New Forex Trading Strategy

Thursday, October 15, 2009

What is International Currency Trading?

By Jim Cavany

One of the most rapidly growing markets in the world is the international currency trading market. Many hedgers as well as speculators find it easier to trade in this market because of the highly liquid aspect of it. Trading can be done 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Over 4 trillion dollars is traded daily. This market has grown so rapidly, primariy due to globalization and many different currencies used around the world.

Having a thorough understanding of the international currency trading market is essential to making money. There are extremely knowledgable traders that will be competing against you so getting the best education you can before you start is the best way to prepare. You should read recommended books and publications, as well as take a highly ranked trading course. Find one that is taught by a professional trader. It will be worth it in the long run.

Managing the high degree of risk in the international currency trading market is one other things that a trader must do. Not only are there many experienced professionals in the market, the leverage used with trading in this market can significantly increase the level of risk you must be willing to accept. Your broker will loan you the major portion of your trading capital. You must control this risk as you trade.

Pairs are used in trading currencies. One currency is traded against the other. The following are the most commonly traded pairs. EUR/USD(euro/dollar), GBP/USD(British pound/dollar), USD/JPY(dollar/Japanese yen) and USD/CHF(dollar/Swiss franc). The first currency in the pair is the base currency. It will be either bought or sold depending on whether the price is expected to rise or fall against the quote currency. If the base is expected to rise against the quote currency the base is purchased. When the price rises it is sold for a gain. If the base is believed to be ready to fall against the quote price, it is sold with the intention of buying it back at a lower price in the future making a profit.

The international currency trading market is made up of a diverse group of participants. The most prominent group is the inter-banks, which are made up the the large investment banking firms around the world. They have large trading centers whose primary goal is to make money for the firm itself. These banks also trade for their clients. Governments use the markets in an attempt to maintain stability in their economy's and monetary systems. Hedge funds buy and sell currencies in an attempt to make money for their investors. One of the most rapidly growing sectors is the individual trader. Because of the volume of trading and therefore the liquidity in the market indivduals find it easy to get involved in the market.

Understanding what things cause currency prices to move up and down is one of the most important factors in becoming a success in currency trading. Things to consider are budget deficits and surpluses of governments. A country's level of employment is another area to look at. Interest rates and the supply of the currency in use are other factors. The political environment needs to be evaluated. There are other issues to look at but these are some of the more important ones.

Trying to see trends in the market is a good way to make trading decisions. Identifying trends can be made easier with the use of trading charts. On a chart pairs are plotted allowing the trader to see past preformance in an attempt to predict future preformance.

To be a success in international currency trading you must have a thorough understanding of the market and how it operates. If you can develop a disiplined trading mentality you are sure to reach your goal. - 23305

About the Author:

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]



<< Home