Forex trading revolves around currency trading.
The value of the currency can rise and fall as a result of different factors that include economics and geopolitics. The changes in the currency value are what factor in the profits for Forex traders and this is the main objective of getting into the trades. The trading strategies are sets of analysis used by the traders to determine whether they should sell or buy currency pairs at a given period of time.
These strategies can be technical analysis charting tools based or news based. They are made of a multiple of signals that trigger the decisions whether to buy or sell the currencies a trader is interested in. The strategies are free for use or they can also be offered at a fee and are usually developed by the Forex traders themselves.
The strategies can also be automated or manual. Manual systems require a trader to sit and look for signals and also interpret them so they can decide whether to sell or buy.
Automated systems on the other give traders more flexibility because they can customize software to look out for specific signals and interpret them. Trading strategies may not be all that perfect in making money, but when you have a sound understanding of what they are all about, it becomes easier to adopt reliable approaches when trading in the currencies.
Forex Trading Strategy Types
There are so many strategies out there that can be used by Forex traders. The most important thing would be for the trader to decide what strategy matches the kind of trading experience they wish to have and what strategies offer the best signals for interpretation so the best trading moves can be taken. Below are some of the top strategies most traders use and some you should consider if you are a beginner in the markets.
Forex volatility strategies – The Forex market can be volatile, meaning that the prices can make very sharp jumps. Volatility systems are created to take advantage of the price actions and are usually best for short term and quick trades. The systems are also based on volatility increase and whereas their winning percentage of trades may be higher, the profits earned per trade can be comparatively low. This strategy is best for traders and investors who understand the volatility perception.
Forex trend following strategies – These strategies use market trend marketing to guide traders towards their long term trading goals. Moving average, current market price calculation and channel breakouts are commonly used to generate signals and decide the best market direction to take. Instead of predicting or forecasting prices, traders using these strategies only follow the market trend.
Forex scalping strategies – Scalping in Forex involves making multiple trades with each of the trades making small profits individually. When using the scalping strategies of trading, the profits are usually anywhere between 5 to 10 pips for each trade. These strategies require constant Forex market analysis and the trader also need to place multiple trades at once. They can be pretty demanding and traders need to be relatively fast in predicting where the markets are headed so they can open and close positions in the shortest time possible.
Forex pivot point strategies – Pivots make it possible to identity entry points especially for range bound traders. These points are also helpful to breakout traders and trend traders in spotting key points that need breaking for given trading move so they qualify as breakout. Traders who understand pivot and calculations around it will find these strategies quite helpful in trading currencies. It is important to remember that calculating pivot using closing prices of the short time frame reduces significance and accuracy of the point of rotation. The calculations need to be precise because they make the Forex market backbone.
Forex chart pattern strategies – Charts are vital in Forex trading in assisting traders in the markets. There are different chart patterns that can be used when trading, but the most common patterns are triangle and head and shoulder. Triangle patterns occur mostly in short-term time frames and can descend, ascend or be symmetrical. Price converges with low and high creates the triangle leading into the tight price area. The head and shoulder pattern on the other hand is more like topping formation when an uptrend occurs and bottoming formation when there is downtrend. The pattern will usually complete in Head and Shoulder when the trend line is broken.
Forex Renko chart strategies – Renko charts are constructed when price surpasses bottom or top of the previous brick by pre-defined amounts. When this happens, the brick is moved in the next column. White bricks are usually used when the trend is up, whereas the black ones are used when the trend is down. This type of charting is useful in identifying key resistance and also support levels. In Renko charts, time and volume really have no major role. You will find all kinds of trading strategies that are Renko chart based to assist your trades.
Other Forex trading strategies you can use are the Bollinger Bands, Forex breakout, Forex support and resistance, Forex candlestick and Forex swing trading strategies.
Picking the best Forex trading strategy
With so many trading strategies available it can be challenging for traders, especially beginners, to decide which way to take. But using a few tips you can have an easier time choosing the best.
Set trading goals and decide whether to go long term or short term. It also helps to decide whether to trade full time or part time. This way you will be able to choose the strategy that best suits you as a trading individual.
Choose a unique strategy by comparing strategies and what they have in store for you. If a strategy does not seem to lie in your best interest, then it is not the right one for you.
Experiment on the strategy you prefer before settling for it. Experimenting first gives a chance to have a deeper understanding of what the strategy is all about and see whether it has worked for other traders in the past or not.
It is also important that you get familiar with trading styles so you can choose the perfect strategy for your trading. For instance, short term traders should consider trading styles like day trading, scalping, position trading and swing trading among others.
The trading strategy you choose can make or break your trades. Take your time to learn as much as possible about the different strategies them make an informed decision.