughty but extremely nice! Makes 12...
Read More
This recipe has been featured in a post on The Recipe Girl blog: Christmas Cookies- Chocolate Peanut Butter Snowballs PRINT RECIPE SNOWBALLS...
Read More
Rich chocolate hazlenut Nutella flavour – in a scone! These Easy Nutella Scones are the perfect treat for the Nutella addict in your life… ...
Read More
Pumpkin Lush Dessert Bars recipe – the best, layered no-bake pumpkin dessert. The crust does not crumble and the layers stay stable while yo...
Read More
Chewy and perfectly spiced cookie bars with sweet vanilla frosting and festive sprinkles are easy and delicious! Aside from classic cookies ...
Read More
Easy Rudolph the Reindeer Cookies Recipe – easy, fun and adorable! Get kids involved this holiday season and make Rudolph the Reindeer cooki...
Read More
Adorable Mickey & Minnie Mouse Christmas Cookies! Fun Disney themed holiday cookies for a party, gifts or cookie exchange. No-Bake Micke...
Read More
Easy Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites Recipe – super easy candy idea for the holidays! Great gift for chocolate and caramel lovers! Our cravi...
Read More
I’m super excited to share these delicious M&M’S Christmas Cookie Bars! The recipe is really, really good and perfect for holiday baking...
Read More
Today, I have the exciting opportunity to share with you a recipe from my friend, Taste and Tell’s,new cookbook, The Red Velvet Lover’s Cook...
Read More
Well it is baking season again. I LOVE THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. Christmas cookies are a super fun tradition in our house. You too can have a...
Read More
Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a super easy holiday sugar cookie – no rolling the dough required! Packed with red and green sprin...
Read More