Facts about Scalping in Forex

Facts about Scalping in Forex

The only way to make small account big in a short period of time is through the use of really high leverage. But wait ... do not jump of the cliff right away. Start with reasonable leverage for scalping, for example 20:1 or at most 50:1, then move on as you see scalping skills improve. But even before that do not be lazy to demo trade your scalping system – make sure it will not disappoint you later ...

The only way to trade with high leverage without risking blowing up an entire account in only 10-15 trades is by trading with a tight stop loss. Trading without stop loss will “kill” your investment in no time.

It is wise to decide on the size of the trading lot and exposed risk in advance. Do a simple math : calculate the worst possible situation, e.g. : 10 consecutive losses in a row ; then see if your account will survive and if there be something left to move on. And, although 10 losses in a row is a very unlikely scenario, you cannot deny it ...

Although Forex is active 24/7, not every hour is suitable for scalping.
No scalper wants to sit in front of the monitor for numerous hours bored and disappointed with the “sleeping” price as it literally moves nowhere. Scalpers hunt for volatile, liquid market. There are 4 major market sessions : London, New York, Sydney and Tokyo session. To trade effectively scalper needs to learn behavior of a chosen currency pair and define most active sessions, even particular hours for this pair to be able to catch good price moves.

Another thing to keep in mind is spread which brokers charge for different currencies. The higher the spread the harder it will be to collect desired pips ( because once trading position is opened, trader must cover spread cost – earn pips for broker first – and only then collect own pips ). And, of course, the lower the spread the easier/faster it is to accumulate pips.

Another factor to consider is an average daily range of the price for chosen currency. The wider it is the more realistic is an opportunity to profit from price moves. One of the scalpers’ favorite currency pair is EUR/USD with its low spread and good daily price range.

While using high leverage combined with high frequency trading, scalpers should be very cautious about the cost of actual trading, as each pip here makes a dramatic difference after a large number of trades.

This means being very careful with entries and exits, stops and limit orders, and also be very realistic about profit targets.

Once in the trade, scalpers should manage trading risks by :
1 ) moving stops to break-even as soon as situation permits ;
2 ) taking profits at a logical levels : at round market price numbers : 00, 10, 20, 50 etc ..., at previous support/resistance levels, at Fibonacci levels etc ...
3 ) getting out of the trade if the price freezes for longer time than expected.

Scalp-trading is very demanding and requires a lot of concentration, constant monitoring of the price and very quick decision making. Also, short time frames used in scalping strategies, require a good grasp of trading complemented with sound technical analysis skills. It is not a place where beginners feel very comfortable as it demands from traders a good chunk of experience.

Scalping involves substantial risks

A lot of beginners have common problem when trading highly leveraged accounts – they tend to maximize profits by trading with full capital at once. Do not do that ! Maximizing chances for higher profits goes hand in hand with maximizing risks ! The size of positions opened must be calculated very accurately so that your entire account will not be wiped out with just one( ! ) very unfortunate trade.

Another factor that increases risks for scalpers is the spread traders pay when open a trade. Each time a new trade is open, the spread cost is paid to the broker, thus opening 10 small trades instead of 1 long term trade increases the cost of trading in 10 times. If to measure risk/reward ratio of such scalping activity it may show very risky and potentially losing trading.

Example :

With GBP/USD currency pair a scalper sets profit target of 10 pips and stop loss of 10 pips. So far it is 1:1 risk/reward ratio. In the next step, when the spread is added, the picture changes.

For example, the spread his broker charges for GBP/USD is 4 pips. When scalper opens a position he is -4 pips ( the spread has been charged ). Now in order for him to reach the target of 10 pips profit, the price has to move +4 and +10 pips = 14 pips.

On the other hand, in order to trigger his stop loss the price should move ... -4 is already in place ... so, only -6 pips and he will be stopped at total of -10 pips ... the risk-reward ratio has changed in over 2:1, not very promising situation indeed ...

To understand the full challenge of scalping as a trading style, consider this : hard work and small gains accumulated over a decent period of time could easily be wiped out with one large loss. Finding a balance between profit levels and size of acceptable losses presents the most difficult challenge to scalper’s strategy.

Best of luck in achieving your goals !

Good Luck !
To Your Success

Wingcent Ning
Success-Biz Marketing
wingcent@gmail.com
http://mysignatureforex.blogspot.com
Singapore

How to Profit Trading Forex

How to Profit Trading Forex

Basic yet important things every trader should know.

If you hear from anyone that making money in Forex is easy, do not believe it. It is a myth. The truth is – being profitable in Forex requires a lot of work, dedication, practice, more than a good discipline, sharp knowledge of money management and understanding of the psychology of the currency market. Not so little and therefore not so easy ...

Trading Forex was never about gambling

Trading is not a gambling by guessing where the price will move, although there are many traders ( mostly beginners ) that are exactly gambling ... Trading currencies on the Forex market requires logical and analytical calculations based either on fundamental or technical analysis of price moves.

Making money in Forex requires a set of rules

Making money starts with a plan to make money. Such plan is of enormous importance when it comes to trading foreign currencies. But, besides creating a plan, a trader needs constantly follow it. How often trader brake his rules will affect how much money he will make trading Forex.

Sounds simple : create and follow ... However, there is a real challenge when trader follows the rules but rules fail to make money ... it happens inevitably for every trading system known. If system had proven to be successful, sticking to the trading plan and firmly following the rules even when losing money will eventually yield profitable outcome. Having strong trading discipline and taking losses when necessary is a sign of serious trading approach.

Succeeding in Forex by using money management

To profit in Forex sticking to a set of rules is not enough. Good money management is also needed. Knowledge of how much to trade per each open position and where and when to stop – is what separates successful trader from bankrupt trader. Many beginner traders over-leverage themselves being attracted by big and promising leverages offered by Forex brokers. The truth is that a big leverage is not only about a big win, but also when it comes to be so – a big loss. Leverage higher than 1:20 will not attract serious investors.

Know your losses, before counting profits

Opening a new trading position must be first of all about how much money may be lost and then what would be the profits. Good money management implies that trader is expecting to win at least twice as much as he could lose on each trade. This way being right only 50% of the time will still make trading profitable. Using good money management in Forex trading is hundred times more important than having any great trading system itself.

Forex traders' mind

And last but not least is trader’s psychology. Going in profit or losing money always create psychological challenge for trader to act responsively. Not being greedy and also cutting losses short is the key to this game.

Trading Forex, you need to accept losses. They are inevitable and occur in any money involving operations. Therefore, instead of battling losses trader needs to accurately analyze unfavorable situations and take lessons from losing trades.

Every experienced trader would also suggest – there must be no attempts for revenge when losing money. Trying to return your money at any cost will put a trader in deeper troubles. Instead, the trader should return to trading rules and honestly analyze own mistakes, accept that the market was not in his favor and try to improve the trading plan for future success.

Successful traders are learners, what about you ?

And finally, even successful traders are constant learners. Up-to-date knowledge about Forex market opportunities is what also makes them continuously profitable in their trading career.

Happy learning and trading !

Good Luck !
To Your Success

Wingcent Ning
Success-Biz Marketing
wingcent@gmail.com
http://mysignatureforex.blogspot.com
Singapore

22 Forex Trading Tips

22 Forex Trading Tips

Dear Traders, take a look on those important tips given to you.
Read on ...

Tip #1 : No Gamblers
Gamblers go to casino. All unproved, spontaneous actions in Forex trading — are a part of pure gambling. Any attempt to trade without analysis and studying the market is equal to a game. Game is fun except when you are losing real money ...

Tip #2 : Practice on Forex Demo Account
Never invest money into a real Forex account until you practice on a Forex Demo account ! Allow at least 2 month for demo trading. Consider this : 90% of beginners fail to succeed in the real money market only because of lack of knowledge, practice and discipline. Those remaining 10% of successful traders had been sharpening and shaping their skills on demo accounts for years before entering the real market. So, starts practicing on your Forex Demo account first.

Tip #3 : Go with the Trend
Go with the trend ! Trend is your friend. Trade with the trend to maximize your chances to succeed. Trading against the trend won't "kill" a trader, but will definitely require more attention, nerves and sharp skills to rich trading goals.

Tip #4 : Looking at Time Frame
Always take a look at the time frame bigger than the one you've chosen to trade in. It gives the bigger picture of market price movements and so helps to clearly define the trend. For example, when trading in 15 minute time frame, take a look at 1 hour chart ; trading hourly would require obtaining a picture of daily, weekly price movements.

If a trend is hard to spot — choose a bigger time frame. Up and down market patterns are always present. Always make sure you know the dominant trend, unless you are a scalper. Scalpers have no need to spend their time studying big trends, what's happening in the market here and now ( during 5-10 minute time frame ) should be of only importance to a Forex scalper.

Tip #5 : Never Risk
Never risk more than 2-3% of the total trading account. One important difference between a successful and an unsuccessful trader is that the first is able to survive under unfavorable conditions on the market, while an unsuccessful trader will blow up his account after 5-10 unprofitable trades in the row.

Even with the same trading system 2 traders can get opposite results in the long run. The difference will be again in money management approach. To introduce you to money management, let's get one fact : losing 50% of total account requires making 100% return from the rest of money just to restore the original balance.

Tip #6 : Trade Calm
Put emotions down. Trade calm. Don't try to revenge after losing the trade. Don't be greedy by adding lots of positions when winning. Overreaction blocks clear thinking and as a result will cost you money. Overtrading can shake your money management and dramatically increase trading risks.

Tip #7 : Choosing the Time Frame
Choose the time frame that is right for you. Choosing wise means that you are comfortable and have time enough to analyze the market, place and close orders etc ... Some people can't wait for hours for the price to make a move, they like action and therefore prefer smaller time frames. On the contrary, for others 10-15 minutes is a hustle to be able to make the right decision.

Tip #8 : Stay Out
Not trading or standing aside is a position. When in doubt — stay out. If it is not clear where the market will move — don't trade. In this case saving present capital is and absolutely better choice than risking and losing money.

Tip #9 : Use Protective Steps
Learn to use protective stops. Respect them and don't move. Hoping that market will turn in your direction is a very delusive hope. By moving a stop loss further a trader increases his chances to end up with much bigger loss.

When holding to a losing trade too long, and even if funds permit, traders as a rule are very reluctant to accept big losses, thus often continue "hoping for best". In the mean time invested money is stuck in the open trade for unknown period of time ( weeks and even months ) and cannot be used for opening new positions. Not working money — dead money. Also this will result in constant interest payments for holding open positions.

Tip #10 : Keep it Simple
"Keep it simple, stupid" — applies to indicators, signals and trading strategies. Too much information will create a controversial picture of where to trade and when not to. To avoid lots of confusion create a simple but working method of trading Forex.

Tip #11 : Risk Ratio
Think about risk/reward ratio before entering each trade. How much money can you lose in this trade ? How much can you gain ? Now, make a decision if the trade is worth entering. Example : if trader is looking for possible 35 pips gain and possible 25 pips of loss, such conditions are not worth trading. Compare it with the situation when a trader has 100-120 pips of potential gain and only 10-20 pips of possible loss. This is the trade to open !

Tip #12 : Proven Trade
Never add positions to a losing trade. Do add positions when the trade has proven to be profitable. Don't allow a couple of losing trades in a row become a snowball of losing trades. When it is obviously not a good day, turn the monitor off. Often not trading for one day can help to break a chain of consecutive losses. Trying to get revenge can often make things worse.

Tip #13 : Let Profits Run
Let your profits run. Let your position be open for as long as the market wishes to reward you. Of course, for this traders need a good exit strategy, otherwise they risk to give all profits back ... Running two or more open trades gives an option to close some positions earlier and keep others running for higher profits.

Tip #14 : Cut Losses
Cut your losses short. It's better to finish unprofitable trade quickly than wait for the situation to get worse. Don't put a stop loss too far — it's your money you risk. Better calculate the best spot to enter when a potential loss would be minimized. Again : respect your stop and don't move it "cherishing hopes".

Tip #15 : Overlapping Market Hours
Trade currency pairs in respect to their active market hours. Learn about overlapping market hours : when two markets are open and highest volume of trades is conducted. For example, Australian and Japanese trading sessions are overlapped from 8pm to 1 am EST. At that time trader can successfully trade AUD/JPY currency pair.

Tip #16 : Choosing Right Day
Choose the right day to trade. This recomendation is often wrongly taken as an optional thing, because everyone knows that Forex market is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Yet, choosing the time to trade can make a difference between successful and hopeless trading.

It's proved and highly recommended not to trade on Mondays, when the market has recently awaken and is making first "probation steps" to form a new or confirm a current trend ; and on Fridays afternoon, during the huge volume of closing trades. The best days to trade are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Tip #17 : Fibonacci Levels
Learn about Fibonacci levels and how to use them for trading. Fibonacci can be very helpful in trading, even partially using the study, for example, to determine the best exit, can bring traders to a new edge of trading.

Tip #18 : Signaling Bar
Always ensure that a signaling bar/candle on the chart is fully formed and closed before you enter a trade. A golden rule of trading : "Always trade what you see, not what you would like to see" is the best explanation here.

Tip #19 : Live Trading Signals
If you ask for someone else's advice as about how and when to trade, in other words, choose to rely on live trading signals from other traders, make sure you do it for your benefit, not for disaster. If you use such signals to discover how other traders do analysis and study on the price — you are on the right track and soon you'll be able to do analysis yourself. But if you're just blindly following recommendations and your only task is to push the correct button ... think again.

Tip #20 : Leveraged Account
Using a highly leveraged account comes at a cost. It will, of course, give a trader more financial gear to trade, and also trader's broker will be happy as it will mean higher spread income for him. On the other side a trader signs up for additional risks that multiply with higher leverage in a "friendly tight" proportion.

Tip #21 : Measure Trading Success
Learn to measure trading success by the end of the day, week and then month and year. Do not judge about your trading success on a single trade. To be successful traders don't need to win every trade, they also don't become rich in one trade — they need to be profitable in a long run.

Tip #22 : No Secret Approach
There is no such thing as a secret approach to understanding the market. Take the time to develop a solid trading system and find out that the secret to trading success lies in hard work and constant learning.

Good Luck !
To Your Success

Wingcent Ning
Success-Biz Marketing
wingcent@gmail.com
http://mysignatureforex.blogspot.com
Singapore