Sunday, February 17, 2008

Forex Trend Detection


Forex Trend Detection
For those unfamiliar with the term, Forex (Foreign Exchange market), refers to an international exchange market where currencies are bought and sold. The Foreign Exchange Market that we see today began in the 1970's, when free exchange rates and floating currencies were introduced.In such an environment only participants in the market determine the price of one currency against another, based upon supply and demand for that currency.Forex is a somewhat unique market for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is one of the few markets in which it can be said with very few qualifications that it is free of external controls and that it cannot be manipulated. It is also the largest liquid financial market, with trade reaching between 1 and 1.5 trillion US dollars a day.With this much money moving this fast, it is clear why a single investor would find it near impossible to significantly affect the price of a major currency. Furthermore, the liquidity of the market means that unlike some rarely traded stock, traders are able to open and close positions within a few seconds as there are always willing buyers and sellers.Another somewhat unique characteristic of the Forex money market is the variance of its participants. Investors find a number of reasons for entering the market, some as longer term hedge investors, while others utilize massive credit lines to seek large short term gains.Interestingly, unlike blue-chip stocks, which are usually most attractive only to the long term investor, the combination of rather constant but small daily fluctuations in currency prices, create an environment which attracts investors with a broad range of strategies.Long term profitable Forex trading warrants long term goals and objectives. One good idea is to have an excellent trend based trading system. Just having one will not really work out if you do not follow it in a disciplined manner. Building a trend based trading system is no mean task. The basic skill lies in solidifying the rules for trend detection and adhering to them religiously. Some studies like DMI, Parabolic, MACD, Stochastic etc. are available which could be used as trend filters.These studies are only indicators in the long run. It would always be advisable if a trader has an advisor or a consultant who would really undertake these tasks on his behalf. A consultant would analyze with a more technical relevance than a trader would, and would make sure of the percentages of profit are good despite a few losses on the average. Moreover, trend is just an indicator; it cannot earn or guarantee profits.Trend only assures that the average trend moves in a particular direction -- up or down. It is not realistic to make such profit every month depending on trend. Trend changes will reflect on your trading system a little late, so being on the cautious side is always advised.Trend is required to be updated on a regular basis for it to work for you. Most traders forget this rule since they feel holding position is more important than taking pains of adding another trade.They normally open a trend after closing the previous one. It is not the correct practice to success. Updating trend after consultation and proper analysis is one of the most effective ways of becoming a Forex trader.Updating trend will also enlighten a trader as to where he should fix his losses. So before your Forex trade starts bleeding without your notice, update your trend and be prepared to succeed.

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