Like in some activities in our daily lives, we use techniques to cope with different situations. Trading is very much the same. In trading the forex market, there are several techniques available and no one of these techniques will work all the time. Techniques are designed to help a trader survive a specific condition within the currency market. Thus, it is an important ability of the trader to cope and adapt with any condition and be able to vary his or her own trading style that suits a particular technique appropriate for a crisis.
In trading, there are three basic types of conditions, such as: Range-bound, wherein the currency pairs bounce between support and resistance; Trending, wherein the pairs have a definite direction; and Consolidating, wherein the currency pairs are cornered in a narrow and tightening area.
Understanding these types simply begins by knowing that during range-bound or consolidating markets, trending techniques are not applicable. More so, when the market is experiencing consolidating or trending periods, range-bound techniques are inappropriate.
The key factor, which can help a trader know which technique can be used for what condition is to know that markets change. Normally, a pair that is currently trending would begin to move into a consolidation phase or in a range, sooner or later. Traders must be nimble and have the capacity to adapt to this kind of changing environment by using the right strategy at the right time.
Importance of Being Objective
When a trader first starts using new techniques for trading, he might be lucky enough to encounter success right from the start. However, there is an unfortunate side to this kind on initial success. The trader has the tendency to continue using that same trading technique, even though the market has clearly altered and the technique is no longer applicable. Falling in love with a technique should be avoided since the result can be devastating.
If this happens to a trader, it is advised to remain objective and understand that while short-term success in not common, it is surely not the ultimate goal. Luck can be brought to anyone but it does not last for long. It is important to know that the markets are not static and it is up to the trader to distinguish and cope with the changes.
Starting With a Tendency
Market tendency is the core component of every good trading strategy. By observing a market for a long period of time, there are noticeable tendencies, like when the currency market tends to shape long and strong trends. Another instance would be the markets tendency to look for support or resistance at large round numbers; this kind of tendency is called the psychological tendency, which can happen at any trading market. There is also another situation where the market has the tendency for a strong breakout to occur instantly following a tight consolidation. The trader can use these tendencies and make them the foundation from which to create a strategy.
An authentic tendency can be identified by reason. For instance, a round number support and resistance occur when people often locate their entries, stops and exits right at round numbers.
The truth of the matter is, not all traders consult a chart before putting a trade, and there are some who have very general thoughts as to where they wish to place their orders. These kinds of traders often place entry, stop and exit orders at round numbers and the orders assemble at these levels. When this happens, the round numbers frequently correspond with the key levels of support and resistance in the futures and equity markets, as well as in the foreign exchange markets.
Applying Trends
Traders can utilize trends to their own benefit. For example, when the market is trending, it has preferred a clear direction. Traders can assume that this trend continues, since history dictates that in the currency market, trends can last for several years. If the trader is able to get on the right side of the trend, he or she might have the opportunity to enjoy considerable gain.
It is easier and profitable for traders to allow their winning trades to run in a trending market, since the exchange rate has a clear direction. For as long as the currency pair moves in the direction, the traders defensive stop is less likely to be prompted.
Conversely, with the case of the sideways or range-bound currency pair, the price has the tendency to return to the entry point, for such a reason that this kind of pair has no real direction. This kind of situation makes it hard for traders to hold on to their positions and even forces them to be quick regarding exits.
The Trending Market
Traders can use several techniques to determine whether a market is trending. One method is to use moving averages, also known as proper order of moving averages.
Another method is by using the ADX or Average Directional Index indicator. This indicator states the strength of the trend without regard to the trends direction; high readings can indicate strong trends.
A trend line is also used to determine if a trend is in effect. Simply, the trend line is a line drawn beneath an uptrend, or above a downtrend, and specifies the general direction of currency pair.
The Formation of Trends
The reason why trends form is because of the economic cycles. In forex markets, traders trade economies of an entire nation. Normally, when the economy of a country is either strong or weak, it remains that way for years. More so, the strength and weakness of an economy runs in a cycle that is measured in years. There are four stages that traditional business cycles undergo, including the expansion, prosperity, contraction and recession, respectively.
Moreover, the economic strength and weakness usually reflect in the currency. Since currency markets involve matching two currencies against one another, situations can arise wherein one currency is stronger than the other in the pair, thus resulting in a trend, which can last for months of years.
It is a rule for a trend-following trader to not to fight the trend. It may be tempting to apply and deduce the point at which the trend will undo though this is exactly what traders should avoid. While it is possible to gain on a countertrend move, a trader who always trades in this manner is stacking the odds against himself.