The foreign exchange, or forex market, has become an increasingly popular destination for those hoping to make the most of their investments. However, like any market, it has its share of pitfalls which can ensnare novice investors. Avoid these dangers, and get the most from your money by using the techniques in this article.
Prudent forex traders never stray beyond their depth. To get the most out of forex trading it is important to limit one’s trading to deals one thoroughly understands. Following inscrutable tips or mysterious recommendations is a sure recipe for getting stranded in unfriendly waters. The trader who executes deals he or she does not understand is asking to get taken advantage of.
The first step in becoming a Forex trader is to find a broker. Without a broker you can’t get into the market to begin trading. Your broker should charge a reasonable commission on your profits. Also take into account the minimum and maximum amount the broker will let you deposit or withdraw at any one time.
If you are going to participate in forex trading, a great tip is to recognize that forex trading is a zero sum game. There are longs and shorts with many more longs than there are shorts. The shorts are the larger positions and must be well capitalized. The longs are small, and with any sudden change in prices, they will be forced to liquidate.
When placing a stop loss point, never risk more than two percent of the total cost of the initial investment. Limiting your risk in this way, means that you will not lose large amounts of equity in any one market shift. Remember, you can always buy back into a winning currency, but you can’t get back the money you lost if you don’t sell out in time.
Do not disregard the short term trends in the market. The overwhelming majority of traders in forex are short term traders handling multiple trades within a single day. The moves of this segment of the market can have a large effect on the market. Pay attention to these micro moves so you aren’t caught up short.
A great forex trading tip is to focus on a single pair of currency that you know and understand. It can be extremely difficult trying to figure out all of the different currencies in the world because of variables that are constantly changing. It’s best to select a currency you have a grasp on.
While lots of forex articles talk about the difference between “beginners” and “experienced traders,” what you need to keep in mind is that learning forex is a process that never stops. Throughout your forex career you should strive to increase your knowledge of the process and your trading skills. Standing still can be no better than falling behind.
As with any investment, a proper understanding of how the forex market works is a vital first step before you invest your money. Once you know what you are doing, however, you can avoid the dangers and begin to see a real return on your investment. Just use the advice you’ve learned from this article.