Comparing to other investment, the Foreign Exchange margin trading is one of the fairest and the most attractive investment method.
The Foreign Exchange margin trading meaning the traders borrow loan from bank, finance organization or broker house to carry on the foreign currency trading. Generally, the financing proportion is above 20 times, which means the Forex traders’ fund may enlarge to 20 times to carry on the trading. The bigger the financing proportion, means the Forex traders just need to pay very less fund, for example, the financing proportion provided by the financial organization is 400 times, namely the lowest margin request is 0.25%, the traders just need to pay 25 US dollars, then he or she could trade as high as 10,000 US dollars, fully using the contra method to make big profit by only paying a very less price.
Besides the fund enlargement, another attraction of the Forex margin trading method is that it can be traded in both ways, you can make profit by buying the currency when the currency rise (makes many), or to sell a currency when the currency is dropping to make profit (short-selling), thus does not need to be restricted by the restriction so-called bear market is unable to make money.
Making Profit in the Foreign Exchange Market
The currency fluctuate continuously due to reasons such as political, economical reasons, sometimes the changes could be extremely great, therefore, the Forex traders also can have the opportunity in among which makes a profit. For example, the Japanese Yen daily fluctuation is probably between 0.7% to 1.5%, Forex traders may make profit through buying and selling. All trading could be completed in a short time, the trading strategy could be carry up according to the market conditions, it is extremely flexible, even if the direction looks wrong, the lost could be stop immediately, the lost could reduce but profit potential is still great. Therefore, the Foreign Exchange margin trading is the most flexible and the most reliable investment method.
Foreign Exchange Margin Trading elementary knowledge
Currency name Commonly used currency code
Singapore dollar
Thai Bath
Swedish krona
Danish Krone
Norwegian krone
Spanish peseta
German Mark
US dollar
Euro
Japanese Yen
Pound
Swiss franc
Australian dollar
New Zealand Yuan
Canadian dollar
Hong Kong dollar
French franc
Italian lira
Belgian franc SGD
THB
SEK
DKK
NOK
ESP
DEM
USD
EUR
JPY
GBP
CHF
AUD
NZD
CAD
HKD
FRF
ITL
BEF
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Introduction to Foreign Exchange
Being the main force driving the global economic market, currency is no doubt an essential element for a country. However, in order for all the countries with different currencies to trade with one another, a system of exchange rate between their currencies is needed; this system, is formally known as foreign exchange or currency exchange.
In the early days, the system of currency exchange is supported solely by the gold amount held in the vault of a country. However, this system is no longer appropriate now due to inflation and hence, the value of one’s currency nowadays is determined through the market forces alone. In order to determine the value of a currency’s exchange rate, two main types of system is used which is floating currency and pegged currency.
For floating exchange rate, its value is determined by the supply and demand of the global market where the supply and demand is bound by all these factors such as foreign investment, inflation and ratios of import and export. Normally, this system is adopted by most of the advance countries like for example UK, US and Canada. All of these countries have a similarity where their market is well developed and stable in economic terms. These countries choose to practice this system due to the reason where floating exchange rate is proven to be much more efficient compared to the pegged exchange rate. The reason behind this is because for floating exchange rate, the market itself will re-adjust the exchange rate real-time in order to portray the actual inflation and other economic forces. However, every system has its own flaw and so does the floating exchange rate system. For instance, if a country suffers from economic instability due to various reasons such as political issues, a floating exchange rate system will certainly discourage investment due to the high risk of suffering from inflationary disaster or sudden slump in exchange rate.
Another form of exchange rate is known as pegged exchange rate. This is a system where the value of the exchange rate is fixed by the government of a country and not the supply and demand of the market. This system is called pegged exchange rate because the value of a country’s currency is fixed to another country’s currency. As a result, the value of the pegged currency will not fluctuate unlike the floating currency. The working principle behind this system is slightly complicated where the government of a country will fixed the exchange rate of their currency and when there is a demand for a certain currency resulting a rise in the exchange rate, the government will have to release enough of that currency into the market in order to meet that demand. However, there is a fatal flaw in this system where if the pegged exchange rate is not controlled properly, panics may arise within the country and as a result of that, people will be rushing to exchange their money into a more stable currency. When that happens, the sudden overflow of that country’s currency into the market will decrease the value of their exchange rate and in the end, their currency will be worthless. Due to this reason, only those under-developed or developing countries will practice this method as a form to control the inflation rate.
However, the truth is, most of the countries do not fully practice the floating exchange rate or the pegged exchange rate method in reality. Instead, they use a hybrid system known as floating peg. Floating peg is the combination of the two main systems where one country will normally fixed their exchange rate to the US Dollars and after that, they will constantly review their peg rate in order to stay in line with the actual market value.
The Foreign exchange market, or commonly known as FOREX, is the largest and most prolific financial market because each day, more than 1 trillion worth of currency exchange takes place between investors, speculators and countries. From this, we can deduce that the actual mechanism behind the world of foreign exchange is far more complicated than what we may already know, and that, the information mentioned earlier is just the tip of an iceberg.
In the early days, the system of currency exchange is supported solely by the gold amount held in the vault of a country. However, this system is no longer appropriate now due to inflation and hence, the value of one’s currency nowadays is determined through the market forces alone. In order to determine the value of a currency’s exchange rate, two main types of system is used which is floating currency and pegged currency.
For floating exchange rate, its value is determined by the supply and demand of the global market where the supply and demand is bound by all these factors such as foreign investment, inflation and ratios of import and export. Normally, this system is adopted by most of the advance countries like for example UK, US and Canada. All of these countries have a similarity where their market is well developed and stable in economic terms. These countries choose to practice this system due to the reason where floating exchange rate is proven to be much more efficient compared to the pegged exchange rate. The reason behind this is because for floating exchange rate, the market itself will re-adjust the exchange rate real-time in order to portray the actual inflation and other economic forces. However, every system has its own flaw and so does the floating exchange rate system. For instance, if a country suffers from economic instability due to various reasons such as political issues, a floating exchange rate system will certainly discourage investment due to the high risk of suffering from inflationary disaster or sudden slump in exchange rate.
Another form of exchange rate is known as pegged exchange rate. This is a system where the value of the exchange rate is fixed by the government of a country and not the supply and demand of the market. This system is called pegged exchange rate because the value of a country’s currency is fixed to another country’s currency. As a result, the value of the pegged currency will not fluctuate unlike the floating currency. The working principle behind this system is slightly complicated where the government of a country will fixed the exchange rate of their currency and when there is a demand for a certain currency resulting a rise in the exchange rate, the government will have to release enough of that currency into the market in order to meet that demand. However, there is a fatal flaw in this system where if the pegged exchange rate is not controlled properly, panics may arise within the country and as a result of that, people will be rushing to exchange their money into a more stable currency. When that happens, the sudden overflow of that country’s currency into the market will decrease the value of their exchange rate and in the end, their currency will be worthless. Due to this reason, only those under-developed or developing countries will practice this method as a form to control the inflation rate.
However, the truth is, most of the countries do not fully practice the floating exchange rate or the pegged exchange rate method in reality. Instead, they use a hybrid system known as floating peg. Floating peg is the combination of the two main systems where one country will normally fixed their exchange rate to the US Dollars and after that, they will constantly review their peg rate in order to stay in line with the actual market value.
The Foreign exchange market, or commonly known as FOREX, is the largest and most prolific financial market because each day, more than 1 trillion worth of currency exchange takes place between investors, speculators and countries. From this, we can deduce that the actual mechanism behind the world of foreign exchange is far more complicated than what we may already know, and that, the information mentioned earlier is just the tip of an iceberg.
Forex Trading
Long Term Forex market Analysis
Free Forex Market Analysis is designed for mid-term traders who trade in timeframes between several days and several weeks. We use market cycle analysis tools to time the market, and provide individual traders good timings for their trading.
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Short Term Forex Market Analysis
Short Term Forex Market Analysis is similar to Free Forex Market Analysis, in this section, we provide short-term traders with daily updated reports and recognize small cycles on 4-hours chart.
Get your FREE Daily Forex Market Analysis Now!
Free Elliott Wave Articles
Free Elliott Wave Articles from Elliott Wave International. Elliott Wave International's Market Updates offer original, independent market analysis and commentary on a variety of different markets.
Recommended Forex Trading Platforms
Free Forex Market Analysis is designed for mid-term traders who trade in timeframes between several days and several weeks. We use market cycle analysis tools to time the market, and provide individual traders good timings for their trading.
Get your FREE Forex Market Analysis Now!
Short Term Forex Market Analysis
Short Term Forex Market Analysis is similar to Free Forex Market Analysis, in this section, we provide short-term traders with daily updated reports and recognize small cycles on 4-hours chart.
Get your FREE Daily Forex Market Analysis Now!
Free Elliott Wave Articles
Free Elliott Wave Articles from Elliott Wave International. Elliott Wave International's Market Updates offer original, independent market analysis and commentary on a variety of different markets.
Recommended Forex Trading Platforms
Trading Systems
1: Trend Following System - Building a System For Triple Digit Annual Gains
Forex markets trend long term, they always have and they always will as long as we have a free market and the big trends which reflect the underlying economic cycle can last for many weeks, months or even years. If you learn to trend follow correctly you can make huge long term profits in around 30 minutes a day...
2: Forex Trading Signal - A Free Simple to Understand Equation Which Makes Big Profits
Here we are going to look at a free Forex trading signal that makes big gains and has done for over 25 years and is used by some of the world's top traders in their Forex trading strategies. Let's take a look at it.
3: forex signal provider? which one?
We have developed absolutely superb Forex Signal system based on detailed research, close market watch and careful technical analysis which has perform fabulously so far bringing over 800 pips a month with 80-90% accuracy. The biggest advantage of our Forex Signal Trading System is that it works!It has performed numerous of winning trades over the last seven months.Forex Money Signal is the key towards a long-term profitable career in forex trading.
4: The opportunities of trading the Forex hedged grid system
This article shows high lights the dangers and opportunities of using grid trading principles in trading the Forex (currency) markets. It also constructively suggests ways of overcoming the dangers
5: Forex Trading System - A Key To Successful Forex Trading And Trading For A Living
For the trader who employs a forex trading system, he can still face the losing trade with a smile, because he has had followed through the trading signals in a disciplined way, and it is only when a trader follows a system, he can be sure of keeping his losses small and to live to trade again another day. Is there a place for day trading in a forex trading system?
Forex markets trend long term, they always have and they always will as long as we have a free market and the big trends which reflect the underlying economic cycle can last for many weeks, months or even years. If you learn to trend follow correctly you can make huge long term profits in around 30 minutes a day...
2: Forex Trading Signal - A Free Simple to Understand Equation Which Makes Big Profits
Here we are going to look at a free Forex trading signal that makes big gains and has done for over 25 years and is used by some of the world's top traders in their Forex trading strategies. Let's take a look at it.
3: forex signal provider? which one?
We have developed absolutely superb Forex Signal system based on detailed research, close market watch and careful technical analysis which has perform fabulously so far bringing over 800 pips a month with 80-90% accuracy. The biggest advantage of our Forex Signal Trading System is that it works!It has performed numerous of winning trades over the last seven months.Forex Money Signal is the key towards a long-term profitable career in forex trading.
4: The opportunities of trading the Forex hedged grid system
This article shows high lights the dangers and opportunities of using grid trading principles in trading the Forex (currency) markets. It also constructively suggests ways of overcoming the dangers
5: Forex Trading System - A Key To Successful Forex Trading And Trading For A Living
For the trader who employs a forex trading system, he can still face the losing trade with a smile, because he has had followed through the trading signals in a disciplined way, and it is only when a trader follows a system, he can be sure of keeping his losses small and to live to trade again another day. Is there a place for day trading in a forex trading system?
Trading Strategy
1: » Why "Follow-Through" Is Imperative For Your Market Position
Endurance is counted as a high merit in great accomplishments, especially in forex trading. Great men frequently advise to be consistent in big changes of market tendencies and "Follow Through" in breakthroughs.
2: » Knowing the Ins and Outs of Chandelier Exit
Have you ever heard of a stop placement strategy that trails stop based on previous 'high' points? It is called Chandelier exit as it hangs down from the high point or the ceiling of our trade, just as a chandelier hangs from a room ceiling. The distance, which is usually calculated from the high point to the trailing stop; could also be calculated in dollars or in contract based points. However, the value of this trailing stop moves upward very promptly as higher highs is reached.
3: 15 Major Day Trading Hints
The reports of the society making immeasurable gains in stocks markets have been delivered in newspapers around the world.So the first timer investors have been attracted to the stock market. Day trading is one of the organizations gaining in demand with investors. But this day trading has full of risks. However you can make immeasurable gains in day trading,you are also expected to expend huge money.On the other hand, if you want to do day trading the following tips and guidelines are here to make you succeed:
4: 13 SECRETS THAT GENERATED 992 PIPS NET PROFIT IN 15 FOREX TRADING DAYS
There is no hype in this headline. This is the absolute truth. The following 13 secrets generated 992 pips net profits for me in 15 trading days
5: Successful Forex Rading System
Forex trading system is the integral part of the forex trading plan of any successful forex trader. Therefore, special care should be given to creating a sound, proven, stable trading system that can be used to earn a steady and substantial income while trading the currencies.
6: DISCOVER 2 STRATEGIES FOR MAKING OVER USD2000 WEEKLY AS A BREAKOUT FOREX TRADER
I want to use this write up to help you understand the very currencies and times as well as time frame you can apply the breakout strategy. Make yourself comfortable and do your best to apply this invaluable lesson
7: Forex Scalping Strategy
Forex scalping is the art of using high leverage and a large number of short term trades to steadily increase an account. Usually, only 1 to 5 pips are targeted for each trade. This type of trading appeals greatly to day traders and those looking to minimize the risk involved in trading currencies. Next to money management, "risk control" is the single most important trait to a surviving (and thriving) currency trader. The small amount of time that is spent in the market limits much of the risk in exposure in comparison to a longer term system. Also, the freedom involved in a speedy Forex scalping system in such a liquid market is a "magnet" that drives many traders from other markets to try their hand in currency. A disciplined and steady scalper could seamlessly double or triple an account, and spend only a fraction of the time in the market as a common day trader.
8: Forex Trading Strategy - A Simple Timeless Method For Huge Gains
The Forex trading strategy enclosed can be learned in a few weeks and can make you huge profits in around 30 minutes a day. It's easy to understand and have confidence in so let's take a look at it.
9: What's the Best Forex Strategy?
Many forex traders find themselves asking the age old question what’s the best forex strategy? To know the answer to that question, one must look at the history of trading. Not just forex trading, but trading, in general.
10: The Best Forex Strategy for Consistent Profits
In reality, there can be profits in any forex strategy as long as you are well aware of the market movers and signals at any given time, and you have a clear understanding of all the elements that support your forex strategy.
Endurance is counted as a high merit in great accomplishments, especially in forex trading. Great men frequently advise to be consistent in big changes of market tendencies and "Follow Through" in breakthroughs.
2: » Knowing the Ins and Outs of Chandelier Exit
Have you ever heard of a stop placement strategy that trails stop based on previous 'high' points? It is called Chandelier exit as it hangs down from the high point or the ceiling of our trade, just as a chandelier hangs from a room ceiling. The distance, which is usually calculated from the high point to the trailing stop; could also be calculated in dollars or in contract based points. However, the value of this trailing stop moves upward very promptly as higher highs is reached.
3: 15 Major Day Trading Hints
The reports of the society making immeasurable gains in stocks markets have been delivered in newspapers around the world.So the first timer investors have been attracted to the stock market. Day trading is one of the organizations gaining in demand with investors. But this day trading has full of risks. However you can make immeasurable gains in day trading,you are also expected to expend huge money.On the other hand, if you want to do day trading the following tips and guidelines are here to make you succeed:
4: 13 SECRETS THAT GENERATED 992 PIPS NET PROFIT IN 15 FOREX TRADING DAYS
There is no hype in this headline. This is the absolute truth. The following 13 secrets generated 992 pips net profits for me in 15 trading days
5: Successful Forex Rading System
Forex trading system is the integral part of the forex trading plan of any successful forex trader. Therefore, special care should be given to creating a sound, proven, stable trading system that can be used to earn a steady and substantial income while trading the currencies.
6: DISCOVER 2 STRATEGIES FOR MAKING OVER USD2000 WEEKLY AS A BREAKOUT FOREX TRADER
I want to use this write up to help you understand the very currencies and times as well as time frame you can apply the breakout strategy. Make yourself comfortable and do your best to apply this invaluable lesson
7: Forex Scalping Strategy
Forex scalping is the art of using high leverage and a large number of short term trades to steadily increase an account. Usually, only 1 to 5 pips are targeted for each trade. This type of trading appeals greatly to day traders and those looking to minimize the risk involved in trading currencies. Next to money management, "risk control" is the single most important trait to a surviving (and thriving) currency trader. The small amount of time that is spent in the market limits much of the risk in exposure in comparison to a longer term system. Also, the freedom involved in a speedy Forex scalping system in such a liquid market is a "magnet" that drives many traders from other markets to try their hand in currency. A disciplined and steady scalper could seamlessly double or triple an account, and spend only a fraction of the time in the market as a common day trader.
8: Forex Trading Strategy - A Simple Timeless Method For Huge Gains
The Forex trading strategy enclosed can be learned in a few weeks and can make you huge profits in around 30 minutes a day. It's easy to understand and have confidence in so let's take a look at it.
9: What's the Best Forex Strategy?
Many forex traders find themselves asking the age old question what’s the best forex strategy? To know the answer to that question, one must look at the history of trading. Not just forex trading, but trading, in general.
10: The Best Forex Strategy for Consistent Profits
In reality, there can be profits in any forex strategy as long as you are well aware of the market movers and signals at any given time, and you have a clear understanding of all the elements that support your forex strategy.
Technical Analysis
1: Forex Charts - Make Bigger Profits by Following These Key Points
Forex charts are a great, time efficient and proven way to make bigger profits but most traders don't use them correctly and here we will give you some key points to help you make bigger profits...
2: Simple Successful FOREX Technical Analysis Basics
What are the most simple things you studied or knew in technical analysis that you can use in FOREX trading?
3: Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) Momentum Indicator
If you’re serious about developing your daytrading online career, you’ll want to learn about the various tools and indicators you have available to you, such as the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD). The MACD is a momentum indicator that is based on moving averages. It helps us to determine potential buy and sell points in the trade. Developed by Gerald Appel in the late 1960s, this indicator is widely used as a part of many people’s daytrading systems.
4: Lines of trends, support and resistance
A trendline is a main initial element for the price chart analysis. While the market moves in any direction not along a straight line but along a zigzag, the mutual placement of upper and bottom points of those zigzags permits to plot a line connecting the significant highs (peaks) or the significant lows (troughs) of an appropriate zigzag using technical tools of the computer program.
5: Technical Indicators In Forex Trading - Understanding Their Limitations
Successful forex traders understand the limitations of technical indicators and realize that technical analysis should incorporate just one part of their overall trading strategy.
Forex charts are a great, time efficient and proven way to make bigger profits but most traders don't use them correctly and here we will give you some key points to help you make bigger profits...
2: Simple Successful FOREX Technical Analysis Basics
What are the most simple things you studied or knew in technical analysis that you can use in FOREX trading?
3: Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) Momentum Indicator
If you’re serious about developing your daytrading online career, you’ll want to learn about the various tools and indicators you have available to you, such as the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD). The MACD is a momentum indicator that is based on moving averages. It helps us to determine potential buy and sell points in the trade. Developed by Gerald Appel in the late 1960s, this indicator is widely used as a part of many people’s daytrading systems.
4: Lines of trends, support and resistance
A trendline is a main initial element for the price chart analysis. While the market moves in any direction not along a straight line but along a zigzag, the mutual placement of upper and bottom points of those zigzags permits to plot a line connecting the significant highs (peaks) or the significant lows (troughs) of an appropriate zigzag using technical tools of the computer program.
5: Technical Indicators In Forex Trading - Understanding Their Limitations
Successful forex traders understand the limitations of technical indicators and realize that technical analysis should incorporate just one part of their overall trading strategy.
Stock Market
1: Signs a Stock is Set to Plummet
Nobody has said it in so numerous words, but we are at the closing stages of the downturn. In a time when the market is going to rise and fall as it stabilizes, it is central to be familiar with when a stock is about to weaken.
2: Learning to Trade Stocks
There is an overwhelming amount of information on many stocks that it can overload even the best investors in the world. But there are ways to streamline the approach and to practice to figure what works and what you can ignore.
3: Using Weekly And Monthly Charts To Invest In The Stock Market
A mistake many investors make is that the longest time frame they will look at when it comes to technical analysis is
4: CFD Trading 95% Lose - How To Win
Everybody starts out in CFD Trading wanting to make money but a whopping 95% of Traders lose, which leaves 5% winners. So what is it that the 5% of CFD Traders are doing to make them win in CFD Trading. What are the mistakes that the 95% of people are making, and how can you avoid them!
5: Stock Market Trading - Winning Trading Plan
Successful stock market trading begins with a winning trading plan. It's as simple as that. If you develop a well-conceived trading plan to guide your actions in the stock market you will already have the advantage over most of your market competition. Put simply, it gives you the edge you need to win over the long haul when trading the stock market or forex market.
6: CFD TRADING- Indonesia
Contracts for Difference (are commonly known as a CFD) is a contract between the trader and a CFD provider, who will at the close of the contract, exchange the difference between the opening price and the closing price of the underlying index, share, commodity, per the number of specified CFD contracts.This is why CFDs are the flexible new way to trade.
7: Stock Market Trading- 3 Strategies to Make you a Millionaire
Stock Market Trading- Are you ready to become a millionaire. Here are 3 proven strategies to make you become a more successful trader and increase your wealth. They can be used if you are forex trader, stock market trader.
8: Little Known Ways Regarding FOREX Market Online : Discover Helpful Suggestions Next
FOREX is the Foreign Exchange market also known as FX. All three of these means the same thing, which is the trade of trading between different banks,
9: Stock Market Meltdown - Watching Rome Burn
Both presidential candidates want to crucify SEC Chairman Cox for failing to control our creative financial institutions. But rumor has it that Congress specifically excluded the devilish derivatives from SEC purview. Let's fire the right bunch of "poips" for a change!
10: Preventing Investment Mistakes: Ten Risk Minimizers
Losing money on an investment may not be the result of a mistake, and not all mistakes result in monetary losses. Your own misconceptions about how securities react to varying economic, political, and hysterical circumstances are your most vicious enemy. Step away from calendar year, market value thinking. Avoid these ten common errors to improve your performance:
Nobody has said it in so numerous words, but we are at the closing stages of the downturn. In a time when the market is going to rise and fall as it stabilizes, it is central to be familiar with when a stock is about to weaken.
2: Learning to Trade Stocks
There is an overwhelming amount of information on many stocks that it can overload even the best investors in the world. But there are ways to streamline the approach and to practice to figure what works and what you can ignore.
3: Using Weekly And Monthly Charts To Invest In The Stock Market
A mistake many investors make is that the longest time frame they will look at when it comes to technical analysis is
4: CFD Trading 95% Lose - How To Win
Everybody starts out in CFD Trading wanting to make money but a whopping 95% of Traders lose, which leaves 5% winners. So what is it that the 5% of CFD Traders are doing to make them win in CFD Trading. What are the mistakes that the 95% of people are making, and how can you avoid them!
5: Stock Market Trading - Winning Trading Plan
Successful stock market trading begins with a winning trading plan. It's as simple as that. If you develop a well-conceived trading plan to guide your actions in the stock market you will already have the advantage over most of your market competition. Put simply, it gives you the edge you need to win over the long haul when trading the stock market or forex market.
6: CFD TRADING- Indonesia
Contracts for Difference (are commonly known as a CFD) is a contract between the trader and a CFD provider, who will at the close of the contract, exchange the difference between the opening price and the closing price of the underlying index, share, commodity, per the number of specified CFD contracts.This is why CFDs are the flexible new way to trade.
7: Stock Market Trading- 3 Strategies to Make you a Millionaire
Stock Market Trading- Are you ready to become a millionaire. Here are 3 proven strategies to make you become a more successful trader and increase your wealth. They can be used if you are forex trader, stock market trader.
8: Little Known Ways Regarding FOREX Market Online : Discover Helpful Suggestions Next
FOREX is the Foreign Exchange market also known as FX. All three of these means the same thing, which is the trade of trading between different banks,
9: Stock Market Meltdown - Watching Rome Burn
Both presidential candidates want to crucify SEC Chairman Cox for failing to control our creative financial institutions. But rumor has it that Congress specifically excluded the devilish derivatives from SEC purview. Let's fire the right bunch of "poips" for a change!
10: Preventing Investment Mistakes: Ten Risk Minimizers
Losing money on an investment may not be the result of a mistake, and not all mistakes result in monetary losses. Your own misconceptions about how securities react to varying economic, political, and hysterical circumstances are your most vicious enemy. Step away from calendar year, market value thinking. Avoid these ten common errors to improve your performance:
Money Management
1: What is the perfect % of total equity should I use per trade?
how to calculate the perfect % of total equity per trade?
2: How Forex Money Management Protects Currency Traders
One of the most important parts of successful Forex trading is the unfailing use of money management techniques. This ensures you minimize losses and lock in your gains.
3: Forex Money Management - The Foundation For Huge Gains and Forex Trading Success
Most traders use solid Forex trading systems but they fail to poor money management and really poor money management is the reason most traders lose lets take a look at in more detail.
4: Forex Money Management by FX Master
Money management is a critical point that shows difference between winners and losers. It was proved that if 100 traders start trading using a system with 60% winning odds, only 5 traders will be in profit at the end of the year. In spite of the 60% winning odds 95% of traders will lose because of their poor money management. Money management is the most significant part of any trading system. Most of traders don't understand how important it is.
5: Stock Market Money Management Skills
Essential money management skills for all types of investors.
6: Forex Money Management
Forex money management is one of the most important things you can learn before you actually begin making live trades.
7: Money Management Principles
How to handle money management in forex trading: Trade With Sufficient Captial, Exercise Discipline and Employ Risk-to-Reward Ratios.
how to calculate the perfect % of total equity per trade?
2: How Forex Money Management Protects Currency Traders
One of the most important parts of successful Forex trading is the unfailing use of money management techniques. This ensures you minimize losses and lock in your gains.
3: Forex Money Management - The Foundation For Huge Gains and Forex Trading Success
Most traders use solid Forex trading systems but they fail to poor money management and really poor money management is the reason most traders lose lets take a look at in more detail.
4: Forex Money Management by FX Master
Money management is a critical point that shows difference between winners and losers. It was proved that if 100 traders start trading using a system with 60% winning odds, only 5 traders will be in profit at the end of the year. In spite of the 60% winning odds 95% of traders will lose because of their poor money management. Money management is the most significant part of any trading system. Most of traders don't understand how important it is.
5: Stock Market Money Management Skills
Essential money management skills for all types of investors.
6: Forex Money Management
Forex money management is one of the most important things you can learn before you actually begin making live trades.
7: Money Management Principles
How to handle money management in forex trading: Trade With Sufficient Captial, Exercise Discipline and Employ Risk-to-Reward Ratios.
Futures and Options
1: Understanding the fundamentals of Commodity Futures Trading
If we carefully look at the present business scenario then we could easily see that in recent time futures trading are gaining its world-wide popularity. In fact it is the most common trading found on many markets these days.
2: Short Term Options Trading
There are many traders who still consider options and warrants to be long term trading markets, but options can even be traded short term. It is important to understand that trading options short term is not dramatically different from trading any other market but there are a couple of options specifics that need to be taken into account.
3: Forex Options Tips - Tips to Increase Profits and Decrease Risk!
If you have never considered sing Forex Options then you should. They can simply overcome the major problem most Forex traders face - getting stopped out by short term volatility...
4: Forex Options Market Overview
Forex option trading has emerged as an alternative investment vehicle for many traders and investors. As an investment tool, forex option trading provides both large and small investors with greater flexibility when determining the appropriate forex trading and hedging strategies to implement. With the plethora of real-time financial data and forex option trading software available to most investors through the internet, today's forex option market now includes an increasingly large number of individuals and corporations who are speculating and/or hedging foreign currency exposure via telephone or online forex trading platforms.
5: Successful Options Trading Strategies
When it comes to giving people the hope of becoming a millionaire overnight, the stock market excels. Every day we see evidence of stocks that have flown upwards as if they had wings, providing investors with a windfall of profits. It's inevitable that catching one of those stocks just before it takes off is an exciting possibility, inspiring the beginning trader to take the plunge.
If we carefully look at the present business scenario then we could easily see that in recent time futures trading are gaining its world-wide popularity. In fact it is the most common trading found on many markets these days.
2: Short Term Options Trading
There are many traders who still consider options and warrants to be long term trading markets, but options can even be traded short term. It is important to understand that trading options short term is not dramatically different from trading any other market but there are a couple of options specifics that need to be taken into account.
3: Forex Options Tips - Tips to Increase Profits and Decrease Risk!
If you have never considered sing Forex Options then you should. They can simply overcome the major problem most Forex traders face - getting stopped out by short term volatility...
4: Forex Options Market Overview
Forex option trading has emerged as an alternative investment vehicle for many traders and investors. As an investment tool, forex option trading provides both large and small investors with greater flexibility when determining the appropriate forex trading and hedging strategies to implement. With the plethora of real-time financial data and forex option trading software available to most investors through the internet, today's forex option market now includes an increasingly large number of individuals and corporations who are speculating and/or hedging foreign currency exposure via telephone or online forex trading platforms.
5: Successful Options Trading Strategies
When it comes to giving people the hope of becoming a millionaire overnight, the stock market excels. Every day we see evidence of stocks that have flown upwards as if they had wings, providing investors with a windfall of profits. It's inevitable that catching one of those stocks just before it takes off is an exciting possibility, inspiring the beginning trader to take the plunge.
Forex Trading
1: Finding the Right Forex Trading Software
Forex Trading is quickly becoming the hottest niche in the trading world. The regular market has become so tumultuous that the best traders in the industry are walking around scratching their head on a regular basis.
2: Automated Forex Trading - What's in it for the Beginner
With so many investment vehicles around, why trade foreign currencies - and why automate it? To find a sensible answer, let's look more closely at Forex, or foreign exchange, itself
3: Make Money And Minimize Your Losses Trading On The Forex Market
If you are interested in trading on the Forex one of the first things you will need to do is find a broker.
4: How to Start Forex Trading and Rack up Profits
Can you really make a profit with Forex Trading? The short answer... yes you can, and it's one of the surest ways to earn impressive money. Of course, you'll need to know how, when, and what to trade, but don't expect it to happen overnight
5: The Foreign Exchange Market Differs From The Stock Market
The alien interchange market is likewise known as the FX market, and the forex market. Syndication that takes place amongst two regions with dissimilar
6: Techniques for Advanced Forex Trading
Forex is a potential platform for earning substantial profit. In fact it is one of the largest trading markets of the world. Featuring an average daily trade of US$ 2 trillion and above, this market is best known for its high scale trading volume and intense liquidity.
7: Painless Business Opportunity that can be happening in few Hours
Fx trading is the best home business to initiate. Once you are good at it your course is lined with gold ingots if we embroidered just a trifling.
8: Master the Number 1 Forex Dealing Platform: Mt4 platform
Every Forex trader in the world should have a concept about the world's most common international currency trading platform, The Metatrader4 , which is a free open source platform you can download to your computer and use free of charge to buy and sell Currency trading.
9: Forex Trading - 3 Power Strategies
3 Rules to Make serious earnings. If you want to catch the serious profit in forex dealing you need to trend watch forex trends which are worse term. here we
10: Intro To Forex Options
Basics of trading currency options are explained.
Forex Trading is quickly becoming the hottest niche in the trading world. The regular market has become so tumultuous that the best traders in the industry are walking around scratching their head on a regular basis.
2: Automated Forex Trading - What's in it for the Beginner
With so many investment vehicles around, why trade foreign currencies - and why automate it? To find a sensible answer, let's look more closely at Forex, or foreign exchange, itself
3: Make Money And Minimize Your Losses Trading On The Forex Market
If you are interested in trading on the Forex one of the first things you will need to do is find a broker.
4: How to Start Forex Trading and Rack up Profits
Can you really make a profit with Forex Trading? The short answer... yes you can, and it's one of the surest ways to earn impressive money. Of course, you'll need to know how, when, and what to trade, but don't expect it to happen overnight
5: The Foreign Exchange Market Differs From The Stock Market
The alien interchange market is likewise known as the FX market, and the forex market. Syndication that takes place amongst two regions with dissimilar
6: Techniques for Advanced Forex Trading
Forex is a potential platform for earning substantial profit. In fact it is one of the largest trading markets of the world. Featuring an average daily trade of US$ 2 trillion and above, this market is best known for its high scale trading volume and intense liquidity.
7: Painless Business Opportunity that can be happening in few Hours
Fx trading is the best home business to initiate. Once you are good at it your course is lined with gold ingots if we embroidered just a trifling.
8: Master the Number 1 Forex Dealing Platform: Mt4 platform
Every Forex trader in the world should have a concept about the world's most common international currency trading platform, The Metatrader4 , which is a free open source platform you can download to your computer and use free of charge to buy and sell Currency trading.
9: Forex Trading - 3 Power Strategies
3 Rules to Make serious earnings. If you want to catch the serious profit in forex dealing you need to trend watch forex trends which are worse term. here we
10: Intro To Forex Options
Basics of trading currency options are explained.
Forex Broker
1: 10 factors to consider when choosing a forex broker
There are a number factors to consider when you choose a Forex broker and to help you do so here is a list of 10 of the key factors you should consider when you select a Forex Broker that will suite you.
2: Choosing the Best Professional Forex Brokers
The US currency is one of the most widely used trading money in the market today. The US bank and its related financial agencies have a say on the players in the forex market.
3: Dealing With Online Forex Brokers
Forex brokers are highly esteemed in the market. Most of the time, we feel way too assured for our own good when we get the services of online forex brokers.
4: Reading Forex Broker Reviews
Reputation is an important thing when it comes to hiring forex brokers. Reviews about forex brokers would definitely dissect the credentials of the person in discussion.
5: Choosing Forex Brokers in USA
Forex brokers serve as the middle man between you and your buyers or sellers. You can choose to either get in touch with forex brokers in USA as a consultant or employ them as your trading partner.
6: Forex Broker- Selecting the Correct Forex Broker-00-402
Today we are seeing many people starting to trade the Forex Market, as it is recession proof. It is also the most liquid market in the world, turning over in excess of $3 trillion every day. So if you are looking to get into Forex trading then the most important step you can take is to find a great Forex Broker.
7: CFD Broker - Make the Choice - Not A Mistake
Today, this article will discuss about the CFD market, and how you can find a great online CFD broker when you do decide to jump on the wagon and become a CFD Trader. Most of the CFD Brokers today offer the ability to be able to trade online, CFD trade over the phone, or CFD trade from you mobile phone.
8: Best CFD Broker - Australia
The Contracts For Difference (CFD) Market is the largest financial market and everyday new investors plan to jump in when they learn of the benefits, that is, high returns on investment which is as high as 20% per month a month.
9: Finding A Forex Broker For Dummies
Online brokers give an important role to play when you open an online trading account. Every Last broker can offer different services and features. You must research all the online brokers to find the foremost broker to meet your needs.
10: CFD Brokers Singapore - Who is the Best?
Online brokers give an important role to play when you open an online trading account. Every Last broker can offer different services and features. You must research all the online brokers to find the foremost broker to meet your needs
There are a number factors to consider when you choose a Forex broker and to help you do so here is a list of 10 of the key factors you should consider when you select a Forex Broker that will suite you.
2: Choosing the Best Professional Forex Brokers
The US currency is one of the most widely used trading money in the market today. The US bank and its related financial agencies have a say on the players in the forex market.
3: Dealing With Online Forex Brokers
Forex brokers are highly esteemed in the market. Most of the time, we feel way too assured for our own good when we get the services of online forex brokers.
4: Reading Forex Broker Reviews
Reputation is an important thing when it comes to hiring forex brokers. Reviews about forex brokers would definitely dissect the credentials of the person in discussion.
5: Choosing Forex Brokers in USA
Forex brokers serve as the middle man between you and your buyers or sellers. You can choose to either get in touch with forex brokers in USA as a consultant or employ them as your trading partner.
6: Forex Broker- Selecting the Correct Forex Broker-00-402
Today we are seeing many people starting to trade the Forex Market, as it is recession proof. It is also the most liquid market in the world, turning over in excess of $3 trillion every day. So if you are looking to get into Forex trading then the most important step you can take is to find a great Forex Broker.
7: CFD Broker - Make the Choice - Not A Mistake
Today, this article will discuss about the CFD market, and how you can find a great online CFD broker when you do decide to jump on the wagon and become a CFD Trader. Most of the CFD Brokers today offer the ability to be able to trade online, CFD trade over the phone, or CFD trade from you mobile phone.
8: Best CFD Broker - Australia
The Contracts For Difference (CFD) Market is the largest financial market and everyday new investors plan to jump in when they learn of the benefits, that is, high returns on investment which is as high as 20% per month a month.
9: Finding A Forex Broker For Dummies
Online brokers give an important role to play when you open an online trading account. Every Last broker can offer different services and features. You must research all the online brokers to find the foremost broker to meet your needs.
10: CFD Brokers Singapore - Who is the Best?
Online brokers give an important role to play when you open an online trading account. Every Last broker can offer different services and features. You must research all the online brokers to find the foremost broker to meet your needs
Forex Beginner
1: Reading a Forex Quote
Reading a Forex quote is the beginner's first hurdle. The quote is brief, but it packs in a great deal of useful information. And although it doesn't make a lick of sense to a newcomer, here's a quick, simple explanation of what it means.
2: The Forex Trading Basics
Trading is as old as mankind itself. It's been there since man learned that he could trade his extra stone knife and five arrow heads for somebody else's nice warm fur blanket. And these days we've gotten more sophisticated - now we use something called money to stand in for the blankets and the knives
3: Learn How To Make Money On The Forex Market
Forex trading is trading the currency of a country for the currency of a different country at their current exchange rate.
4: What is a forex broker?
Have you ever felt intrigued by the many advertisements on high leverage and great profit potential involved in currency trading? The golden gate of the kingdom of money, we are told, is reached by the road of forex.
5: Easy Income Source that can be happening in One Day
Forex is the best home business to father. Once you are able at it your channel is lined with gold if we embroidered just a petty little.
6: Learn the Simple Forex Market
Forex trading is a market which is both complex and simple. How to make money is the simple part, but the implementation of the process to learn forex market can be a little difficult. Forex education can prove to be a boon for all those who are willing to try their luck in forex trading. Therefore it is very important for them to understand the ways and methods of forex trading before actually getting into it. Even if one is well experienced in trading, there is always a room for improvement even for the experts.
7: Automated Forex Trading System
The Forex MegaDroid is an automated Forex trading robot This was specifically designed to function in all market environments. Which isexactly why its performance during testing was close to the highest we have everwitnessed. The facts are clear and un-debatable on this issue, the market canmake unexpected moves at the drop of a hat and having a weapon in your arsenalable to react instantly to those corrections and profit from them at the sametime, puts you in a very powerful position. Because of this we were forced togive it our highest rating possible, a 10 out of 10. This item is not to beunderestimated and MUST be in your final decision making process when makingyour purchasing decision
8: Forex Signals Providers - Are They Really Worth Your Money?
Making money in forex market became no longer difficult as it was few years ago. with the all new trading techniques and high speed internet connections and the appearance of the so many brokers who give the opportunities to every one to participate in the forex trading market regardless his capital volume.
9: Can You Make Money Online Trading Forex?
When you are ready to trade this market, keep these four simple steps in mind and then do not let anything stand in your way of becoming the trader you want to be.
10: Online Forex Resources Are Abundant
Forex trading is quickily becoming one of the investing world's hottest, most rewarding opportunities and it's chosen as "ideal business" by lot of traders. Forex are risky, but only when you dont have the necessary knowledge to make a sound decision about the money youre trading.
Reading a Forex quote is the beginner's first hurdle. The quote is brief, but it packs in a great deal of useful information. And although it doesn't make a lick of sense to a newcomer, here's a quick, simple explanation of what it means.
2: The Forex Trading Basics
Trading is as old as mankind itself. It's been there since man learned that he could trade his extra stone knife and five arrow heads for somebody else's nice warm fur blanket. And these days we've gotten more sophisticated - now we use something called money to stand in for the blankets and the knives
3: Learn How To Make Money On The Forex Market
Forex trading is trading the currency of a country for the currency of a different country at their current exchange rate.
4: What is a forex broker?
Have you ever felt intrigued by the many advertisements on high leverage and great profit potential involved in currency trading? The golden gate of the kingdom of money, we are told, is reached by the road of forex.
5: Easy Income Source that can be happening in One Day
Forex is the best home business to father. Once you are able at it your channel is lined with gold if we embroidered just a petty little.
6: Learn the Simple Forex Market
Forex trading is a market which is both complex and simple. How to make money is the simple part, but the implementation of the process to learn forex market can be a little difficult. Forex education can prove to be a boon for all those who are willing to try their luck in forex trading. Therefore it is very important for them to understand the ways and methods of forex trading before actually getting into it. Even if one is well experienced in trading, there is always a room for improvement even for the experts.
7: Automated Forex Trading System
The Forex MegaDroid is an automated Forex trading robot This was specifically designed to function in all market environments. Which isexactly why its performance during testing was close to the highest we have everwitnessed. The facts are clear and un-debatable on this issue, the market canmake unexpected moves at the drop of a hat and having a weapon in your arsenalable to react instantly to those corrections and profit from them at the sametime, puts you in a very powerful position. Because of this we were forced togive it our highest rating possible, a 10 out of 10. This item is not to beunderestimated and MUST be in your final decision making process when makingyour purchasing decision
8: Forex Signals Providers - Are They Really Worth Your Money?
Making money in forex market became no longer difficult as it was few years ago. with the all new trading techniques and high speed internet connections and the appearance of the so many brokers who give the opportunities to every one to participate in the forex trading market regardless his capital volume.
9: Can You Make Money Online Trading Forex?
When you are ready to trade this market, keep these four simple steps in mind and then do not let anything stand in your way of becoming the trader you want to be.
10: Online Forex Resources Are Abundant
Forex trading is quickily becoming one of the investing world's hottest, most rewarding opportunities and it's chosen as "ideal business" by lot of traders. Forex are risky, but only when you dont have the necessary knowledge to make a sound decision about the money youre trading.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
equest a FXDD Auto
Trading in the spot foreign exchange market involves a significant risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Clients should evaluate their financial condition in light of the potential risk of loss before deciding to trade. Only discretionary risk capital should be used for trading. Discretionary risk capital is capital that if lost will not cause a change in your lifestyle.
Minimum System Requirements
Windows 2000 / XP / Vista
2 .0 GHz or faster CPU
512 MB RAM (1GB recommended)
Screen resolution 1024x768 or higher
Modem/connection speed 36.6 Kbps or faster
Internet Explorer version 7.0 / Mozilla FireFox 2.0 or later
Minimum System Requirements
Windows 2000 / XP / Vista
2 .0 GHz or faster CPU
512 MB RAM (1GB recommended)
Screen resolution 1024x768 or higher
Modem/connection speed 36.6 Kbps or faster
Internet Explorer version 7.0 / Mozilla FireFox 2.0 or later
Forex History
The foreign exchange (currency or forex or FX) market exists wherever one currency is traded for another. It is by far the largest market in the world, in terms of cash value traded, and includes trading between large banks, central banks, currency speculators, multinational corporations, governments, and other financial markets and institutions. The trade [...]
Trading for A Living
There can’t be many traders who haven’t at least considered the idea of telling the boss what they think of him, throwing it all in and going off to trade the stock market for a living. It’s a big risk financially, and that uncertainty is what stops most from jumping ship. Is it really possible [...]
My Chart
Sometime, when having some free time, i love to sit infront of my monitor and watching my chart. Just like tonight, i’ve been watching my chart for about 2 hours. My signal today has given 30pips profit.
I’m currently having one open position, long position, but that’s not what make me watching my monitor. No, [...]
I’m currently having one open position, long position, but that’s not what make me watching my monitor. No, [...]
Do I really make Pips?
Some signal-watchers (what a funny term) keep asking me whether I really trade using my daily forex signal or not. Though I’ve answere ‘Yes, that’s right’ many times, still i received the same question again and again. Yesterday, for example, someone contact me and telling
your signal is getting worst and worst each day. I’m [...]
your signal is getting worst and worst each day. I’m [...]
What is Forex
The first question came into my mind at the first time I heard this term.”Forex, what kinda creature is it?”. Some negative thoughts on this term has been long time spreading in most of Indonesian (my lovely country) mind. Mainly because most of them has heard a general opinion that this creature is [...]
BigBen Strategy - The Logic
This article is a continuation from previous Big Ben Strategy post
The logic
As mentioned, the pound/dollar rate tends to have lower trading volume outside European/London trading hours because the majority of GBP/USD spot deals are worked through U.K. and European dealers. This gives the European/British interbank community tremendous insight into the currency pair’s actual supply-demand picture. [...]
The logic
As mentioned, the pound/dollar rate tends to have lower trading volume outside European/London trading hours because the majority of GBP/USD spot deals are worked through U.K. and European dealers. This gives the European/British interbank community tremendous insight into the currency pair’s actual supply-demand picture. [...]
My Forex Trading System
Due to many e-mails asking my forex trading systems, I feel squeezed to make a comprehensive post about system I use. However, I confuse on how to write a good post explaining whole aspects of my trading systems. It makes the process gets harder and needs longer time.
I want all of you to understand, my [...]
I want all of you to understand, my [...]
Pivot Point
Speaking of pivots, I know two terms which explain pivot in different perspective. First is Pivot point and the second is Pivot Lines. Recently, when people discuss or mention ‘Pivot‘ it usually refer to Pivot Lines. Even, I have read somewhere a term of ‘Pivot Point‘ refers to Pivot Lines.
It is ok if the current [...]
It is ok if the current [...]
Pivot Lines
Pivot Lines is what usually called as Pivot. In different post, I wrote Pivot Point as the other definition of Pivot. However, as I know, in common discussion Pivot term usually refers to Pivot Lines.
Pivot Lines are lines of support and resistance which are calculated from the High(H), Low(L) and Close (C) price of the [...]
Pivot Lines are lines of support and resistance which are calculated from the High(H), Low(L) and Close (C) price of the [...]
Forex Support and Resistance Level
Support and Resistance is a trading concept which interprete whether the market is currently in doubt and probably will have a direction change. A price level, at which this market situation occur, is called as Support or Resistance level. We expect or predict that on this level market will change its direction.
Traders have [...]
Traders have [...]
4 Features of American Consumerism that Affect the Forex Markets
After decades of relative strength and stability, the US Dollar has lately been in a steady state of decline. No one has felt the effects of this fall more acutely than average American consumers, who have seen the purchasing power of their paychecks dramatically decrease both at home and abroad. [...]
Thing You Should Really Consider
Phrase that you probably often hear but give minor attention is “Forex Trading is Risky Business”. Though any kind of investment involves risk, forex trading involves the highest risk among others. I should emphasize this since I know many of you are relatively new to forex trading and probably brought here by such overwhelming [...]
Northfinance Stops Operating
As I noticed earlier, Northfinance said though they wouldn’t accept any new client, they would still keep serving old clients. Then surprisingly yesterday I received an official message noticing that Northfinance has officially decided to stop operating by the 1st June 2008.
Below is a copy of the official email.
Dear,
We would like to thank you [.
Below is a copy of the official email.
Dear,
We would like to thank you [.
:: Forex Trading
Forex trading isn’t strange words for those who looking forward to make quick profit in the financial market. Most investors will have at least hear or read about Forex trading. If Forex is a new term to you, please do read the Introduction to the Forex market before proceed reading this Forex trading article.
Forex trading is said to be the highest risk with highest return investment (or speculation game to be more accurate) in the financial market. The amount traded in the Forex market is much larger than any stock market or even combining few stock markets. Forex trading is simply a world wide trading market running 24 hours from Monday to Friday.
Everyday, there are new Forex traders entering into trading Forex. Some of them don’t even fully understand how Forex is traded but have already trading Forex. They are not idiot who want to burn their hard earned money, it’s just because Forex market is simply too lucrative market to enter with extreme high return. Any Forex traders can easily make a double return just in few minutes time trading Forex.
Forex trading is the trading of buying or selling certain currency. For example, buying US Dollar, then selling it later at a higher price to gain profit. Forex traders may also first sell US Dollar and later on buy it back at a lower price with the same gaining profit. It’s simple strategy of selling price minus buying price to make profit. In Forex trading, we just treat currency as a good, buy it and sell it.
You might now think how can Forex trading make huge profit just by selling and buying currency? Forex is traded using margin, Forex traders don’t need to full amount to buy any currency. For example, Forex traders just need 1000 Dollar to buy up 100,000 Dollar. This allows any Forex traders to make huge profit with little money.
Another important factor that any Forex traders can make huge profit is the high fluctuation for currency. Every day every seconds, the currency exchange rate is moving up and down, the Forex exchange rate fluctuate more heavily whenever there is any important economic data being released.
Forex trading is simply sounds too easy for anyone to make profit in very short time. But before you committed into Forex trading, it is strongly advised to have full understanding in Forex trading. Do read up other Forex trading articles in this website and share Forex trading knowledge in the Forex forums.
Forex trading is said to be the highest risk with highest return investment (or speculation game to be more accurate) in the financial market. The amount traded in the Forex market is much larger than any stock market or even combining few stock markets. Forex trading is simply a world wide trading market running 24 hours from Monday to Friday.
Everyday, there are new Forex traders entering into trading Forex. Some of them don’t even fully understand how Forex is traded but have already trading Forex. They are not idiot who want to burn their hard earned money, it’s just because Forex market is simply too lucrative market to enter with extreme high return. Any Forex traders can easily make a double return just in few minutes time trading Forex.
Forex trading is the trading of buying or selling certain currency. For example, buying US Dollar, then selling it later at a higher price to gain profit. Forex traders may also first sell US Dollar and later on buy it back at a lower price with the same gaining profit. It’s simple strategy of selling price minus buying price to make profit. In Forex trading, we just treat currency as a good, buy it and sell it.
You might now think how can Forex trading make huge profit just by selling and buying currency? Forex is traded using margin, Forex traders don’t need to full amount to buy any currency. For example, Forex traders just need 1000 Dollar to buy up 100,000 Dollar. This allows any Forex traders to make huge profit with little money.
Another important factor that any Forex traders can make huge profit is the high fluctuation for currency. Every day every seconds, the currency exchange rate is moving up and down, the Forex exchange rate fluctuate more heavily whenever there is any important economic data being released.
Forex trading is simply sounds too easy for anyone to make profit in very short time. But before you committed into Forex trading, it is strongly advised to have full understanding in Forex trading. Do read up other Forex trading articles in this website and share Forex trading knowledge in the Forex forums.
:: Forex Development History
Foreign exchange development history - exchange market evolution foreign exchange development history - exchange market evolution gold remittance system and Bretton woods agreement
In 1967, a Chicago bank rejected to provide pound loan to a professor named Milton Friedman, because his purposed was to use this fund to sell short the British pound. Mr. Friedman realized excessively that the price ratio from the British pound to US dollar at that time was high, he wanted first to sell the British pound, after the British pound fell he buys back the British pound to repay the bank again. This family bank rejects the loan offer based on the "Bretton woods Agreement" which was established 20 years ago. This agreement has fixed the various countries' currency to US dollar exchange rate, and the price ratio between the U.S dollar and the gold is also fixed to 35 US dollars to each ounce of gold.
The Bretton Woods Agreement was signed in 1944, the purposed was to prevent the currency to escape between countries, and also to limit the international speculation, thus to stabilize the international currency. Before this agreement was signed, the gold remittance standard system which was widely used since 1876 - was leading the international economy system until the First World War. In the gold remittance system, the currency was at the stable level under the support of the gold price. The gold remittance system has abolished the old time king and the ruler which depreciates the currency value unlawfully, which will lead to inflation.
But, the gold remittance standard system is certainly imperfect. Along with a country economic potentiality enhancement, it can import massive products from overseas, until it exhausts the gold reserve of certain country. It resulted the supply of the currency reduces, the interest rate raises, the economic activity will start to decline until it reaches the recession limit. Finally, the commodity price falls to the valley, gradually attracts other countries to stream in, massively rushes to purchase this country commodity. This will pour gold into this country, this will increase this country currency supplies quantity, and it will reduce the interest rate, and will create the wealth. This is so called the "the prosperity - decline” pattern and is the circulation of the gold remittance standard system, until the trade circulation and the gold freedom was broken by the First World War.
After several catastrophes wars, the Bretton Woods agreement has appeared. The countries which signed the treaty agreed to maintain the domestic currency to US dollar exchange rate, as well as the necessity of the corresponding ratio of the gold, and only allow a small fluctuation. Countries are prohibited to depreciate the currency value for the gain trade benefit, only allows the country to depreciate not more then 10%. Enters the 50's, the continuous growth of the international trade causes the fund large-scale shift which produces because of the postwar reconstruction, this causes Bretton Woods system which establishes the foreign exchange rate to lose stability.
This agreement was finally abolished in 1971, US dollar no longer could convert to gold. Until 1973, each major industrialized nation currency exchange rate fluctuation has been more freely, mainly regulates by the foreign exchange market through the currency supplies and demand quantity. The business volume, the transaction speed as well as the price variability, have achieved a comprehensive growth in the 1970's, come along with the emerge of price ratio fluctuation, the brand-new financial tool, then only the market liberalization and the trade liberalization could be achieved.
In the 1980s, along with the published of the computer and correlation technology, the international capital has flow rapidly, and strongly related the Asia, Europe and America market. Foreign exchange business volume from 80's rises daily from 70 billion US dollars to 150 billion US dollars after 20 years.
European market inflation
One of the reasons why the foreign exchange developed rapidly was the rapid development of the Euro dollar market. In a Euro dollar market, US dollar is stored beyond the border of America banks. Similarly, the European market is refers to property depositing outside the currency rightful owner country market. A Euro dollar market was formed at first in the 50's, at that time Russia deposited its petroleum income beyond the US border, avoid being freeze by the US government. This has formed a large offshore US dollar national treasury which is beyond the control of the US government. The American government has formulated a law to prohibited US dollar from lending money for the foreigner. Because the degree of freedom of the Euro dollar market is bigger and the rate of return is bigger, therefore it has large attraction. Starting from the 80's, the American company starts to borrow loan from the offshore market, they discovered that the European market is a wealth center which consists of large amount of floating capital which could provide short-term loan.
London once was (until now still is) one of the main offshore market. In the 80's, the Bank of England in order to maintain its global finance industry center dominant position, using US dollar as England pound substitution to make loan, thus to become a Euro dollar market center. London's convenient geographical position (is situated between Asian and Americas market) also helps to maintain the European market as the dominant position.
In 1967, a Chicago bank rejected to provide pound loan to a professor named Milton Friedman, because his purposed was to use this fund to sell short the British pound. Mr. Friedman realized excessively that the price ratio from the British pound to US dollar at that time was high, he wanted first to sell the British pound, after the British pound fell he buys back the British pound to repay the bank again. This family bank rejects the loan offer based on the "Bretton woods Agreement" which was established 20 years ago. This agreement has fixed the various countries' currency to US dollar exchange rate, and the price ratio between the U.S dollar and the gold is also fixed to 35 US dollars to each ounce of gold.
The Bretton Woods Agreement was signed in 1944, the purposed was to prevent the currency to escape between countries, and also to limit the international speculation, thus to stabilize the international currency. Before this agreement was signed, the gold remittance standard system which was widely used since 1876 - was leading the international economy system until the First World War. In the gold remittance system, the currency was at the stable level under the support of the gold price. The gold remittance system has abolished the old time king and the ruler which depreciates the currency value unlawfully, which will lead to inflation.
But, the gold remittance standard system is certainly imperfect. Along with a country economic potentiality enhancement, it can import massive products from overseas, until it exhausts the gold reserve of certain country. It resulted the supply of the currency reduces, the interest rate raises, the economic activity will start to decline until it reaches the recession limit. Finally, the commodity price falls to the valley, gradually attracts other countries to stream in, massively rushes to purchase this country commodity. This will pour gold into this country, this will increase this country currency supplies quantity, and it will reduce the interest rate, and will create the wealth. This is so called the "the prosperity - decline” pattern and is the circulation of the gold remittance standard system, until the trade circulation and the gold freedom was broken by the First World War.
After several catastrophes wars, the Bretton Woods agreement has appeared. The countries which signed the treaty agreed to maintain the domestic currency to US dollar exchange rate, as well as the necessity of the corresponding ratio of the gold, and only allow a small fluctuation. Countries are prohibited to depreciate the currency value for the gain trade benefit, only allows the country to depreciate not more then 10%. Enters the 50's, the continuous growth of the international trade causes the fund large-scale shift which produces because of the postwar reconstruction, this causes Bretton Woods system which establishes the foreign exchange rate to lose stability.
This agreement was finally abolished in 1971, US dollar no longer could convert to gold. Until 1973, each major industrialized nation currency exchange rate fluctuation has been more freely, mainly regulates by the foreign exchange market through the currency supplies and demand quantity. The business volume, the transaction speed as well as the price variability, have achieved a comprehensive growth in the 1970's, come along with the emerge of price ratio fluctuation, the brand-new financial tool, then only the market liberalization and the trade liberalization could be achieved.
In the 1980s, along with the published of the computer and correlation technology, the international capital has flow rapidly, and strongly related the Asia, Europe and America market. Foreign exchange business volume from 80's rises daily from 70 billion US dollars to 150 billion US dollars after 20 years.
European market inflation
One of the reasons why the foreign exchange developed rapidly was the rapid development of the Euro dollar market. In a Euro dollar market, US dollar is stored beyond the border of America banks. Similarly, the European market is refers to property depositing outside the currency rightful owner country market. A Euro dollar market was formed at first in the 50's, at that time Russia deposited its petroleum income beyond the US border, avoid being freeze by the US government. This has formed a large offshore US dollar national treasury which is beyond the control of the US government. The American government has formulated a law to prohibited US dollar from lending money for the foreigner. Because the degree of freedom of the Euro dollar market is bigger and the rate of return is bigger, therefore it has large attraction. Starting from the 80's, the American company starts to borrow loan from the offshore market, they discovered that the European market is a wealth center which consists of large amount of floating capital which could provide short-term loan.
London once was (until now still is) one of the main offshore market. In the 80's, the Bank of England in order to maintain its global finance industry center dominant position, using US dollar as England pound substitution to make loan, thus to become a Euro dollar market center. London's convenient geographical position (is situated between Asian and Americas market) also helps to maintain the European market as the dominant position.
:: Famous Forex Quotes
“If you get in on Jones’ tip; get out on Jones’ tip”. If you are riding another person’s idea, ride it all the way.
Run early or not at all. Don't be an eleven o'clock bull or a five o'clock bear.
Woodrow Wilson said, "a governments first priority is to organize the common interest against special interests". Successful traders seek out market opportunities capitalizing on the reality that government's first priority is rarely achieved.
People who buy headlines eventually end up selling newspapers.
If you do not know who you are, the market is an expensive place to find out.
Never give advice-the smart don't need it and the stupid don't heed it.
Disregard all prognostications. In the world of money, which is a world shaped by human behavior, nobody has the foggiest notion of what will happen in the future. Mark that word-nobody! Thus the successful trader bases no moves on what supposedly will happen but reacts instead to what does happen.
Worry is not a sickness but a sign of health. If you are not worried, you are not risking enough.
Except in unusual circumstances, get in the habit of taking your profit too soon. Don't torment yourself if a trade continues winning without you. Chances are it won't continue long. If it does console yourself by thinking of all the times when liquidating early preserved gains you would otherwise have lost.
When the ship starts to sink, don't pray-jump!
Life never happens in a straight line. Any adult knows this. But we can too easily be hypnotized into forgetting it when contemplating a chart. Beware of the chartist's illusion.
Optimism means expecting the best, but confidence means knowing how you will handle the worst. Never make a move if you are merely optimistic.
Whatever you do, whether you bet with the herd or against, think it through independently first.
Repeatedly reevaluate your open positions. Keep asking yourself: would I put my money into this if it were presented to me for the first time today? Is this trade progressing toward the ending position I envisioned?
It is a safe bet that the money lost by (short term) speculation is small compared with the gigantic sums lost by those who let their investments "ride". Long term investors are the biggest gamblers as after they make a trade they often times stay with it and end up losing it all. The intelligent trader will . By acting promptly-hold losses to a minimum.
As a rule of thumb good trend lines should touch at least three previous highs or lows. The more points the line catches, the better the line.
Volume and open interest are as important to the technician as price.
The clearest and easiest way to determine a trend is from previous highs and lows. Higher highs and higher lows mark an uptrend, lower highs and lower lows mark a downtrend.
Don't sell a quiet market after a fall because a low volume sell-off is actually a very bullish situation.
Prices are made in the minds of men, not in the soybean field: fear and greed can temporarily drive prices far beyond their so called real value.
When the market breaks through a weekly or monthly high, it is a buy signal. When it breaks through the previous weekly or monthly low, it is a sell signal.
Every sunken ship has a chart.
Take a trading break. A break will give you a detached view of the market and a fresh look at yourself and the way you want to trade for the next several weeks.
Assimilate into your very bones a set of trading rules that works for you.
The final phase in a bull move is an accelerated runaway near the top. In this phase, the market always makes you believe that you have underestimated the potential bull market. The temptation to continue pyramiding your position is strong as profits have now swelled to the point that you believe your account can stand any setback. It is imperative at this juncture to take profits on your pyramids and reduce the position back to base levels. The base position is then liquidated when it becomes apparent that the move has ended.
Run early or not at all. Don't be an eleven o'clock bull or a five o'clock bear.
Woodrow Wilson said, "a governments first priority is to organize the common interest against special interests". Successful traders seek out market opportunities capitalizing on the reality that government's first priority is rarely achieved.
People who buy headlines eventually end up selling newspapers.
If you do not know who you are, the market is an expensive place to find out.
Never give advice-the smart don't need it and the stupid don't heed it.
Disregard all prognostications. In the world of money, which is a world shaped by human behavior, nobody has the foggiest notion of what will happen in the future. Mark that word-nobody! Thus the successful trader bases no moves on what supposedly will happen but reacts instead to what does happen.
Worry is not a sickness but a sign of health. If you are not worried, you are not risking enough.
Except in unusual circumstances, get in the habit of taking your profit too soon. Don't torment yourself if a trade continues winning without you. Chances are it won't continue long. If it does console yourself by thinking of all the times when liquidating early preserved gains you would otherwise have lost.
When the ship starts to sink, don't pray-jump!
Life never happens in a straight line. Any adult knows this. But we can too easily be hypnotized into forgetting it when contemplating a chart. Beware of the chartist's illusion.
Optimism means expecting the best, but confidence means knowing how you will handle the worst. Never make a move if you are merely optimistic.
Whatever you do, whether you bet with the herd or against, think it through independently first.
Repeatedly reevaluate your open positions. Keep asking yourself: would I put my money into this if it were presented to me for the first time today? Is this trade progressing toward the ending position I envisioned?
It is a safe bet that the money lost by (short term) speculation is small compared with the gigantic sums lost by those who let their investments "ride". Long term investors are the biggest gamblers as after they make a trade they often times stay with it and end up losing it all. The intelligent trader will . By acting promptly-hold losses to a minimum.
As a rule of thumb good trend lines should touch at least three previous highs or lows. The more points the line catches, the better the line.
Volume and open interest are as important to the technician as price.
The clearest and easiest way to determine a trend is from previous highs and lows. Higher highs and higher lows mark an uptrend, lower highs and lower lows mark a downtrend.
Don't sell a quiet market after a fall because a low volume sell-off is actually a very bullish situation.
Prices are made in the minds of men, not in the soybean field: fear and greed can temporarily drive prices far beyond their so called real value.
When the market breaks through a weekly or monthly high, it is a buy signal. When it breaks through the previous weekly or monthly low, it is a sell signal.
Every sunken ship has a chart.
Take a trading break. A break will give you a detached view of the market and a fresh look at yourself and the way you want to trade for the next several weeks.
Assimilate into your very bones a set of trading rules that works for you.
The final phase in a bull move is an accelerated runaway near the top. In this phase, the market always makes you believe that you have underestimated the potential bull market. The temptation to continue pyramiding your position is strong as profits have now swelled to the point that you believe your account can stand any setback. It is imperative at this juncture to take profits on your pyramids and reduce the position back to base levels. The base position is then liquidated when it becomes apparent that the move has ended.
::What Is The Difference Between Forex and Futures?
A Forex trader could trade more transaction compared to the futures market (the trading volume could be a times larger), and the risk will be strictly under control. The trading volume of the Forex market is 46 times larger compared to the futures market, moreover Forex traders could make more profit from the Forex market due to the larger trading volume (the transaction volume is a few times larger), the REFCO Switzerland rich transaction platform allowed transaction between 1-100 times to be carry on, moreover a Forex trader could decide his or her own transaction amount, for example: Your account has $30,000, the basic transaction unit is each $1,000 (which transaction amount in $1.00, million), namely, so the proportion of the margin of each transaction unit is 100:1.
The risk of the Forex trader is under control, such margin call will not happen compared to futures, through the Forex trading system, your risk will receive the strict limit, even if your margin if lower then the deposit required, the Forex trading system will automatically settle your position, this means even if a Forex trader suffered losses, moreover if the market is suffering from a disaster fluctuation, your loss could not surpass your account amount. In order to understand the advantages, please apply for the demo account to carry on the complete zero risk.
A Forex trader will receive a large limitation of liquidation and a relatively fair market because the trading volume of the Forex market is large and it is also the largest liquidation market in the world. At present the trading volume in the Forex market is 140 billion Dollars, such big market will completely digest your transaction cash.
A Forex trader may do 24 hours transactions and other markets are different, the Forex market is a 24 hour linkages market, it starts from every Sunday before dawn Australian Sydney market, substandard collect the transaction center Singapore, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt to New York continuously to open, such linkage market enable you to do 24 hours transactions, also provide flexibility for Forex trader to do transaction
The risk of the Forex trader is under control, such margin call will not happen compared to futures, through the Forex trading system, your risk will receive the strict limit, even if your margin if lower then the deposit required, the Forex trading system will automatically settle your position, this means even if a Forex trader suffered losses, moreover if the market is suffering from a disaster fluctuation, your loss could not surpass your account amount. In order to understand the advantages, please apply for the demo account to carry on the complete zero risk.
A Forex trader will receive a large limitation of liquidation and a relatively fair market because the trading volume of the Forex market is large and it is also the largest liquidation market in the world. At present the trading volume in the Forex market is 140 billion Dollars, such big market will completely digest your transaction cash.
A Forex trader may do 24 hours transactions and other markets are different, the Forex market is a 24 hour linkages market, it starts from every Sunday before dawn Australian Sydney market, substandard collect the transaction center Singapore, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt to New York continuously to open, such linkage market enable you to do 24 hours transactions, also provide flexibility for Forex trader to do transaction
:: The Foreign Exchange Rate
In the international market, the Foreign Exchange rate is demonstrated by five numerals, for example:
EUR/USD 1.2653
USD/JPY 107.65
GBP/JPY 195.03
The Exchange Rate Change
The exchange rate smallest change for the final figure (is 1 pip), for example:
The EUR/USD smallest change is 0.0001
USD/JPY smallest change is 0.01
Quoted Price
All quoted prices can be divided into direct quoted price and the indirect quoted price, for example:
The direct quoted price currency includes: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, NZD/USD ......
The indirect quoted price currency includes: USD/JPY, USD/CHF, USD/CAD ....
For example, the EUR/USD quoted price is 1.2653, which means each euro could convert to 1.2653 US dollars, while the USD/JPY quoted price is 107.65, which means that each US dollar could convert to 107.65 Japanese Yen.
The buying price and the selling price of the foreign currency is decided by the bank or the broker house, customer decides only the buying trend. For example, the EUR/USD quoted price general demonstration is 1.2652/57, which means the broker house is willing to buy Euro dollar at the price of 1.2652, and sell at the price of 1.2657. At this time, the price difference between the buyer and the seller (pip difference) is 5 pips, for foreign exchange trading, the smaller the point means the trading cost is lower and the chance of profit making is much larger.
EUR/USD 1.2653
USD/JPY 107.65
GBP/JPY 195.03
The Exchange Rate Change
The exchange rate smallest change for the final figure (is 1 pip), for example:
The EUR/USD smallest change is 0.0001
USD/JPY smallest change is 0.01
Quoted Price
All quoted prices can be divided into direct quoted price and the indirect quoted price, for example:
The direct quoted price currency includes: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, NZD/USD ......
The indirect quoted price currency includes: USD/JPY, USD/CHF, USD/CAD ....
For example, the EUR/USD quoted price is 1.2653, which means each euro could convert to 1.2653 US dollars, while the USD/JPY quoted price is 107.65, which means that each US dollar could convert to 107.65 Japanese Yen.
The buying price and the selling price of the foreign currency is decided by the bank or the broker house, customer decides only the buying trend. For example, the EUR/USD quoted price general demonstration is 1.2652/57, which means the broker house is willing to buy Euro dollar at the price of 1.2652, and sell at the price of 1.2657. At this time, the price difference between the buyer and the seller (pip difference) is 5 pips, for foreign exchange trading, the smaller the point means the trading cost is lower and the chance of profit making is much larger.
Forex Basics
Forex Basics The following is an introduction to some of the basic terms and concepts used in forex trading.
Foreign Exchange : The simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another.
Foreign Exchange Market : An informal network of trading relationships between the world's major banks and other market participants, sometimes referred to as the 'interbank' market. The foreign exchange market has no central clearinghouse or exchange, and is considered an over-the-counter (OTC) market.
Spot Market : Market for buying and selling currencies for settlement within two business days (the value date). USD/CAD = 1 day. Most dealers will automatically roll over your open positions, allowing you to hold a position for an indefinite period of time.
Rollover : The process whereby the settlement of a transaction is rolled forward to the next value date. The cost of this process is based on the interest rate differential between two currencies.
Exchange Rate : The value of one currency expressed in terms of another. For example, if the exchange rate for EUR/USD is 1.3200, 1 Euro is worth US$1.3200.
Currency Pair : The two currencies that make up an exchange rate. When one is bought, the other is sold, and vice versa.
Base Currency : The first currency in the pair.
Counter Currency : The second currency in the pair. Also known as the terms currency.
ISO Currency Codes :
USD = US Dollar
EUR = Euro
JPY = Japanese Yen
GBP = British Pound
CHF = Swiss Franc
CAD = Canadian Dollar
AUD = Australian Dollar
NZD = New Zealand Dollar
Currency Pair Terminology
EUR/USD = "Euro"
USD/JPY = "Dollar Yen"
GBP/USD = "Cable" or "Sterling"
USD/CHF = "Swissy"
USD/CAD = "Dollar Canada" (CAD referred to as the "Loonie")
AUD/USD = "Aussie Dollar"
NZD/USD = "Kiwi"
The following pairs might also be referred to by the following nicknames:
EUR/USD = "Fiber"
USD/JPY = "Gopher"
EUR/GBP = "Chunnel"
GBP/CHF = "Geppy"
Market Maker :A market maker makes a market for a particular financial instrument, providing liquidity and a two-way price quote. A market maker takes the opposite side of your trade.
Broker : A firm that matches buyers and sellers for a fee or a commission.
Counterparty : One of the participants in a transaction.
Sell Quote : The quote on the left is the price at which you can sell currency. (Also known as the bid price). e.g. For EUR/USD 1.3200/03, you can sell 1 Euro for US$1.3200.
Buy Quote : The quote on the right is the price at which you can buy currency. (Also known as the ask or offer price). e.g. For EUR/USD 1.3200/03, you can buy 1 Euro for US$1.3203.
Spread : The difference between the sell quote and the buy quote. If the quote for EUR/USD reads 1.3200/03, the spread is 3 pips. In order to break even, the currency must shift in your direction by an amount equal to the spread.
Pip : Price Interest Point. The smallest price increment a currency can make. Also known as points. e.g. 1 pip = 0.0001 for EUR/USD, or 0.01 for USD/JPY.
Pip Value : The value of a pip. 1 pip = $10 for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD & NZD/USD with 100k lots, or $1 per pip with 10k lots. To calculate the pip value of other currency pairs, use a pip value calculator .
Tick : Minimum change in price
Lot : The standard unit size of a transaction. Typically, one standard lot is equal to 100,000 units of the base currency, or 10,000 units for a mini.
Standard Account : Trading with standard lot sizes
Mini Account : Trading with mini lot sizes
Margin : The deposit required to open a position. A 1% margin requirement allows you to open a $100,000 position with a $1,000 deposit.
Leverage : The amount of times the value of your transaction exceeds your margin. e.g. 100:1 leverage implies a 1% margin.
Long Position : A position whereby the trader profits from an increase in price. (Buy low, sell high)
Short Position : A position whereby the trader profits from a decrease in price. (Sell high, buy low)
Market Order : An order at the current market price
Entry Order : An order that is executed when the price touches a pre-specified level
Limit Entry Order : An order to buy below the market or sell above the market at a pre-specified level, believing that the price will reverse direction from that point.
Stop-Entry Order : An order to buy above the market or sell below the market at a pre-specified level, believing that the price will continue in the same direction from that point.
Limit Order :An order to take profits at a pre-specified level
Stop-Loss Order : An order to limit losses at a pre-specified level
OCO Order : One Cancels Other. Two orders whereby if one is executed, the other is cancelled.
Manual Execution : The order is executed with human intervention.
Automatic Execution : The order is executed automatically by computer without human intervention or involvement.
Slippage : The difference in pips between the order price and the price the order is filled at.
Example Transaction : Assume you have a trading account of $20,000 and you have chosen to use 100:1 leverage on your account. The current quote for EUR/USD is 1.3225/28. You place a market order to buy 1 lot of 100,000 Euros at 1.3228, expecting the euro to strengthen against the dollar. At the same time you place a stop-loss order at 1.3203, and a limit order at 1.3328.
The value of this trade is $132,280 (100,000 * 1.3228) but because you are using 100:1 leverage, you only need to deposit 1% of the total, which is $1322.80 ($132,280 * 0.01).
The Euro strengthens against the dollar as expected, rising to 1.3328 where your limit order is reached. Your position is closed. You have made 100 pips.
Your total profit for this trade is $1,000 (100,000 * (1.3328 - 1.3228)), and the return on your investment is 75.6% ($1000/$1322.80).
Trade Summary :
Opening Balance: $20,000
Leverage: 100:1
Buy: 1 std lot EUR/USD @ 1.3228 = $132,280
Margin Requirement: $1322.80
Position Size: 6.6% of the account ($1322.80/$20,000)
Pip Value: 1 pip = $10
Stop-Loss: 25 pips (representing 1.25% of the account)
Limit: 100 pips
Risk/Reward Ratio: 4:1
Sell: 1 std lot EUR/USD @ 1.3328 = $133,280
Profit: $1,000
Return: 75.6% ($1,000/$1322.80)
Closing Balance: $21,000 (+5% gain
Foreign Exchange : The simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another.
Foreign Exchange Market : An informal network of trading relationships between the world's major banks and other market participants, sometimes referred to as the 'interbank' market. The foreign exchange market has no central clearinghouse or exchange, and is considered an over-the-counter (OTC) market.
Spot Market : Market for buying and selling currencies for settlement within two business days (the value date). USD/CAD = 1 day. Most dealers will automatically roll over your open positions, allowing you to hold a position for an indefinite period of time.
Rollover : The process whereby the settlement of a transaction is rolled forward to the next value date. The cost of this process is based on the interest rate differential between two currencies.
Exchange Rate : The value of one currency expressed in terms of another. For example, if the exchange rate for EUR/USD is 1.3200, 1 Euro is worth US$1.3200.
Currency Pair : The two currencies that make up an exchange rate. When one is bought, the other is sold, and vice versa.
Base Currency : The first currency in the pair.
Counter Currency : The second currency in the pair. Also known as the terms currency.
ISO Currency Codes :
USD = US Dollar
EUR = Euro
JPY = Japanese Yen
GBP = British Pound
CHF = Swiss Franc
CAD = Canadian Dollar
AUD = Australian Dollar
NZD = New Zealand Dollar
Currency Pair Terminology
EUR/USD = "Euro"
USD/JPY = "Dollar Yen"
GBP/USD = "Cable" or "Sterling"
USD/CHF = "Swissy"
USD/CAD = "Dollar Canada" (CAD referred to as the "Loonie")
AUD/USD = "Aussie Dollar"
NZD/USD = "Kiwi"
The following pairs might also be referred to by the following nicknames:
EUR/USD = "Fiber"
USD/JPY = "Gopher"
EUR/GBP = "Chunnel"
GBP/CHF = "Geppy"
Market Maker :A market maker makes a market for a particular financial instrument, providing liquidity and a two-way price quote. A market maker takes the opposite side of your trade.
Broker : A firm that matches buyers and sellers for a fee or a commission.
Counterparty : One of the participants in a transaction.
Sell Quote : The quote on the left is the price at which you can sell currency. (Also known as the bid price). e.g. For EUR/USD 1.3200/03, you can sell 1 Euro for US$1.3200.
Buy Quote : The quote on the right is the price at which you can buy currency. (Also known as the ask or offer price). e.g. For EUR/USD 1.3200/03, you can buy 1 Euro for US$1.3203.
Spread : The difference between the sell quote and the buy quote. If the quote for EUR/USD reads 1.3200/03, the spread is 3 pips. In order to break even, the currency must shift in your direction by an amount equal to the spread.
Pip : Price Interest Point. The smallest price increment a currency can make. Also known as points. e.g. 1 pip = 0.0001 for EUR/USD, or 0.01 for USD/JPY.
Pip Value : The value of a pip. 1 pip = $10 for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD & NZD/USD with 100k lots, or $1 per pip with 10k lots. To calculate the pip value of other currency pairs, use a pip value calculator .
Tick : Minimum change in price
Lot : The standard unit size of a transaction. Typically, one standard lot is equal to 100,000 units of the base currency, or 10,000 units for a mini.
Standard Account : Trading with standard lot sizes
Mini Account : Trading with mini lot sizes
Margin : The deposit required to open a position. A 1% margin requirement allows you to open a $100,000 position with a $1,000 deposit.
Leverage : The amount of times the value of your transaction exceeds your margin. e.g. 100:1 leverage implies a 1% margin.
Long Position : A position whereby the trader profits from an increase in price. (Buy low, sell high)
Short Position : A position whereby the trader profits from a decrease in price. (Sell high, buy low)
Market Order : An order at the current market price
Entry Order : An order that is executed when the price touches a pre-specified level
Limit Entry Order : An order to buy below the market or sell above the market at a pre-specified level, believing that the price will reverse direction from that point.
Stop-Entry Order : An order to buy above the market or sell below the market at a pre-specified level, believing that the price will continue in the same direction from that point.
Limit Order :An order to take profits at a pre-specified level
Stop-Loss Order : An order to limit losses at a pre-specified level
OCO Order : One Cancels Other. Two orders whereby if one is executed, the other is cancelled.
Manual Execution : The order is executed with human intervention.
Automatic Execution : The order is executed automatically by computer without human intervention or involvement.
Slippage : The difference in pips between the order price and the price the order is filled at.
Example Transaction : Assume you have a trading account of $20,000 and you have chosen to use 100:1 leverage on your account. The current quote for EUR/USD is 1.3225/28. You place a market order to buy 1 lot of 100,000 Euros at 1.3228, expecting the euro to strengthen against the dollar. At the same time you place a stop-loss order at 1.3203, and a limit order at 1.3328.
The value of this trade is $132,280 (100,000 * 1.3228) but because you are using 100:1 leverage, you only need to deposit 1% of the total, which is $1322.80 ($132,280 * 0.01).
The Euro strengthens against the dollar as expected, rising to 1.3328 where your limit order is reached. Your position is closed. You have made 100 pips.
Your total profit for this trade is $1,000 (100,000 * (1.3328 - 1.3228)), and the return on your investment is 75.6% ($1000/$1322.80).
Trade Summary :
Opening Balance: $20,000
Leverage: 100:1
Buy: 1 std lot EUR/USD @ 1.3228 = $132,280
Margin Requirement: $1322.80
Position Size: 6.6% of the account ($1322.80/$20,000)
Pip Value: 1 pip = $10
Stop-Loss: 25 pips (representing 1.25% of the account)
Limit: 100 pips
Risk/Reward Ratio: 4:1
Sell: 1 std lot EUR/USD @ 1.3328 = $133,280
Profit: $1,000
Return: 75.6% ($1,000/$1322.80)
Closing Balance: $21,000 (+5% gain
:: Introduction to Foreign Exchange Markets
Being the main force driving the global economic market, currency is no doubt an essential element for a country. However, in order for all the countries with different currencies to trade with one another, a system of exchange rate between their currencies is needed; this system, is formally known as foreign exchange or currency exchange.
In the early days, the system of currency exchange is supported solely by the gold amount held in the vault of a country. However, this system is no longer appropriate now due to inflation and hence, the value of one’s currency nowadays is determined through the market forces alone. In order to determine the value of a currency’s exchange rate, two main types of system is used which is floating currency and pegged currency.
For floating exchange rate, its value is determined by the supply and demand of the global market where the supply and demand is bound by all these factors such as foreign investment, inflation and ratios of import and export. Normally, this system is adopted by most of the advance countries like for example UK, US and Canada. All of these countries have a similarity where their market is well developed and stable in economic terms. These countries choose to practice this system due to the reason where floating exchange rate is proven to be much more efficient compared to the pegged exchange rate. The reason behind this is because for floating exchange rate, the market itself will re-adjust the exchange rate real-time in order to portray the actual inflation and other economic forces. However, every system has its own flaw and so does the floating exchange rate system. For instance, if a country suffers from economic instability due to various reasons such as political issues, a floating exchange rate system will certainly discourage investment due to the high risk of suffering from inflationary disaster or sudden slump in exchange rate.
Another form of exchange rate is known as pegged exchange rate. This is a system where the value of the exchange rate is fixed by the government of a country and not the supply and demand of the market. This system is called pegged exchange rate because the value of a country’s currency is fixed to another country’s currency. As a result, the value of the pegged currency will not fluctuate unlike the floating currency. The working principle behind this system is slightly complicated where the government of a country will fixed the exchange rate of their currency and when there is a demand for a certain currency resulting a rise in the exchange rate, the government will have to release enough of that currency into the market in order to meet that demand. However, there is a fatal flaw in this system where if the pegged exchange rate is not controlled properly, panics may arise within the country and as a result of that, people will be rushing to exchange their money into a more stable currency. When that happens, the sudden overflow of that country’s currency into the market will decrease the value of their exchange rate and in the end, their currency will be worthless. Due to this reason, only those under-developed or developing countries will practice this method as a form to control the inflation rate.
However, the truth is, most of the countries do not fully practice the floating exchange rate or the pegged exchange rate method in reality. Instead, they use a hybrid system known as floating peg. Floating peg is the combination of the two main systems where one country will normally fixed their exchange rate to the US Dollars and after that, they will constantly review their peg rate in order to stay in line with the actual market value.
The Foreign exchange market, or commonly known as FOREX, is the largest and most prolific financial market because each day, more than 1 trillion worth of currency exchange takes place between investors, speculators and countries. From this, we can deduce that the actual mechanism behind the world of foreign exchange is far more complicated than what we may already know, and that, the information mentioned earlier is just the tip of an iceberg.
In the early days, the system of currency exchange is supported solely by the gold amount held in the vault of a country. However, this system is no longer appropriate now due to inflation and hence, the value of one’s currency nowadays is determined through the market forces alone. In order to determine the value of a currency’s exchange rate, two main types of system is used which is floating currency and pegged currency.
For floating exchange rate, its value is determined by the supply and demand of the global market where the supply and demand is bound by all these factors such as foreign investment, inflation and ratios of import and export. Normally, this system is adopted by most of the advance countries like for example UK, US and Canada. All of these countries have a similarity where their market is well developed and stable in economic terms. These countries choose to practice this system due to the reason where floating exchange rate is proven to be much more efficient compared to the pegged exchange rate. The reason behind this is because for floating exchange rate, the market itself will re-adjust the exchange rate real-time in order to portray the actual inflation and other economic forces. However, every system has its own flaw and so does the floating exchange rate system. For instance, if a country suffers from economic instability due to various reasons such as political issues, a floating exchange rate system will certainly discourage investment due to the high risk of suffering from inflationary disaster or sudden slump in exchange rate.
Another form of exchange rate is known as pegged exchange rate. This is a system where the value of the exchange rate is fixed by the government of a country and not the supply and demand of the market. This system is called pegged exchange rate because the value of a country’s currency is fixed to another country’s currency. As a result, the value of the pegged currency will not fluctuate unlike the floating currency. The working principle behind this system is slightly complicated where the government of a country will fixed the exchange rate of their currency and when there is a demand for a certain currency resulting a rise in the exchange rate, the government will have to release enough of that currency into the market in order to meet that demand. However, there is a fatal flaw in this system where if the pegged exchange rate is not controlled properly, panics may arise within the country and as a result of that, people will be rushing to exchange their money into a more stable currency. When that happens, the sudden overflow of that country’s currency into the market will decrease the value of their exchange rate and in the end, their currency will be worthless. Due to this reason, only those under-developed or developing countries will practice this method as a form to control the inflation rate.
However, the truth is, most of the countries do not fully practice the floating exchange rate or the pegged exchange rate method in reality. Instead, they use a hybrid system known as floating peg. Floating peg is the combination of the two main systems where one country will normally fixed their exchange rate to the US Dollars and after that, they will constantly review their peg rate in order to stay in line with the actual market value.
The Foreign exchange market, or commonly known as FOREX, is the largest and most prolific financial market because each day, more than 1 trillion worth of currency exchange takes place between investors, speculators and countries. From this, we can deduce that the actual mechanism behind the world of foreign exchange is far more complicated than what we may already know, and that, the information mentioned earlier is just the tip of an iceberg.
What is a forex broker?
Have you ever felt intrigued by the many advertisements on high leverage and great profit potential involved in currency trading? The golden gate of the kingdom of money, we are told, is reached by the road of forex. Are forex brokers highway robbers infesting that road, or honest dealers making our journey easier? We'll discuss the brokerage business in this article.
A forex broker is the mediator between the retail and wholesale forex markets The wholesale market is comprised of banks and similar large institutions, and the retail market, of course, includes individual traders who are seeking to acquire speculative gains. Forex brokers are not traders themselves, but occasionally they will have their own staff trading the market on their behalf.
Forex brokers allow retail traders to interact with the markets, and are compensated for their services through the bid-ask spread which is the difference between the price a trader must accept to sell (bid), and the price he must pay to buy(ask) a currency. Since forex traders suffer losses often, brokers make the utmost effort to protect themselves. First, they net out the positions of their clients with entries on the opposite side. Since the vast majority of forex traders lose money, by entering the opposite order they usually make profits. And they also protect themselves by activating margin calls in case that a trader's account value falls below a threshold level (margin requirement).
At the inception of the forex brokerage business, retail trading was largely unregulated as authorities did not possess the expertise and background for effective oversight. Today, however, numerous regulatory bodies which include the CFTC in the U.S., the BaFin in Germany, and the FSA in the U.K. ensure a healthy, legal and competitive environment by maintaining strict regulation of the business. As such, one of the most important considerations for a beginning forex trader is guaranteeing that the broker is regulated by the relevant national authority.
A forex broker is the mediator between the retail and wholesale forex markets The wholesale market is comprised of banks and similar large institutions, and the retail market, of course, includes individual traders who are seeking to acquire speculative gains. Forex brokers are not traders themselves, but occasionally they will have their own staff trading the market on their behalf.
Forex brokers allow retail traders to interact with the markets, and are compensated for their services through the bid-ask spread which is the difference between the price a trader must accept to sell (bid), and the price he must pay to buy(ask) a currency. Since forex traders suffer losses often, brokers make the utmost effort to protect themselves. First, they net out the positions of their clients with entries on the opposite side. Since the vast majority of forex traders lose money, by entering the opposite order they usually make profits. And they also protect themselves by activating margin calls in case that a trader's account value falls below a threshold level (margin requirement).
At the inception of the forex brokerage business, retail trading was largely unregulated as authorities did not possess the expertise and background for effective oversight. Today, however, numerous regulatory bodies which include the CFTC in the U.S., the BaFin in Germany, and the FSA in the U.K. ensure a healthy, legal and competitive environment by maintaining strict regulation of the business. As such, one of the most important considerations for a beginning forex trader is guaranteeing that the broker is regulated by the relevant national authority.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Spot and forward trading
When you trade foreign exchange you are normally quoted a spot price. This means that if you take no further steps, your trade will be settled after two business days. Due to the fact that the EU investment directive does not presently covering spot foreign exchange trading we will, however, require you to swap your trade forward at least another two business days. This ensures that your trades are undertaken subject to supervision by regulatory authorities for your own protection and security. If you are a commercial customer, you may need the convert the currencies for international payments. If you are an investor, you will normally want to swap your trade forward to a later date. This can be undertaken on a daily basis or for a longer period at a time. Often investors will swap their trades forward anywhere from a week or two up to several months depending on the time frame of the investment.
Although a forward trade is for a future date, the position can be closed out at any time - the closing part of the position is then swapped forward to the same future value date.
Interest Rate Differentials
Different currencies pay different interest rates. This is one of the main driving forces behind foreign exchange trends. It is inherently attractive to be a buyer of a currency that pays a high interest rate while being short a currency that has a low interest rate.
Although such interest rate differentials may not appear very large, the significance is much greater in a highly leveraged position. As an example, the interest rate differential between the US dollar and the Japanese yen for much of 1997 was approximately 5 %. In a position that can be supported by a 5 % margin deposit, this results in a 100% profit on capital per annum when you buy the US dollar. Of course, an even more important factor normally is the relative move in the value of the currencies, that approximated some 20% from high to low during 1997. But still, you have an advantage of 100% per annum in your favour by being long US dollar, and an initial disadvantage of the same size by being short.Please refer to our page Forex Rates & Conditions for current Spreads, Margins and Conditions!
Such a situation clearly benefits the high interest rate currency and as result, the US dollar was in a strong bull market all through 1997. But it is by no means a certainty that the currency with the higher interest rate will be strongest. If the reason for the high interest rate is runaway inflation, this may undermine confidence in the currency even more than the benefits perceived from the high interest rate.
Stop-loss discipline
As you can see from the description above, there are significant opportunities and risks in foreign exchange markets. Aggressive traders might experience profit/loss swings of 20-30% daily. This calls for strict stop-loss policies in positions that are moving against you.
Luckily, there are no daily limits on foreign exchange trading and no restrictions on trading hours other than the weekend. This means that there will nearly always be an opportunity to react to moves in the main currency markets and a low risk of getting caught without the opportunity of getting out. Of course, the market can move very fast and a stop-loss order is by no means a guarantee of getting out at the desired level.
But the main risk is really an event over the weekend, where all markets are closed. This happens from time to time as many important political events, such as G7 meetings, are normally scheduled for weekends.
But for speculative trading, we would always recommend the placement of protective stop-losses. With Saxo Bank Internet Trading you can easily place and change such orders while watching development graphically on your computer screen - which we believe is a unique feature in on-line trading today.
Although a forward trade is for a future date, the position can be closed out at any time - the closing part of the position is then swapped forward to the same future value date.
Interest Rate Differentials
Different currencies pay different interest rates. This is one of the main driving forces behind foreign exchange trends. It is inherently attractive to be a buyer of a currency that pays a high interest rate while being short a currency that has a low interest rate.
Although such interest rate differentials may not appear very large, the significance is much greater in a highly leveraged position. As an example, the interest rate differential between the US dollar and the Japanese yen for much of 1997 was approximately 5 %. In a position that can be supported by a 5 % margin deposit, this results in a 100% profit on capital per annum when you buy the US dollar. Of course, an even more important factor normally is the relative move in the value of the currencies, that approximated some 20% from high to low during 1997. But still, you have an advantage of 100% per annum in your favour by being long US dollar, and an initial disadvantage of the same size by being short.Please refer to our page Forex Rates & Conditions for current Spreads, Margins and Conditions!
Such a situation clearly benefits the high interest rate currency and as result, the US dollar was in a strong bull market all through 1997. But it is by no means a certainty that the currency with the higher interest rate will be strongest. If the reason for the high interest rate is runaway inflation, this may undermine confidence in the currency even more than the benefits perceived from the high interest rate.
Stop-loss discipline
As you can see from the description above, there are significant opportunities and risks in foreign exchange markets. Aggressive traders might experience profit/loss swings of 20-30% daily. This calls for strict stop-loss policies in positions that are moving against you.
Luckily, there are no daily limits on foreign exchange trading and no restrictions on trading hours other than the weekend. This means that there will nearly always be an opportunity to react to moves in the main currency markets and a low risk of getting caught without the opportunity of getting out. Of course, the market can move very fast and a stop-loss order is by no means a guarantee of getting out at the desired level.
But the main risk is really an event over the weekend, where all markets are closed. This happens from time to time as many important political events, such as G7 meetings, are normally scheduled for weekends.
But for speculative trading, we would always recommend the placement of protective stop-losses. With Saxo Bank Internet Trading you can easily place and change such orders while watching development graphically on your computer screen - which we believe is a unique feature in on-line trading today.
Trade Currency and Price Currency
When you trade, you will always trade a combination of two currencies. For example, you will buy US dollars and sell German marks. Or buy German marks and sell Japanese yen, or any other combination of dozens of widely traded currencies. But there is always a long (bought) and a short (sold) side to a trade, which means that you are speculating on the prospect of one of the currencies strengthening and one of them weakening.
The trade currency is normally, but not always, the currency with the highest value. When trading US dollars against German marks, the normal way to trade is buying or selling a fixed amount of US dollars, i.e. USD1,000,000. When closing the position, the opposite trade is done, again USD1,000,000. The profit or loss will be apparent in the change of the amount of marks credited and debited for the two transactions. In other words, your profit or loss will be denominated in German marks, that are known as the price currency. As part of our service, Saxo Bank will automatically exchange your profits and losses into your base currency if you require this.
This way of trading is different to the futures markets, for example, where the marks, francs and yen are the fixed trade currency, resulting in a US dollar denominated profit or loss. You can, however, also choose to trade in this reciprocal manner in foreign exchange markets but it is not the norm.
Dealing Spread, but No Commissions
When trading foreign exchange, you are quoted a dealing spread offering you a buying and a selling level for your trade. Once you accept the offered price and receive confirmation from our dealers, the trade is done. There is no need to call an exchange floor. There are no other time-consuming delays. This feature is a great advantage in times of fast-moving markets: Where the market trades and you know whether you are filled or not.
The dealing spread is typically around five points in normal market conditions, e.g. USD/DEM 1.7780-85. This means that you can sell US dollars against the German mark at 1.7780 and buy at 1.7785. There are no further costs, no commissions or exchange fees.
This ensures that you can get in and out of your trades at very low slippage and many traders are therefore active intra-day traders, given that a typical day in USD/DEM presents price swings of 150-200 points.
The trade currency is normally, but not always, the currency with the highest value. When trading US dollars against German marks, the normal way to trade is buying or selling a fixed amount of US dollars, i.e. USD1,000,000. When closing the position, the opposite trade is done, again USD1,000,000. The profit or loss will be apparent in the change of the amount of marks credited and debited for the two transactions. In other words, your profit or loss will be denominated in German marks, that are known as the price currency. As part of our service, Saxo Bank will automatically exchange your profits and losses into your base currency if you require this.
This way of trading is different to the futures markets, for example, where the marks, francs and yen are the fixed trade currency, resulting in a US dollar denominated profit or loss. You can, however, also choose to trade in this reciprocal manner in foreign exchange markets but it is not the norm.
Dealing Spread, but No Commissions
When trading foreign exchange, you are quoted a dealing spread offering you a buying and a selling level for your trade. Once you accept the offered price and receive confirmation from our dealers, the trade is done. There is no need to call an exchange floor. There are no other time-consuming delays. This feature is a great advantage in times of fast-moving markets: Where the market trades and you know whether you are filled or not.
The dealing spread is typically around five points in normal market conditions, e.g. USD/DEM 1.7780-85. This means that you can sell US dollars against the German mark at 1.7780 and buy at 1.7785. There are no further costs, no commissions or exchange fees.
This ensures that you can get in and out of your trades at very low slippage and many traders are therefore active intra-day traders, given that a typical day in USD/DEM presents price swings of 150-200 points.
FX Trading Basics
The global foreign exchange market is the biggest market in the world. The 3.2 trillion USD daily turnover dwarfs the combined turnover of all the world’s stock and bond markets.
There are many reasons for the popularity of foreign exchange trading, but among the most important are the leverage available, the high liquidity 24 hours a day and the very low dealing costs associated with trading.
Of course many commercial organisations participate purely due to the currency exposures created by their import and export activities, but the main part of the turnover is accounted for by financial institutions. Investing in foreign exchange remains predominantly the domain of the big professional players in the market - funds, banks and brokers. Nevertheless, any investor with the necessary knowledge of the market’s functions can benefit from the advantages stated above.
In the following, we would like to introduce you to some of the basic concepts of foreign exchange trading. If you would like any further information, we suggest that you sign up for a FREE Membership on this website, where you will be able to exchange views with other FX traders and get answers to any questions you might have.
Margin Trading
Foreign exchange trading is normally undertaken on the basis of margin trading. A relatively small deposit is required to control much larger positions in the market. For trading the main currencies, Saxobank requires a 5 % margin deposit. This means that in order to trade one million dollars, you need to place just USD50,000 by way of security.
As a result, you will have obtained a gearing of up to twenty times. This means that a change of, say 2%, in the underlying value of your trade will result in a 40% profit or loss on your deposit. See below for specific examples. As you can see, this calls for a very disciplined approach to trading as both profit opportunities and potential risks are very large indeed. Please refer to our page Forex Rates & Conditions for current Spreads, Margins and Conditions!
There are many reasons for the popularity of foreign exchange trading, but among the most important are the leverage available, the high liquidity 24 hours a day and the very low dealing costs associated with trading.
Of course many commercial organisations participate purely due to the currency exposures created by their import and export activities, but the main part of the turnover is accounted for by financial institutions. Investing in foreign exchange remains predominantly the domain of the big professional players in the market - funds, banks and brokers. Nevertheless, any investor with the necessary knowledge of the market’s functions can benefit from the advantages stated above.
In the following, we would like to introduce you to some of the basic concepts of foreign exchange trading. If you would like any further information, we suggest that you sign up for a FREE Membership on this website, where you will be able to exchange views with other FX traders and get answers to any questions you might have.
Margin Trading
Foreign exchange trading is normally undertaken on the basis of margin trading. A relatively small deposit is required to control much larger positions in the market. For trading the main currencies, Saxobank requires a 5 % margin deposit. This means that in order to trade one million dollars, you need to place just USD50,000 by way of security.
As a result, you will have obtained a gearing of up to twenty times. This means that a change of, say 2%, in the underlying value of your trade will result in a 40% profit or loss on your deposit. See below for specific examples. As you can see, this calls for a very disciplined approach to trading as both profit opportunities and potential risks are very large indeed. Please refer to our page Forex Rates & Conditions for current Spreads, Margins and Conditions!
Forex Trading Example 1
Forex Trading Example 1
An investor has a margin deposit with Saxo Bank of USD 100,000.
The investor expects the US dollar to rise against the Swiss franc and therefore decides to buy USD 2,000,000 which is his maximum possible exposure.
The Saxo Bank dealer quotes him 1.5515-20. The investor buys USD at 1.5520.
Day 1: Buy USD 2,000,000 vs CHF 1.5520 = Sell CHF 3,104,000.
Four days later, the dollar has actually risen to CHF 1.5745 and the investor decides to take his profit.
Upon his request, the Saxo Bank dealer quotes him 1.5745-50. The investor sells at 1.5745.
Day 5: Sell USD 2,000,000 vs CHF 1.5745 = Buy CHF 3,149,000.
As the dollar side of the transaction involves a credit and a debit of USD 2,000,000, the investor’s USD account will show no change. The CHF account will show a debit of CHF 3,104,000 and a credit of CHF 3,149,000. Due to the short time horizon of the trade and the simplicity of the example, we have disregarded the interest rate swap that would marginally alter the profit calculation.
This results in a profit of CHF 45,000 = approx. USD 28,600 = 28.6% profit on the deposit of USD 100,000.
Forex Trading Example 2
The investor follows the cross rate between the Euro and the Japanese yen. He believes that this market is headed for a fall. As he is less confident of this trade, he does not fully use the leverage available on his deposit. He chooses to ask the dealer for a quote in EUR 1,000,000. This requires a margin of EUR 1,000,000 x 5% = EUR 50,000 = approx. USD 52,500 (EUR/USD 1.05).
The dealer quotes 112.05-10. The investor sells EUR at 112.05.
Day 1: Sell EUR 1,000,000 vs JPY 112.05 = Buy JPY 112,050,000.
He protects his position with a stop-loss order to buy back the euro at 112.60. Two days later, this stop is triggered as the euro strengthens short term in spite of the investor’s expectations.
Day 3: Buy EUR 1,000,000 vs JPY 112.60 = Sell JPY 112,600,000.
The EUR side involves a credit and a debit of EUR 1,000,000. Therefore, the EUR account shows no change. The JPY account is credited JPY112.05m and debited JPY112.6m for a loss of JPY 0.55m. Due to the the short time horizon of the trade and simplicity of the example, we have disregarded the interest rate swap that would marginally alter the loss calculation.
This results in a loss of JPY 0.55m = approx. USD 5,300 (USD/JPY 105) = 5.3% loss on the original deposit of USD 100,000.
The dealer quotes 112.05-10. The investor sells EUR at 112.05.
Day 1: Sell EUR 1,000,000 vs JPY 112.05 = Buy JPY 112,050,000.
He protects his position with a stop-loss order to buy back the euro at 112.60. Two days later, this stop is triggered as the euro strengthens short term in spite of the investor’s expectations.
Day 3: Buy EUR 1,000,000 vs JPY 112.60 = Sell JPY 112,600,000.
The EUR side involves a credit and a debit of EUR 1,000,000. Therefore, the EUR account shows no change. The JPY account is credited JPY112.05m and debited JPY112.6m for a loss of JPY 0.55m. Due to the the short time horizon of the trade and simplicity of the example, we have disregarded the interest rate swap that would marginally alter the loss calculation.
This results in a loss of JPY 0.55m = approx. USD 5,300 (USD/JPY 105) = 5.3% loss on the original deposit of USD 100,000.
Forex Trading Example 3
The investor believes the Canadian dollar will strengthen against the US dollar. It is a long term view, so he takes a small position to allow for wider swings in the rate:
He asks Saxo Bank for a quote in USD 1,000,000 against the Canadian dollar. The dealer quotes 1.5390-95 and the investors sells USD at 1.5390. Selling USD is the equivalent of buying the Canadian dollar.
Day 1: Sell USD 1,000,000 vs CAD 1.5390. He swaps the position out for two months receiving a forward rate of CAD1.5357 = Buy CAD 1,535,700 for Day 61 due to the interest rate differential.
After a month, the desired move has occurred. The investor buys back the US dollars at 1.4880. He has to swap the position forward for a month to match the original sale. The forward rate is agreed at 1.4865.
Day 31: Buy USD 1,000,000 vs CAD 1.4865 = Sell CAD 1,486,500 for Day 61.
Day 61: The two trades are settled and the trades go off the books. The profit secured on Day 31 can be used for margin purposes before Day 61.
The USD account receives a credit and debit of USD 1,000,000 and shows no change on the account. The CAD account is credited CAD 1,535,700 and debited CAD 1,486,500 for a profit of CAD 49,200 = approx. USD 33,100 = profit of 33.1% on the original deposit of USD 100,000.
He asks Saxo Bank for a quote in USD 1,000,000 against the Canadian dollar. The dealer quotes 1.5390-95 and the investors sells USD at 1.5390. Selling USD is the equivalent of buying the Canadian dollar.
Day 1: Sell USD 1,000,000 vs CAD 1.5390. He swaps the position out for two months receiving a forward rate of CAD1.5357 = Buy CAD 1,535,700 for Day 61 due to the interest rate differential.
After a month, the desired move has occurred. The investor buys back the US dollars at 1.4880. He has to swap the position forward for a month to match the original sale. The forward rate is agreed at 1.4865.
Day 31: Buy USD 1,000,000 vs CAD 1.4865 = Sell CAD 1,486,500 for Day 61.
Day 61: The two trades are settled and the trades go off the books. The profit secured on Day 31 can be used for margin purposes before Day 61.
The USD account receives a credit and debit of USD 1,000,000 and shows no change on the account. The CAD account is credited CAD 1,535,700 and debited CAD 1,486,500 for a profit of CAD 49,200 = approx. USD 33,100 = profit of 33.1% on the original deposit of USD 100,000.
Trade Balance
The trade balance is a measure of the difference between imports and exports of tangible goods and services. The level of the trade balance and changes in exports and imports are widely followed by foreign exchange markets.
The trade balance is a major indicator of foreign exchange trends. Seen in isolation, measures of imports and exports are important indicators of overall economic activity in the economy.
It is often of interest to examine the trend growth rates for exports and imports separately. Trends in export activities reflect the competitive position of the country in question, but also the strength of economic activity abroad. Trends in import activity reflect the strength of domestic economic activity. Typically, a nation that runs a substantial trade balance deficit has a weak currency due to the continued commercial selling of the currency. This can, however, be offset by financial investment flows for extended periods of time.
Gross Domestic Product
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the broadest measure of aggregate economic activity available. Reported quarterly, GDP growth is widely followed as the primary indicator of the strength of economic activity.
GDP represents the total value of a country's production during the period and consists of the purchases of domestically produced goods and services by individuals, businesses, foreigners and the government.
As GDP reports are often subject to substantial quarter-to-quarter volatility and revisions, it is preferable to follow the indicator on a year-to-year basis. It can be valuable to follow the trend rate of growth in each of the major categories of GDP to determine the strengths and weaknesses in the economy.
A high GDP figure is often associated with the expectations of higher interest rates, which is frequently positive, at least in the short term, for the currency involved, unless expectations of increased inflation pressure is concurrently undermining confidence in the currency.
Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average level of prices of a fixed basket of goods and services purchased by consumers. The monthly reported changes in CPI are widely followed as an inflation indicator.
The CPI is a primary inflation indicator because consumer spending accounts for nearly two-thirds of economic activity. Often, the CPI is followed but excludes the price of food and energy as these items are generally much more volatile than the rest of the CPI and can obscure the more important underlying trend.
Rising consumer price inflation is normally associated with the expectation of higher short term interest rates and may therefore be supportive for a currency in the short term. Nevertheless, a longer term inflation problem will eventually undermine confidence in the currency and weakness will follow.
Producer Price Index
The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a measure of the average level of prices of a fixed basket of goods received in primary markets by producers. The monthly PPI reports are widely followed as an indication of commodity inflation.
The PPI is considered important because it accounts for price changes throughout the manufacturing sector.
The PPI is often followed but excludes the food and energy components as these items are normally much more volatile than the rest of the PPI and can therefore obscure the more important underlying trend.
Studying the PPI allows consideration of inflationary pressures that may be accumulating or receding, but have not yet filtered through to the finished goods prices.
A rising PPI is normally expected to lead to higher consumer price inflation and thereby to potentially higher short-term interest rates. Higher rates will often have a short term positive impact on a currency, although significant inflationary pressure will often lead to an undermining of the confidence in the currency involved
The trade balance is a major indicator of foreign exchange trends. Seen in isolation, measures of imports and exports are important indicators of overall economic activity in the economy.
It is often of interest to examine the trend growth rates for exports and imports separately. Trends in export activities reflect the competitive position of the country in question, but also the strength of economic activity abroad. Trends in import activity reflect the strength of domestic economic activity. Typically, a nation that runs a substantial trade balance deficit has a weak currency due to the continued commercial selling of the currency. This can, however, be offset by financial investment flows for extended periods of time.
Gross Domestic Product
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the broadest measure of aggregate economic activity available. Reported quarterly, GDP growth is widely followed as the primary indicator of the strength of economic activity.
GDP represents the total value of a country's production during the period and consists of the purchases of domestically produced goods and services by individuals, businesses, foreigners and the government.
As GDP reports are often subject to substantial quarter-to-quarter volatility and revisions, it is preferable to follow the indicator on a year-to-year basis. It can be valuable to follow the trend rate of growth in each of the major categories of GDP to determine the strengths and weaknesses in the economy.
A high GDP figure is often associated with the expectations of higher interest rates, which is frequently positive, at least in the short term, for the currency involved, unless expectations of increased inflation pressure is concurrently undermining confidence in the currency.
Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average level of prices of a fixed basket of goods and services purchased by consumers. The monthly reported changes in CPI are widely followed as an inflation indicator.
The CPI is a primary inflation indicator because consumer spending accounts for nearly two-thirds of economic activity. Often, the CPI is followed but excludes the price of food and energy as these items are generally much more volatile than the rest of the CPI and can obscure the more important underlying trend.
Rising consumer price inflation is normally associated with the expectation of higher short term interest rates and may therefore be supportive for a currency in the short term. Nevertheless, a longer term inflation problem will eventually undermine confidence in the currency and weakness will follow.
Producer Price Index
The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a measure of the average level of prices of a fixed basket of goods received in primary markets by producers. The monthly PPI reports are widely followed as an indication of commodity inflation.
The PPI is considered important because it accounts for price changes throughout the manufacturing sector.
The PPI is often followed but excludes the food and energy components as these items are normally much more volatile than the rest of the PPI and can therefore obscure the more important underlying trend.
Studying the PPI allows consideration of inflationary pressures that may be accumulating or receding, but have not yet filtered through to the finished goods prices.
A rising PPI is normally expected to lead to higher consumer price inflation and thereby to potentially higher short-term interest rates. Higher rates will often have a short term positive impact on a currency, although significant inflationary pressure will often lead to an undermining of the confidence in the currency involved
Producer Price Index
The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a measure of the average level of prices of a fixed basket of goods received in primary markets by producers. The monthly PPI reports are widely followed as an indication of commodity inflation.
The PPI is considered important because it accounts for price changes throughout the manufacturing sector.
The PPI is often followed but excludes the food and energy components as these items are normally much more volatile than the rest of the PPI and can therefore obscure the more important underlying trend.
Studying the PPI allows consideration of inflationary pressures that may be accumulating or receding, but have not yet filtered through to the finished goods prices.
A rising PPI is normally expected to lead to higher consumer price inflation and thereby to potentially higher short-term interest rates. Higher rates will often have a short term positive impact on a currency, although significant inflationary pressure will often lead to an undermining of the confidence in the currency involved.
The PPI is considered important because it accounts for price changes throughout the manufacturing sector.
The PPI is often followed but excludes the food and energy components as these items are normally much more volatile than the rest of the PPI and can therefore obscure the more important underlying trend.
Studying the PPI allows consideration of inflationary pressures that may be accumulating or receding, but have not yet filtered through to the finished goods prices.
A rising PPI is normally expected to lead to higher consumer price inflation and thereby to potentially higher short-term interest rates. Higher rates will often have a short term positive impact on a currency, although significant inflationary pressure will often lead to an undermining of the confidence in the currency involved.
Payroll Employment
Payroll employment is a measure of the number of people being paid as employees by non-farm business establishments and units of government. Monthly changes in payroll employment reflect the net number of new jobs created or lost during the month and changes are widely followed as an important indicator of economic activity.Payroll employment is one of the primary monthly indicators of aggregate economic activity because it encompasses every major sector of the economy. It is also useful to examine trends in job creation in several industry categories because the aggregate data can mask significant deviations in underlying industry trends.
Large increases in payroll employment are seen as signs of strong economic activity that could eventually lead to higher interest rates that are supportive of the currency at least in the short term. If, however, inflationary pressures are seen as building, this may undermine the longer term confidence in the currency.
Large increases in payroll employment are seen as signs of strong economic activity that could eventually lead to higher interest rates that are supportive of the currency at least in the short term. If, however, inflationary pressures are seen as building, this may undermine the longer term confidence in the currency.
Durable Goods Orders
Durable Goods Orders are a measure of the new orders placed with domestic manufacturers for immediate and future delivery of factory hard goods. Monthly percent changes reflect the rate of change of such orders.
Levels of, and changes in, durable goods order are widely followed as an indicator of factory sector momentum.Durable Goods Orders are a major indicator of manufacturing sector trends because most industrial production is done to order. Often, the indicator is followed but excludes Defence and Transportation orders because these are generally much more volatile than the rest of the orders and can obscure the more important underlying trend.
Durable Goods Orders are measured in nominal terms and therefore include the effects of inflation. Therefore the Durable Goods Orders should be compared to the trend growth rate in PPI to arrive at the real, inflation-adjusted Durable Goods Orders.
Rising Durable Goods Orders are normally associated with stronger economic activity and can therefore lead to higher short-term interest rates that are often supportive to a currency at least in the short term.
Levels of, and changes in, durable goods order are widely followed as an indicator of factory sector momentum.Durable Goods Orders are a major indicator of manufacturing sector trends because most industrial production is done to order. Often, the indicator is followed but excludes Defence and Transportation orders because these are generally much more volatile than the rest of the orders and can obscure the more important underlying trend.
Durable Goods Orders are measured in nominal terms and therefore include the effects of inflation. Therefore the Durable Goods Orders should be compared to the trend growth rate in PPI to arrive at the real, inflation-adjusted Durable Goods Orders.
Rising Durable Goods Orders are normally associated with stronger economic activity and can therefore lead to higher short-term interest rates that are often supportive to a currency at least in the short term.
Retail Sales
Retail Sales are a measure of the total receipts of retail stores. Monthly percentage changes reflect the rate of change of such sales and are widely followed as an indicator of consumer spending.
Retails Sales are a major indicator of consumer spending because they account for nearly one-half of total consumer spending and approximately one-third of aggregate economic activity.
Often, Retail Sales are followed less auto sales because these are generally much more volatile than the rest of the Retail Sales and can therefore obscure the more important underlying trend.
Retail Sales are measured in nominal terms and therefore include the effects of inflation. Rising Retail Sales are often associated with a strong economy and therefore an expectation of higher short-term interest rates that are often supportive to a currency at least in the short term.
Housing Starts
Housing Starts are a measure of the number of residential units on which construction is begun each month and the level of housing starts is widely followed as an indicator of residential construction activity.
The indicator is followed to assess the commitment of builders to new construction activity. High construction activity is usually associated with increased economic activity and confidence, and is therefore considered a harbinger of higher short-term interest rates that can be supportive of the involved currency at least in the short term.
Retails Sales are a major indicator of consumer spending because they account for nearly one-half of total consumer spending and approximately one-third of aggregate economic activity.
Often, Retail Sales are followed less auto sales because these are generally much more volatile than the rest of the Retail Sales and can therefore obscure the more important underlying trend.
Retail Sales are measured in nominal terms and therefore include the effects of inflation. Rising Retail Sales are often associated with a strong economy and therefore an expectation of higher short-term interest rates that are often supportive to a currency at least in the short term.
Housing Starts
Housing Starts are a measure of the number of residential units on which construction is begun each month and the level of housing starts is widely followed as an indicator of residential construction activity.
The indicator is followed to assess the commitment of builders to new construction activity. High construction activity is usually associated with increased economic activity and confidence, and is therefore considered a harbinger of higher short-term interest rates that can be supportive of the involved currency at least in the short term.
External Forex Education
Wallwood Consultants Ltd.
Forex Trading recommendations 24 hours a day by pager and email Forex training as well as seminars showing you how the Interbank market really works.
An experienced team to show you the way forward in Forex.
Free trial and software.
Regulated by the SFA
http://www.wallwood.com/
Forex Trading recommendations 24 hours a day by pager and email Forex training as well as seminars showing you how the Interbank market really works.
An experienced team to show you the way forward in Forex.
Free trial and software.
Regulated by the SFA
http://www.wallwood.com/
Individual Trading
Saxo Bank has always offered a high quality and internationally competitive service. The benchmark of it's service is efficient execution, concise analysis experience and expertise - all achieved whilst maintaining an attractive and competitive cost structure.
Today, Saxo Bank offers one of Europe's premier all-round services for trading in derivative products and foreign exchange. We count amongst our employees numerous dealers and analysts, each of whom has many years experience and a wide and varied knowledge of the markets - gained both in our home countries and in the international financial centres.When trading foreign exchange, futures and other derivative products we offer a 24-hour service, extensive daily analysis, individual access to our research & analysis department for specific queries, and immediate execution of trades through our international network of banks and brokers. All at a price considerably lower than that which most companies and private investors normally have access to.The combination of our strong emphasis on customer service, our strategy and trading recommendations, our strategic and individual hedging programmes, along with the availability to our clients of the latest news and information builds a strong case for trading an individual account through Saxobank.
Terms of trading are agreed individually depending on the volume of your transactions, but are generally much lower in cost when compared to banks and brokers. You are normally expected to deposit a cash margin but in special circumstances government securities, bank guarantees etc. may be acceptable.Large corporate or institutional clients may be offered trading facilities on the strength of their balance sheet.The minimum deposit accepted for an individual trading account is USD10,000. Trade confirmations are forwarded for each transaction while further account information can be produced in accordance with your specific requirements.
Today, Saxo Bank offers one of Europe's premier all-round services for trading in derivative products and foreign exchange. We count amongst our employees numerous dealers and analysts, each of whom has many years experience and a wide and varied knowledge of the markets - gained both in our home countries and in the international financial centres.When trading foreign exchange, futures and other derivative products we offer a 24-hour service, extensive daily analysis, individual access to our research & analysis department for specific queries, and immediate execution of trades through our international network of banks and brokers. All at a price considerably lower than that which most companies and private investors normally have access to.The combination of our strong emphasis on customer service, our strategy and trading recommendations, our strategic and individual hedging programmes, along with the availability to our clients of the latest news and information builds a strong case for trading an individual account through Saxobank.
Terms of trading are agreed individually depending on the volume of your transactions, but are generally much lower in cost when compared to banks and brokers. You are normally expected to deposit a cash margin but in special circumstances government securities, bank guarantees etc. may be acceptable.Large corporate or institutional clients may be offered trading facilities on the strength of their balance sheet.The minimum deposit accepted for an individual trading account is USD10,000. Trade confirmations are forwarded for each transaction while further account information can be produced in accordance with your specific requirements.
profit loss hedge
Another potential advantage of a hedging strategy is this: in the course of the option’s life, you may reassess your view of the market and wish to actually close the short spot position (even at a loss) in the expectation that the market is going the other way. In this scenario, you close the short position but keep the option, hoping that it will come in the money before expiration. For example, let’s say that after a few days, the spot price for EURJPY rises to 105.50 from the entry level of 105.00, and you have changed your mind about the direction of the market. Since you believe the rate will continue to rise, you close your spot position for a loss, but hang on to your option until the expiration. At any level above the break-even point of 106.3 you will begin to make a profit. And again, the option itself might be resold before expiration.
As shown, options offer you many ways of trading in the market and reducing your risks as well. To see how this is done on the Client Station, please proceed to our Forex Quick Start, found in the main toolbar under Trading. Then choose Forex and then the Forex Quick Start.
Glossary
For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.
As shown, options offer you many ways of trading in the market and reducing your risks as well. To see how this is done on the Client Station, please proceed to our Forex Quick Start, found in the main toolbar under Trading. Then choose Forex and then the Forex Quick Start.
Glossary
For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.
A Brief History Of Foreign Exchange Trading
Initially, the value of goods was expressed in terms of other goods, i.e. an economy based on barter between individual market participants. The obvious limitations of such a system encouraged establishing more generally accepted means of exchange at a fairly early stage in history, to set a common benchmark of value. In different economies, everything from teeth to feathers to pretty stones has served this purpose, but soon metals, in particular gold and silver, established themselves as an accepted means of payment as well as a reliable storage of value.
Originally, coins were simply minted from the preferred metal, but in stable political regimes the introduction of a paper form of governmental IOUs gained acceptance during the Middle Ages. Such IOUs, often introduced more successfully through force than persuasion were the basis of modern currencies.
Before the First World War, most central banks supported their currencies with convertibility to gold. Although paper money could always be exchanged for gold, in reality this did not occur often, fostering the sometimes disastrous notion that there was not necessarily a need for full cover in the central reserves of the government.
At times, the ballooning supply of paper money without gold cover led to devastating inflation and resulting political instability. To protect local national interests, foreign exchange controls were increasingly introduced to prevent market forces from punishing monetary irresponsibility.
In the latter stages of the Second World War, the Bretton Woods agreement was reached on the initiative of the USA in July 1944. The Bretton Woods Conference rejected John Maynard Keynes suggestion for a new world reserve currency in favour of a system built on the US dollar. Other international institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank and GATT were created in the same period as the emerging victors of WW2 searched for a way to avoid the destabilising monetary crises which led to the war. The Bretton Woods agreement resulted in a system of fixed exchange rates that partly reinstated the gold standard, fixing the US dollar at USD35/oz and fixing the other main currencies to the dollar - and was intended to be permanent.
The Bretton Woods system came under increasing pressure as national economies moved in different directions during the sixties. A number of realignments kept the system alive for a long time, but eventually Bretton Woods collapsed in the early seventies following president Nixon's suspension of the gold convertibility in August 1971. The dollar was no longer suitable as the sole international currency at a time when it was under severe pressure from increasing US budget and trade deficits.
The following decades have seen foreign exchange trading develop into the largest global market by far. Restrictions on capital flows have been removed in most countries, leaving the market forces free to adjust foreign exchange rates according to their perceived values.
But the idea of fixed exchange rates has by no means died. The EEC introduced a new system of fixed exchange rates in 1979, the European Monetary System. This attempt to fix exchange rates met with near extinction in 1992-93, when pent-up economic pressures forced devaluations of a number of weak European currencies. Nevertheless, the quest for currency stability has continued in Europe with the renewed attempt to not only fix currencies but actually replace many of them with the Euro back in 2001.
This project is fairly advanced now and the final structure and fixed levels were decided in May 1998. After this a dangerous three-year period loomed, where devaluation candidates could be attacked nearly without risk until the final introduction of the Euro in this Millennium.
The lack of sustainability in fixed foreign exchange rates gained new relevance with the events in South East Asia in the latter part of 1997, where currency after currency was devalued against the US dollar, leaving other fixed exchange rates, in particular in South America, looking very vulnerable.
But while commercial companies have had to face a much more volatile currency environment in recent years, investors and financial institutions have found a new playground. The size of foreign exchange markets now dwarfs any other investment market by a large factor. It is estimated that more than USD1,200 billion is traded every day, far more than the world's stock and bond markets combined.
Originally, coins were simply minted from the preferred metal, but in stable political regimes the introduction of a paper form of governmental IOUs gained acceptance during the Middle Ages. Such IOUs, often introduced more successfully through force than persuasion were the basis of modern currencies.
Before the First World War, most central banks supported their currencies with convertibility to gold. Although paper money could always be exchanged for gold, in reality this did not occur often, fostering the sometimes disastrous notion that there was not necessarily a need for full cover in the central reserves of the government.
At times, the ballooning supply of paper money without gold cover led to devastating inflation and resulting political instability. To protect local national interests, foreign exchange controls were increasingly introduced to prevent market forces from punishing monetary irresponsibility.
In the latter stages of the Second World War, the Bretton Woods agreement was reached on the initiative of the USA in July 1944. The Bretton Woods Conference rejected John Maynard Keynes suggestion for a new world reserve currency in favour of a system built on the US dollar. Other international institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank and GATT were created in the same period as the emerging victors of WW2 searched for a way to avoid the destabilising monetary crises which led to the war. The Bretton Woods agreement resulted in a system of fixed exchange rates that partly reinstated the gold standard, fixing the US dollar at USD35/oz and fixing the other main currencies to the dollar - and was intended to be permanent.
The Bretton Woods system came under increasing pressure as national economies moved in different directions during the sixties. A number of realignments kept the system alive for a long time, but eventually Bretton Woods collapsed in the early seventies following president Nixon's suspension of the gold convertibility in August 1971. The dollar was no longer suitable as the sole international currency at a time when it was under severe pressure from increasing US budget and trade deficits.
The following decades have seen foreign exchange trading develop into the largest global market by far. Restrictions on capital flows have been removed in most countries, leaving the market forces free to adjust foreign exchange rates according to their perceived values.
But the idea of fixed exchange rates has by no means died. The EEC introduced a new system of fixed exchange rates in 1979, the European Monetary System. This attempt to fix exchange rates met with near extinction in 1992-93, when pent-up economic pressures forced devaluations of a number of weak European currencies. Nevertheless, the quest for currency stability has continued in Europe with the renewed attempt to not only fix currencies but actually replace many of them with the Euro back in 2001.
This project is fairly advanced now and the final structure and fixed levels were decided in May 1998. After this a dangerous three-year period loomed, where devaluation candidates could be attacked nearly without risk until the final introduction of the Euro in this Millennium.
The lack of sustainability in fixed foreign exchange rates gained new relevance with the events in South East Asia in the latter part of 1997, where currency after currency was devalued against the US dollar, leaving other fixed exchange rates, in particular in South America, looking very vulnerable.
But while commercial companies have had to face a much more volatile currency environment in recent years, investors and financial institutions have found a new playground. The size of foreign exchange markets now dwarfs any other investment market by a large factor. It is estimated that more than USD1,200 billion is traded every day, far more than the world's stock and bond markets combined.
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