Wednesday, November 25, 2009

ETF Trading Strategies: Basic Overview

By Patrick Deaton

After entering ETF trading an individual will find that there is a lot to learn about ETF trading strategies. The strategy that a person chooses to incorporate into their trading can affect the return on their investment and the balance that they are able to maintain in their portfolio. For that reason, it is important to gain as much knowledge as possible about each strategy and its advantages and disadvantages before committing.

Some of the steps for successful EFT trading apply to any strategy that is selected. However, there are some strategies that are more appropriate for long-term EFT trading and some that are especially designed to make short-term or daily trading profitable. Deciding on which type of trading is to be done will help a person to decide which strategies to incorporate into their trading regimen.

ETF trading strategies for an individual who may make changes to their portfolio periodically, but will maintain about the same types of allocation through several months or years will require more historical research than one may need for a quick turn-around in trading. There are entirely different strategies for the individual who wants to trade on a regular basis and make the most return on their investments on a regular basis.

Once the type of trader a person is has been decided, it will be important to do the homework to find the most effective trading strategy. The key to successful ETF trading is to have a plan, a method, a strategy, and stick to it. The trick is to find the most successful method and strategy to meet one's needs.

In general there are some important steps that a person can take to make any strategy they select more effective. One is to diversify the investments. By having funds in at least two sectors, commodities, or industries, a person is not putting all of their money at risk at the same time. Many people make the mistake of putting money in a sector that they are personally attached to. When selecting sectors a person must be willing to move the money when the trends indicate that a move is appropriate.

One of the EFT trading strategies is to set buy and sell points. Decisions are made on the technical indicators in the market. Basic factors about an industry are not part of the decision making process. In order to set buy and sell points an individual must analyze patterns and trends in the industry. Looking at moving average, trading volume, historic price, and historic highs or lows will provided the basis for seeing patterns and trends. When the market indicates a trend, the trader buys or sells immediately. This is a very popular strategy with many successful traders.

There are many strategies for short-term trading. But, for a day trader, the same type of strategy applies as for the short term trading of equities. An individual will find that the value of ETF will often be less dramatic than for mutual funds because they are weighted on the average of the basket. Therefore, a day trader may have several short gains, but experience more losses than the individual who sets buy and sell points.

It is important to research and planning before entering ETF trading. The more knowledge and skills that one has, the more success they will have using ETF trading strategies. By talking to an individual who has expertise in the many strategies available for trading a person will be able to make a decision on the strategy that will best meet their needs. - 23309

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