Trading Strategy Based On Market Sentiment (Part I)

By Ahmad Hassam

Do you see the market as a big mechanical matrix which is devoid of emotions? How do you view the forex market is very important. Most traders have a love hate relationship with the market thinking that the market is either against them or for them.

At a particular moment in time, the market is emanating the emotions of currency speculators sitting on their trading desks or on their computers around the world. The truth is that forex market is just the compressed display of these emotions.

You should think of a market as a big living organism. Think that this organism is made up of millions of cells. Each cell is doing its own functions. Each cell also interacts with other cells of the body keeping the living organism alive and kicking around the clock.

Knowing what the market thinks at anyone time and how it thinks is crucial to your trading success. Forex market comprises millions of traders acting out their perceptions and emotions about the different currency pairs.

You need to know what the other participants are thinking. Ultimately, you as the trader are dealing with other traders out there whether they are big institutional players or an independent trader.

What is the market sentiment? Market sentiment is simply what the majority of the market participants are perceived to be thinking or feeling about the market. Market sentiment is the most important factor that drives the currency markets.

Traders tend to act based on what they feel and think of certain currencies regarding their strengths or weaknesses relative to other currencies. Market sentiment sums up to the overall dominating emotions of the market participants. It explains the current actions of the market as well as the future course of action.

One thing you should know is that market sentiment is not logical. It is primarily based on traders emotions. These emotions are one of the greatest factors in the determination of the currency exchange rate.

Market sentiment is like a fickle lover. It is capable of changing its mind based on new information. This incoming new information can upset the existing emotion. Market sentiment can be bearish, bullish or just plain confused.

If the majority of the market participants want to buy that currency, the market sentiment is bullish. If the majority wants to sell the currency, the market sentiment is deemed to be bearish. When most market participants are unsure of what to do at a particular moment, the sentiments end up being mixed up.

If you can understand what the other traders are thinking and why the market is doing what it is doing, you will be in a better position to plan the entry and exit for your trade. Understanding the current market sentiment and exploiting it with an appropriate trading strategy can help maximize your trading profits. In Part II of this article we will discuss what factors influence the market sentiment. - 23309

About the Author:

Mr. Ahmad Hassam is a Harvard University Graduate. He is interested in day trading stocks and currencies. Know Candlestick Patterns. Learn Forex Trading!

Trade Smart With Mini Forex Trading

By Bart Icles

Forex currency trading is a large and complex investment market that takes time and effort to understand, apart from other existing trading markets. So why is it so popular, and with so many people wanting to get in? The answer: simply because if and when a trader makes successful transaction, it offers the chance of making a substantial amount of money at the shortest time possible, and with just minimal costs.

Mini Forex trading allows a profitable way of trading by starting with a small capital fund in exchange for handling larger currency sums. The way mini Forex trading is designed with its margin of 100:1, the trader only puts up $1,000 to control the position of a currency sum of $100,000. In futures trading the ratio is 20:1, and 4:1 for equities.

Every trading has its risks " mini-Forex included. Even with its high profitability rate, chances of success are slim if a trader doesnt take time to learn the ropes of the business. Its important that you - the trader, have a clear understanding how a margin account works, especially with your account. So, if in any way there are some points or issues that are unclear to you, you should refer to the account specialist handling your account right away.

Any investing trader's position in the account can be partially or fully liquidated if the available margin in the account falls below within a predetermined amount. Sometimes, positions are liquidated before any margin call can be obtained, but some have automatic stop-loss systems to close out positions before margin runs out. But its still best that you monitor your margin balance regularly and make use of your stop-loss orders when its time to do so, so as to limit the risk of losing your investment.

Forex currency trading is more advantageous compared to other trade investments because it is not based on commission, and you dont have brokerage and exchange fees to contend with. Without such payments, traders can have larger spreads; therefore they are able to generate more profits in their trade. With its world-wide scale, there are always buyers and sellers around 24/7, so business is constant.

Mini Forex trading is the better alternative compared to futures and commodities trading. With its risks involved, understanding the market and having a trading system that suits your trading psyche would be most helpful to having a successful and profitable career in the highly vibrant and volatile world of Forex trading - mini or not. - 23309

About the Author:

We love forex trading and we love to teach how to use the platform properly and money management skills in addition to our forex strategy to help you succeed. Come learn more about our free forex trading course.