Thursday, February 22, 2007

Pros and Cons of Fundamental Analysis

There are two groups of traders: fundamentalists and technicians. Fundamentalists are traders who use fundamental analysis to predict price action, and technicians are traders who use technical analysis to predict price action. Of course a lot of traders use both types of analysis.

Let’s talk today about fundamental analysis, which is based on economic factors.

Fundamentalists assume that the supply and demand for currencies is a result of economic processes that can be observed. So, they observe economic, social, and political forces that drive supply and demand. They believe that by observing all kinds of indicators they can predict price actions.

Because currency prices are a reflection of the balance between supply and demand for currencies, by analyzing different data, such as interest rates, balance of trade, foreign investment, GDP and many others, traders can predict price actions. The problem is that there is huge amount of data to analyze. Fundamentalists can study any criteria except price action. Different fundamental analysts look at different economic indicators, but the most important are economic growth rates, inflation, unemployment and interest rates. Especially data that is related to interest rates and international trade is analyzed very closely.

Fundamentalists know when different economic indicators will be released. They usually have calendars where they note the date and time when different important statistics will be made public.

By learning and observing different fundamentals of the markets we can increase our knowledge and understanding of the global market. By doing fundamental analysis we can predict economic conditions very well. We can also have a clear picture of general health of the economy. We will know what is going on. Those are the reasons why we should not completely ignore fundamental analysis.

But there are some problems with fundamental analysis. Fundamental analysis usually does not give us specific entry and exit points, so the trades can be pretty risky. It is very difficult to find a method of translating all of the different information into specific entry and exit points for a particular trading strategy. There is so much information that it is easy to be confused.

There are two groups of traders: fundamentalists and technicians. Fundamentalists are traders who use fundamental analysis to predict price action, and technicians are traders who use technical analysis to predict price action. Of course a lot of traders use both types of analysis.

Let’s talk today about fundamental analysis, which is based on economic factors.

Fundamentalists assume that the supply and demand for currencies is a result of economic processes that can be observed. So, they observe economic, social, and political forces that drive supply and demand. They believe that by observing all kinds of indicators they can predict price actions.

Because currency prices are a reflection of the balance between supply and demand for currencies, by analyzing different data, such as interest rates, balance of trade, foreign investment, GDP and many others, traders can predict price actions. The problem is that there is huge amount of data to analyze. Fundamentalists can study any criteria except price action. Different fundamental analysts look at different economic indicators, but the most important are economic growth rates, inflation, unemployment and interest rates. Especially data that is related to interest rates and international trade is analyzed very closely.

Fundamentalists know when different economic indicators will be released. They usually have calendars where they note the date and time when different important statistics will be made public.

By learning and observing different fundamentals of the markets we can increase our knowledge and understanding of the global market. By doing fundamental analysis we can predict economic conditions very well. We can also have a clear picture of general health of the economy. We will know what is going on. Those are the reasons why we should not completely ignore fundamental analysis.

But there are some problems with fundamental analysis. Fundamental analysis usually does not give us specific entry and exit points, so the trades can be pretty risky. It is very difficult to find a method of translating all of the different information into specific entry and exit points for a particular trading strategy. There is so much information that it is easy to be confused.

An Introduction to Currency Correlation

Global currencies don’t ride the trends in isolation. The apparent technical movement between two currencies in a pair may cause an effect in the behaviour of each separate currency. A third currency will also have some bearing on the rise or fall of a seemingly unrelated pair, in the view of an intermediate or beginning trader. Even seasoned trend cowboys may miss the odd significant event that results in a trade loss.

Technical analysis often comprises the bulk of the independent speculator’s trade decisions, but some attention to fundamental news must be included for a complete overview of what is happening in the market at that particular moment. Neither weather, beetles, drought, hostile takeovers nor indicted CEO’s have much real bearing on currency values, but the timing of the release of economic reports should determine if a trade is viable or not.

A rising tide raises all ships, but the trading ocean is made of waves, with deep troughs and high crests. A rising ship may have a tether to another that is dropping down the other side of the swell. As one currency in a trade pair rises, it may pull another currency up with it, or just the opposite. A drop in the Euro may allow an increase in the value of the GBP, which will certainly have an influence on the USD/GBP spread.

So when considering the merits of a good trade, also take into account the activity of each currency’s most closely related cousin. When trading the Canadian dollar, you must certainly consider the relative movement, or lack thereof, in the US dollar. Canada’s largest trading partner is the US, so fluctuations in the US economy may or may not have an effect on the Loonie, depending on the gravity of the news.

The UK maintained their own currency, the British Pound, but the economic business of Europe can still influence the directional trend of the Pound Sterling. The French Franc will also be swayed by the enterprise of the communal Euro. As you analyze your charts, take care to make a quick examination of any volatile activity in any similar currency.

The average day trader and individual speculator cannot possibly keep up with all the economic news released each day and still have time to trade and eat lunch, and old news has already shown itself in the charts. One must pay attention to important published economic developments, and generally avoid trading on report days. But the trend will indicate market sentiment, and great profits can be made by keeping the major focus on technical analysis.

Global currencies don’t ride the trends in isolation. The apparent technical movement between two currencies in a pair may cause an effect in the behaviour of each separate currency. A third currency will also have some bearing on the rise or fall of a seemingly unrelated pair, in the view of an intermediate or beginning trader. Even seasoned trend cowboys may miss the odd significant event that results in a trade loss.

Technical analysis often comprises the bulk of the independent speculator’s trade decisions, but some attention to fundamental news must be included for a complete overview of what is happening in the market at that particular moment. Neither weather, beetles, drought, hostile takeovers nor indicted CEO’s have much real bearing on currency values, but the timing of the release of economic reports should determine if a trade is viable or not.

A rising tide raises all ships, but the trading ocean is made of waves, with deep troughs and high crests. A rising ship may have a tether to another that is dropping down the other side of the swell. As one currency in a trade pair rises, it may pull another currency up with it, or just the opposite. A drop in the Euro may allow an increase in the value of the GBP, which will certainly have an influence on the USD/GBP spread.

So when considering the merits of a good trade, also take into account the activity of each currency’s most closely related cousin. When trading the Canadian dollar, you must certainly consider the relative movement, or lack thereof, in the US dollar. Canada’s largest trading partner is the US, so fluctuations in the US economy may or may not have an effect on the Loonie, depending on the gravity of the news.

The UK maintained their own currency, the British Pound, but the economic business of Europe can still influence the directional trend of the Pound Sterling. The French Franc will also be swayed by the enterprise of the communal Euro. As you analyze your charts, take care to make a quick examination of any volatile activity in any similar currency.

The average day trader and individual speculator cannot possibly keep up with all the economic news released each day and still have time to trade and eat lunch, and old news has already shown itself in the charts. One must pay attention to important published economic developments, and generally avoid trading on report days. But the trend will indicate market sentiment, and great profits can be made by keeping the major focus on technical analysis.

Internet Trading with Forex

FOREX trading is a great hot technique of successfully trading in the foreign market and successfully flowing in avalanches of money. There are many programs and packages out there that don’t teach you beneficial techniques like precision and on top of that overcharge their packages for extraordinary prices. You shouldn’t have to deal with being robbed. Instead you should take advantage of the FOREX market and all it has to offer.

You shouldn’t have to watch other people lead successful luxurious lifestyles, and ask yourself why not me? The internet is a goldmine of opportunities and pure success. It’s powerful and nothing can stop it, so why not be part of this rapid money making machine. Investing your time and energy on the internet to successfully make some money is a wise choice; however it is even wiser to invest your time in the trading world with FOREX.

The FOREX program has a very high percentage of success due to the techniques and strategies used. This program teaches you how to know the precise time to enter a trade or when to not trade. It also teaches you when to exit a trade and be able to make huge profits. You don’t even have to make complicated calculations like most trading programs. With FOFEX all the calculations are done for you. The FOREX market is not only a day thing. This is open 24 hours a day. So basically you can make money while you’re on vacation, spending time with your family and friends, or even while you sleep. Location is also not an issue with the trading market, because since it’s online you can be located anywhere around the world.

One of the most attracting features of FOREX is it’s not time consuming. You can spend as little as ten minutes a day “working” on your trades and then you’re done. You don’t have to spend 8 hours a day worrying if you managed to make successful trades or worse if you made horrible trades. You can carry out the rest of your day peacefully and stress-free. Who wouldn’t like this lifestyle? I’m pretty sure you do.

This new lifestyle can allow you to lead the life you’ve always dreamed of having. You don’t have to hide in the shadows of wealthy individuals anymore. Instead you can take action and be part of this attracting group. FOREX has many attracting features that can change your life completely around. Once you see the techniques in action, you will be dumbfounded and ready to jump in all the action, more specifically all the money making fun. Take advantage of FOREX and all its amazing and beneficial techniques and strategies that it has to offer! Don’t get left behind!

FOREX trading is a great hot technique of successfully trading in the foreign market and successfully flowing in avalanches of money. There are many programs and packages out there that don’t teach you beneficial techniques like precision and on top of that overcharge their packages for extraordinary prices. You shouldn’t have to deal with being robbed. Instead you should take advantage of the FOREX market and all it has to offer.

You shouldn’t have to watch other people lead successful luxurious lifestyles, and ask yourself why not me? The internet is a goldmine of opportunities and pure success. It’s powerful and nothing can stop it, so why not be part of this rapid money making machine. Investing your time and energy on the internet to successfully make some money is a wise choice; however it is even wiser to invest your time in the trading world with FOREX.

The FOREX program has a very high percentage of success due to the techniques and strategies used. This program teaches you how to know the precise time to enter a trade or when to not trade. It also teaches you when to exit a trade and be able to make huge profits. You don’t even have to make complicated calculations like most trading programs. With FOFEX all the calculations are done for you. The FOREX market is not only a day thing. This is open 24 hours a day. So basically you can make money while you’re on vacation, spending time with your family and friends, or even while you sleep. Location is also not an issue with the trading market, because since it’s online you can be located anywhere around the world.

One of the most attracting features of FOREX is it’s not time consuming. You can spend as little as ten minutes a day “working” on your trades and then you’re done. You don’t have to spend 8 hours a day worrying if you managed to make successful trades or worse if you made horrible trades. You can carry out the rest of your day peacefully and stress-free. Who wouldn’t like this lifestyle? I’m pretty sure you do.

This new lifestyle can allow you to lead the life you’ve always dreamed of having. You don’t have to hide in the shadows of wealthy individuals anymore. Instead you can take action and be part of this attracting group. FOREX has many attracting features that can change your life completely around. Once you see the techniques in action, you will be dumbfounded and ready to jump in all the action, more specifically all the money making fun. Take advantage of FOREX and all its amazing and beneficial techniques and strategies that it has to offer! Don’t get left behind!

How To Read Currency Quotes When Forex Trading

Because of the immense volume of the Forex market, it is impossible for a single market’s force to noticeably control the market direction for any considerable length of time. At the end, market forces will prevail in the long run, making forex one of the most open and fair investment opportunities available.

Currency prices in the Forex markets are determined by a great number of factors influencing the value of the currency. Among the most important factors to consider are the economic and political conditions in the home country of the currencies you are willing to trade. Inflation, political stability, and interest rates are all highly considered for determining the price of any currency. Additionally, governments may try to establish some kind of control over the price of their currency by either intentionally flooding the market, to lower the price; or buying large quantities, to raise the price.

The first thing you should know for correctly reading currency quotes is that each world currency is given a three letter code which is used in forex quotes. The most common currencies for traders are: European euros (EUR), US dollars (USD), United Kingdom pounds (GBP), Australian dollars (AUD), Japanese yen (JPY), Swiss francs (CHF) and Canadian dollars (CAD).

Other important thing to learn is that the foreign exchange prices when trading forex are indicated by quotes in a fraction like mode, called currency pairs. The first currency is called the 'base' and the second is called the 'quote' currency. In the following example: USD/EUR = 0.8517

This currency pair is formed by US dollars and European euros. The base currency (USD) is always considered ‘1’ and the quote currency shows how much it costs to buy one unit of the base currency. In this example, 1 US dollar costs 0.8517 euros.

If the price of the quoted currency goes up it will indicate that the base currency is becoming stronger; one unit of the base currency will buy more of the quote currency. If the quote currency falls, however, that means that the base currency is becoming weaker.

As you examine the data of any trading software you may be using, you will notice that forex quotes are seen in a 'bid' and 'ask' prices format. What ‘Bid’ means is the price that buyers will pay for the base currency, while at the same time selling the quote currency, and ‘Ask’ is the price at which the sellers will sell the base currency, while at the same time buying the quote currency.

Because of the immense volume of the Forex market, it is impossible for a single market’s force to noticeably control the market direction for any considerable length of time. At the end, market forces will prevail in the long run, making forex one of the most open and fair investment opportunities available.

Currency prices in the Forex markets are determined by a great number of factors influencing the value of the currency. Among the most important factors to consider are the economic and political conditions in the home country of the currencies you are willing to trade. Inflation, political stability, and interest rates are all highly considered for determining the price of any currency. Additionally, governments may try to establish some kind of control over the price of their currency by either intentionally flooding the market, to lower the price; or buying large quantities, to raise the price.

The first thing you should know for correctly reading currency quotes is that each world currency is given a three letter code which is used in forex quotes. The most common currencies for traders are: European euros (EUR), US dollars (USD), United Kingdom pounds (GBP), Australian dollars (AUD), Japanese yen (JPY), Swiss francs (CHF) and Canadian dollars (CAD).

Other important thing to learn is that the foreign exchange prices when trading forex are indicated by quotes in a fraction like mode, called currency pairs. The first currency is called the 'base' and the second is called the 'quote' currency. In the following example: USD/EUR = 0.8517

This currency pair is formed by US dollars and European euros. The base currency (USD) is always considered ‘1’ and the quote currency shows how much it costs to buy one unit of the base currency. In this example, 1 US dollar costs 0.8517 euros.

If the price of the quoted currency goes up it will indicate that the base currency is becoming stronger; one unit of the base currency will buy more of the quote currency. If the quote currency falls, however, that means that the base currency is becoming weaker.

As you examine the data of any trading software you may be using, you will notice that forex quotes are seen in a 'bid' and 'ask' prices format. What ‘Bid’ means is the price that buyers will pay for the base currency, while at the same time selling the quote currency, and ‘Ask’ is the price at which the sellers will sell the base currency, while at the same time buying the quote currency.

What Is Forex

Foreign Exchange trading (also called Forex, FX or currency trading) describes trading in the many currencies of the world. It is the largest market, which provides a large amount of liquidity to traders. Each day the markets trade over $1.5 trillion, if you compare the New York Stock Exchange which trades $27 billion a day you can begin to see how massive this market really is.

The spot Forex market trades are settled within two banking days. There is no central exchange like futures, and most of the trades are done electronically. The big boy’s in this game are the Banks, Hedge Funds and financial organisations.

However, with new rules and introduction of Trading Platforms across the internet almost anyone can now start trading Currencies.

Unlike any other type of trading currencies are traded in pairs. One currency is bought and the other sold. The Major pairs in The Forex Market are US Dollar (USD) Japenese Yen (JPY) Swiss Franc (CHF) Australian Dollar (AUD) Canadian Dollar (CAD) British Pound (GBP) and the Euro (EUR)

These Currencies can be traded in most order but the most popular pairs are the US Dollar Against the Japenese Yen Shown as USD/JPY, Euro against the US Dollar (EUR/USD), the British Pound against the US Dollar (GBP/USD), the British Pound against the Euro (GBP/EUR) and the US Dollar against the Swiss Franc (USD/CHF).

When quoting currency pairs, the first currency is known as the base currency and the second as the quote, if you think the US Dollar is going to be stronger than the Japenese Yen, you would buy the base (USD) Hoping that it would rise and sell the USD when you wanted to exit the trade. When you see a quote of USD/GBP1.75 means that for every 1 US Dollar, you get 1.75 British Pounds.

Foreign Exchange trading (also called Forex, FX or currency trading) describes trading in the many currencies of the world. It is the largest market, which provides a large amount of liquidity to traders. Each day the markets trade over $1.5 trillion, if you compare the New York Stock Exchange which trades $27 billion a day you can begin to see how massive this market really is.

The spot Forex market trades are settled within two banking days. There is no central exchange like futures, and most of the trades are done electronically. The big boy’s in this game are the Banks, Hedge Funds and financial organisations.

However, with new rules and introduction of Trading Platforms across the internet almost anyone can now start trading Currencies.

Unlike any other type of trading currencies are traded in pairs. One currency is bought and the other sold. The Major pairs in The Forex Market are US Dollar (USD) Japenese Yen (JPY) Swiss Franc (CHF) Australian Dollar (AUD) Canadian Dollar (CAD) British Pound (GBP) and the Euro (EUR)

These Currencies can be traded in most order but the most popular pairs are the US Dollar Against the Japenese Yen Shown as USD/JPY, Euro against the US Dollar (EUR/USD), the British Pound against the US Dollar (GBP/USD), the British Pound against the Euro (GBP/EUR) and the US Dollar against the Swiss Franc (USD/CHF).

When quoting currency pairs, the first currency is known as the base currency and the second as the quote, if you think the US Dollar is going to be stronger than the Japenese Yen, you would buy the base (USD) Hoping that it would rise and sell the USD when you wanted to exit the trade. When you see a quote of USD/GBP1.75 means that for every 1 US Dollar, you get 1.75 British Pounds.