Month: July 2011

By Warren Seah

Using a visual chart trading tool on the Metatrader 4 platform to confirm forex chart patterns, it serves as a verification signal tools as well as an alert tool, informing the trader about an upcoming trade opportunity. Making money in the market isn’t easy. So much of human nature is geared to poor trading habits that it is difficult to overcome the challenges to being a good trader.

A Systematic Approach with Visual Chart Trading Software

Visual chart trading tools make trading less subjective and more systematic process. This has help traders in many ways of automation and making better trade decisions which are keys to higher trading performance.

Visual Chart Trading Tool Sets the Forex Trader for Good Trading Habits

1. Don’t enter a trade in the first 30 minutes of the day.

Specifying the time at which to accept a trade signal and refuse trade signals outside of the specified time can now be automated with the visual chart trading tool. We use it to define our market trading hours while leaving the work of placing trade entries or refuse trade entries to be carried out by the software.

2. Pay a good price

When technical analysis research is performed on the charts, the trader can identify a good price which constitutes an attractive buying opportunity. However for most of us, we may not have the luxury to stay at the computer and wait for price to reach the levels which constitutes a good bargain.

Hence, we use the visual chart trading tools to draw a line at the bargain price points. If price was to reach the specified levels, the charting tool will place a buy or sell entry automatically on the trader’s behalf. This process ensures that we do not chase the market after a signal was missed or miss anymore attractive entry opportunities due to not having the time to trade in front of computer.

3. Trade only based on completed chart patterns

Patterns do not form overnight. They take weeks or even months to form. It is very tempting to enter a trade based on the supposition that a pattern will complete. Thus, it is very tempting for a trader to get into a trade early on the presumption that the forming patterns may eventually formed what the traders has first perceived to be.
In order words, he wants to beat the crowd before they realize the pattern has broken. However, an incomplete pattern isn’t a pattern at all. Pulling the trigger or getting into a trade too early may backfire many times that it simply doesn’t become worthwhile for the risk to profits.

We use the special visual chart trading MT4 tool to draw a line at those critical levels. And when these levels are broken or bar closed beyond these levels, software will alert us and should we programmed it to make an automated entry will they then performed the instructions as described.

4. Always trade with an exit plan

An initial stop loss must be in place at all times during a trade. This is a safety net for Forex trader in a 24 hour market where any events may impact our positions in a short span of time. An exit plan is either being stopped out or trade has hit its targeted price.
Although MT4 has basic features of placing stop loss and take profit levels, it’s function is extremely basic where only horizontal targeted exit prices can be specified. The visual chart trading tool allow us to simply draw any line with any gradient or slope, when price break or touch the pre-drawn line, will warrant a trade exit.
This way of placing your exit provided more flexibility to a channel-based forms of trading. And we can easily introduced multiple scaled out exits or partial close lines to close position partially overtime when market break each of these drawn lines.

Visual Chart Trading To More Profits

You have the advantages on your side now. However you have a very powerful charting tool at your disposal to calmly and rationally judge the trading signal. And you know some critically important rules of the road that lead to sound trading. I hope this article will be a powerful visual chart trading guide as you chart your way to more profitable and consistent trading.

About the Author

Warren Seah

What if you just couldn’t trade forex effectively with a day time job?

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This method is simple to pick up and it automates most of manual forex systems. Yes, it can automate your personal forex system. You can read how to do it in my free report here: Automated Chart Trading

Don’t give up hope, it’s NOT impossible. Visual Chart Trading will expand your trading capabilities to greater trading success learn more by clicking the link.

By Cedric Welsch

If you read the Forex broker reviews you might think that every broker has the very best chart setup. However, there is a great difference in trading platforms that come from different brokers. There are a number of things you will want displayed on your screen that are not offered by every broker. Picking the right company to trade with usually comes down to the company that can show you the best Forex charts.

Once you have decided to trade currency the first thing you must find is a broker that matches your trading personality and provides the right tools for the particular strategy or strategies that you have chosen. Make sure that the platform you choose will give you charts that allow you to see the market movement down to a one minute time frame and as far out as at least two years. This will allow you to track short-term and long-term trends. Because as much as you have heard it I will repeat it again, the trend is your friend. Occasionally you may make money by bucking the trend but most often you will lose. If you do your homework and read the Forex news then you should be able to follow the trend and employ your strategy effectively.

The next thing you need to be able to do with your chosen Forex charts is to make trades without leaving the chart. This becomes very important when you are trading in the shorter time frames and must make snap decisions. Being able to have one click trading on the chart can sometimes be the difference between making money and having a losing trade.

When evaluating the Forex charts from each company make sure that the indicators and technical studies that you will be employing are offered by a particular broker. Many companies offer a laundry list of studies you can choose from but not all brokers offer the same ones. Some companies have a certain set of indicators they prefer their traders to use and will work hard to make sure you follow their rules. But you have to remember this is your money and you must have the right tools so that your strategy.

Regardless of the broker you choose to open your account with, make sure the broker comes with the tools you need to succeed. Charts are the basic building blocks of a trading platform. Without a chart that you can read your trading will fail and you will be throwing money away. Take your time and work a demo account with a number of brokers to make sure you understand their Forex charts and trading rules.. With a little due diligence you can make a wise choice and start a long-term relationship with a quality broker.

About the Author

Some incomprehensible numbers and stats may arise as you hear forex news trading from different sources. The more heavy the gravity of a certain forex scam, the more you need to be aware of it too.

By Forex Mansion

Foreign Currency Translation is the accounting figures for foreign currencies to meet the requirements of financial reporting according to the GAAP regulations. As the items on the balance sheet are converted at the listed exchange rate, the income statements are converted instead by a weighted average of the exchange rate for that year. Taking this into a real example, the purpose of this article is to broadly paint a picture of the first steps to meet the US GAAP requirements. For purposes of understanding, this example will be according to the US tax laws. There are two main methods involved that are important to reaching accurate final numbers; more information on federal accounting procedures is available at the US FASAB.

1. The Current Rate Translation Method. When a subsidiary company uses a currency or currencies aside from that of the parent company. In order to translate this into a currency unit that can be listed on the books, the primary currency responsible for the majority of transactions first has to be established. Once a currency is decided upon, all of the other currency has to be converted to that currency, called the functional currency. The rules governing this are listed by the IRS section on international businesses. The next step is to convert all of the foreign currency to local currency using the exchange rate at the time of the financial statements.

What happens if the stock day trading outside of the home country? US currency is used to calculate all business transactions if the place of business is outside of the US. In this case, the GAAP requires the use of a method called the Re-Measurement Method.

2. The Re-Measurement Method. In a situation where the subsidiary company is in a country that has a cumulative rate of 100% inflation, the Current Rate Translation Method cannot be applied according to the GAAP. In such a case, the cash as well as any transaction that must be settled in cash, which includes loans and other unsettled accounts, must be converted using the exchange rate according to the date of the financial statements. However, all assets, equity, inventory and liabilities will be converted according to the historical conversion rate as of the date of the transaction occurrence.

The COGS that affect the balance sheet are taken at the historical value as opposed to the value of the exchange rate at the time of the financial statement creation. For very minimal transactions, the weighted average of the currency rate conversion is used.

Abiding by the appropriate tax laws and tax tools is important for the company to be in line with the GAAP standards, but these practices obviously vary according to the country of the parent company. The reason that this is important lies in properly valuing a company not only for purposes of taxes but also for publicly traded companies to show a realistic value for shareholders. Regardless of the company origin, foreign currency translation is understood to be a necessary practice in order to understand the bottom line in a meaningful way and not simply averaging figures.

About the Author

For more information about forex trading, please feel free to visit http://www.forexmansion.com/.

By Cedric Welsch

The Forex Market (or Foreign Exchange) is the world’s largest monetary market. Composed of large banks and financial institutions, they act as trading houses for a wide range of buyers and sellers. Currency trading usually operates 24 hours a day (except on the weekends) and determines the relative value of the different currencies in the world.

Forex trading has come to be an alternative investment vehicle for traders and investors worldwide. Because the institution operates for a large number of hours each weed, the relative liquidity and the speed with which trades can be accomplished, the Forex Market has become a favored method of investing money among many traders. Since Forex news is available around the clock, traders are able to be aware of market changes instantaneously. In fact, Forex news trading is a very special tactic employed by more risk averse investors.

Time has shown that very few small traders make money in the Forex market. Therefore education is of paramount importance to the small investor. Individual traders must be aware of every tiny detail. Without large reserves, this participant is vulnerable to small moves of less than 50 pips. While large financial institutions can absorb a move of 500 pips or more against their positions if they believe the longer term trend will reverse.

To survive as a small fish in the largest financial pond in the world you have to be nimble and ready to be surprised. Because surprises happen everyday sometimes more than once. The best defense you can have is to be educated about your decisions and to follow the rules and discipline that you set up before you ever start to trade. In this type of investment you must remove emotion and trade with ruthless efficiency. Trying to hang on to a losing position too long or ride a winner without proper protection will usually wind up with the trade surprising you and going against you very quickly.

Trading in the Forex market, as in any sort of currency trading, makes you a speculator. Currency traders by definition and by action are speculating and in any type of speculation there is significant risk. Small investors must be able to minimize this risk through education, strict trading rules and discipline. Setting limits, knowing and following your entry and exit points before starting a trade is the best insurance you can have to reduce the dangers of trading currency.

About the Author

It can be annoying to study live forex news that seem to be a bit overhyped, thus bringing fear. Even though forex broker reviews may be available everywhere, it is wise to stick with your trusted.

By Forex Mansion

The AUD/NZD currency pair is one of the most traded currency pairs on the forex market today. The Australian dollar is the fifth most traded currency, and the New Zealand dollar is the 10th most traded currency. In order to properly trade these two currencies, it is essential to stay abreast of all the macroeconomic indicators that affect the currencies and to know how to analyze the AUD/NZD chart and respond accordingly.

Key Indicators – Don’t Leave Home Without ‘Em!

The key macroeconomic indicators are interest rate, other related currency pairs, commodities, balance of trade, consumer price index (CPI), gross domestic product (GDP), and budget deficit:
• The interest rate set by the central banks as a large effect on the value of currency. For the AUD/NZD trade one must check the rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia against those rates of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Higher interest rates generally translate to higher currency values because they attract investors.
• The currencies that most affect the AUD/NZD trade are the US dollar, the Euro and the pound sterling. The Australian and New Zealand dollars tend to have a positive correlation to each other in respect to these other currencies. Therefore, when the NZD strengthens against the USD, one can expect the AUD to strengthen against the USD as well.
• Commodities always have a strong impact on currency values. Generally speaking, global commodity values have a negative correlation to global currency values. However, more specifically relating to a specific country, the commodities consumed by that country’s export will have a negative correlation with that country’s currency, while the commodities actually exported will have a positive correlation.
• The balance of trade is the calculation of a country’s total exports against their total imports. If the exports exceed the imports in value, there is a trade surplus, and one can expect the value of the currency to appreciate. If there are more imports than exports, there is trade deficit, and one can expect the currency to devaluate.
• The consumer price index (CPI) is a measure of inflation. CPI measures the average amount that households spend on basic goods and services. The more they are spending, the lower the value of the currency is. The lower the CPI is, the lower inflation is and the currency therefore has a higher value.
• The GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced by the entire economy of a country. The GDP is a very accurate indicator of the strength of a given economy. High GDP means high currency value.
• The budget deficit’s effect on currency values is arguable, because on the one hand government debt being owned by foreign nations reduces the value of currency, however, on the other hand high deficits tend to cause central banks to raise interest rates (which in turn has a positive effect on the value of the currency).

Other Important Factors of Chart Analysis:

The key elements of chart analysis are the relative strength index (RSI), the stochastic oscillator, moving average indicators (MA), the parabolic SAR indicator, the directional movement indicator (DMI), and the rate of changer indicator:
• The relative strength index (RSI) is a common tool used to indicate momentum. The RSI can tell you if a currency was overbought or oversold. The RSI is measured from 0-100, where 70 and up generally means a currency has been overbought, while 30 and below generally indicates the a currency has been undervalued (and therefore would be good to buy).
• The stochastic oscillator is a good aid for determining market trends. The stochastic oscillator takes into account peak and closing values over a period of 14 time denominations (hours, days, weeks, and so on…). The theory behind the calculation is based on the assumption that upward trending markets will close relatively near their high. This calculation also produces a score between 0-100, where above 80 can mean that a currency is towards the end of an upward trend and below 20 can mean that a currency is towards the end of a downward trend.
• Moving average indicators are, like their name, indicators of the average value of the currency taking its various movements into consideration. The indicator tends to lag, therefore it is recommended to buy when the value is above the MA and sell when the currency value is below the MA. There are multiple MA’s and it is recommended to cross-reference them for best results.
• A parabolic SAR indicator is a mathematical calculation intended to forecast when the curve on the chart (the parabola) will change direction (“Stop and Reverse”). Knowing when the currency chart will change direction means knowing when to buy or sell. This indicator is less accurate in highly volatile markets and should always be cross-referenced with other indicators.
• The DMI is another indicator that determines the strength of a given market in order to monitor trends. The DMI produces a calculation known as the average directional movement index (ADX). When the ADX is 20 or above, that means there is a strong upward trend.
• The rate of change (ROC) indicator is simply the difference in value of a currency over 2 or more given time periods. This is an especially good indicator when comparing multiple currencies at once in response to recent events that greatly affected the market.

One who follows the indicators in order to properly analyze the AUD/NZD chart, while simultaneously keeping in mind all the macroeconomic indicators will draw great profits from the buck and kiwi trade.

About the Author

Looking to make sense of trading AUD/NZD currency pairs? This article will explain two systems of analyses, macroeconomic analysis and chart analysis, for optimal trading.

By Forex Mansion

Finding the best Forex broker for your trading needs can feel overwhelming because of the sheer number of them available online. However, when one is clear about his expectations from his broker, the process is greatly simplified. While there are many sites that are dedicated to rating and reviewing Forex trading brokers, each individual trader must do his due diligence in narrowing the field through trial and error. This means reading about a number of sites, finding the ones that seem to be a good fit and then trying them out. Ultimately, one will find that the broker that gives a feeling of comfort, support and reliability will be the once he chooses because the focus should be wholly on the market and not on the broker itself.

Concerning the Forex market, Brokers should have a wealth of information on the USD considering that it represents 90% of all the currency trades worldwide. Some things to consider regarding the USD as the value of the dollar and the way it is affected by the post-recession America. AC-Markets has some great articles on this phenomenon. The dollar dropping affects the entire market, so some your broker should have news concerning the following American consumer behaviors:

1. Rising Gas Prices. The American consumer is deeply affected by the rising gas prices as explained in this Reuters article. The affects lead to Americans borrowing more money to support their standards of living, or minimally drive less and buy fewer new cars.

2. Americans Buying Foreign Goods for Cheap. Americans buying foreign products rather than American are constantly expanding the trade deficit simply because of cost. This is leading to an even more unstable USD and a question of how this might get turned around, if at all.

3. Spending Instead of Savings. The long-term economy in the United States is increasingly in question as a result of the American proclivity to spend instead of savings, regardless that they are chiefly living on debt. In the short terms, this strengthened the USD for a bit, but too much spending coupled with this spending being from borrowed money is making the USD fall even further. In fact, foreign savings is being brought in to the US and weakening the dollar even further.

4. Scared Americans Do Not Spend Money. The Fed continues to cut rates as a way to get consumers to borrow more money and then spend it. This is building a house on a shaky foundation as too little spending from being scared weakens the dollar almost as much as too much spending with borrowed funds.

However, information is not enough, a solid broker should also be graded according to the following:

• Just as some say that “clothes make the man,” many also say that a broker that does not invest in its public image, website, platform and user interface is a broker that does not care about the end user experience. You have to feel good with the broker websites and platforms because you will likely be spending a good deal of time on them.

• Most sites and platforms also have “practice accounts” for investors to trade with virtual money before they start investing their own money. With so many brokers to choose from, there is no reason to pay exorbitant fees for learning find a trading flow.

• Speed of transactions was once problematic with online trading, because the market moves so quickly that by the time one clicked into or out of a trade, the price may have drastically changed. To combat this, the most reputable brokers will honor trade prices from the moment the user clicks, and not when the click is registered with the site. Any site that does not offer this feature should be crossed off your potential broker list.

• The brokers have understood their competition enough to offer bonuses to investors who open trading accounts with them. Some of the bonuses can be quite a good amount of money depending on your opening account balance, but if there is free money out there then go for it!

• A final consideration for choosing a broker is their customer support system. If you have a question about how the website or platform functions, you should be able to get quick and clear answers without having to wait a very long time. Just as the market moves very quickly, your broker should move quickly as well addressing your concerns and questions. It is in fact in the broker’s best interest to educate their investors so they keep on trading and investing with them and not another broker.

About the Author

To find more information about foreign exchange brokers or inquiry about stock day trading or forex trading, please visit http://www.forexmansion.com.

This article reviews the monetary policy interest rate activity of the world’s central banks during the first half of 2011.  The key takeaway is that monetary policy tightening has been the dominant game for most emerging market central banks in the first half of the year, however the majority of central banks are still in the no-change camp.  Indeed of the 79 central banks that Central Bank News monitors, 33 made net increases to their interest rates, while 40 held their rates net unchanged, and only 6 made net reductions to their policy interest rates.

Of the central banks that net increased their interest rates, the average increase was 111 basis points, but with many opting for 25 (8), or 50 (7) basis points.  Meanwhile the outliers were Vietnam (600bps) and Belarus (550bps); the former dealing with hyperinflation, and the latter dealing with a number of economic worries.  And it wasn’t only emerging markets that were net tighteners in the first half; Denmark, Norway, the EU, and Sweden were among those to tighten monetary policy settings.

As for those that loosened interest rates, it was much a case of being the outlier.  New Zealand dropped its official cash rate earlier this year after an earthquake hit one of its cities.  Meanwhile Iceland dropped rates in response to low inflation and continued economic challenges.  Qatar dropped its policy rate to help the non-energy part of its economy, and Ghana dropped rates due to easing in domestic inflation pressures.

So overall the first half of the year in monetary policy interest rates was characterised by inaction for most, tightening by many, with a few outliers reducing interest rates.  Much of the policy tightening went on in emerging markets where inflation has been pushed above inflation targets due to rising global commodity prices and strong economic growth and activity levels (i.e. both demand pull and cost push).

Going into the second half of the year the outlook is less certain, which in part explains inaction being the main stance for most of the monetary policy setters.  On commodities, there has been a recent correction in broad commodity prices, and many commodities finished the past quarter with price falls. A stable or falling global commodity price environment could see less tightening, and perhaps pockets of loosening.

Meanwhile the global economic growth outlook continues to be uncertain, with some economies e.g. the US making slow progress, and tail risks e.g. Greek sovereign debt default, having the potential to pull back the aggregate demand impulse.  So out next review could well see more banks opting for no change or even net policy loosening.  In any case, keep checking the website for monetary policy updates.

Source: www.CentralBankNews.info

Article source: http://www.centralbanknews.info/2011/07/global-interest-rate-movements-half.html

Over the past week there were 6 central banks announcing monetary policy decisions.  Only Kenya (+175bps to 8.00%), and Taiwan (12.5bps to 1.875) increased interest rates.  Meanwhile the central banks of Israel (3.25%), Albania (5.25%), Romania (6.25%), and Russia (8.25%) all held monetary policy settings unchanged.  Also of interest in central banking news was the announcement from the BIS [Bank for International Settlements] around increasing capital requirement regulations for globally systemically important banks.  The BIS also featured in the news as it stressed the need for central banks around the world to normalise monetary policy in order to promote sustainable economic growth.

Some of the common themes from the monetary policy statements included caution around the uncertain economic outlook, particularly within the global backdrop of heightened levels of sovereign debt risks.  There was also mention of the recent trends in commodity prices, with several key commodities turning down over the past quarter.  Another common concern was the growth outlook, both domestically, and globally; with the major economies of China and the US showing some weakness in recent economic indicators.

Following is a selection of the key quotes and comments from the central banks mentioned above. 

• Bank of Israel (held interest rate at 3.25%): “In the first half of the year the Bank of Israel raised the interest rate markedly.  At the same time, steps were taken by the Bank of Israel and the Ministry of Finance in the housing market.  In addition, the shekel appreciated over recent months and there was a decline in commodity prices.  The impact on inflation of these items is expected to be felt in the future.”
• Bank of Albania (held interest rate at 5.25%): “inflation will continue to be under the pressure of foreign prices in the coming period,”…”but, barring unexpected developments, the effect of the shocks of foreign prices will wane while the effect of administered prices will cease in the third quarter”.
• Central Bank of Kenya (increased interest rate 175bps to 8.00%): “This further tightening of the monetary policy stance will curtail second-round effects arising from fuel and maize prices and exchange-rate volatility that have been fueling inflationary expectations,”.
• National Bank of Romania (held interest rate at 6.25%): “The inflation outlook continues to feature significant risks.  The developments in international commodity prices, the uncertainties related to the calendar and magnitude of administered price adjustments, the movements on global financial markets in the context of the evolution of the sovereign debt crisis, as well as the possible emergence of second-round effects from the supply-side shocks seen in the recent quarters remain a matter of concern.”
• Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (increased interest rate 12.5bps to 1.875%): “Although the nation’s inflation remains more stable than in most other countries, we have decided to maintain the pace in rate hikes to help control the public’s prospective attitude toward consumer prices,”.
• Central Bank of Russia (held refinancing rate at 8.25%): “The decision was made following an assessment of inflation risks and risks for sustainable economic growth, including risks posed by the continued uncertainty over foreign market developments.”

Next week is set to be a reasonably busy week in monetary policy, with rate hikes expected from 3 of the following central banks that are scheduled to review policy settings:

• Australia (Reserve Bank of Australia) – expected to hold at 4.75% on 5th July
• Sweden (Sveriges Riksbank) – possible 25bp increase from 1.75% on 5th July
• Poland (National Bank of Poland) – expected to hold at 4.50% on 6th July
• Malaysia (Bank Negara Malaysia)  – likely 25bp increase from 3.00% on 7th July
• United Kingdom (Bank of England) expected to hold at 0.50% on 7th July
• Eurozone (European Central Bank) expect 25bp increase from 1.25% on 7th July
• Mexico (Banco de Mexico) expected to hold at 4.50% on 8th July

Source: www.CentralBankNews.info

Article source: http://www.centralbanknews.info/2011/07/monetary-policy-week-in-review-2-july.html

By Cedric Welsch

Currency investing is one of the most fascinating businesses around today. Many experts estimate that nearly three eight million people around the world participate in this intriguing business endeavor. One must learn Forex trading before investing a great deal of money into complex trades. Unfortunately, this is one piece of advice that is often ignored by many beginners.

This unique business endeavor gives everyone an opportunity to supplement or replace their current income. The market never closes. One can place trades early in the morning, during evening hours, and late at night. This is wonderful for anyone who is not interested in leaving their current occupation. This is also fantastic for anyone who has major responsibilities that consume a large portion of their day.

Currency trading attracts the interest of people from all walks of life. Young adults, middle aged adults, and senior citizens actively participate in currency trading. Some predict that the interest in buying and selling currencies will continue to grow exponentially as time progresses.

There are tons of books, cassette courses, and video courses dedicated to the subject. Many retired and active experienced traders have taken the path of sharing their secrets with others. They understand the importance of helping others have success in the market.

Having thorough knowledge of the market is the first step one should take in trying to become a winning trader. The Forex market is notorious for presenting difficult challenges to novice traders. Here is a look at several tips that can help anyone learn Forex trading.

Visit Online Brokerage Sites

There are several online brokerage sites in existence today. Online brokerage sites help traders place their trades. Quality brokerage firms offer free tutorials on their sites. Reading some of these tutorials can help anyone become more proficient with his or her trades. This is how some of the best traders in the world learned began.

Seminars

Annual seminars are normally held by experts each year. These seminars are held around the globe. Attending these seminars is vital for anyone who wants to become a top earner. One can easily learn several techniques that can take him increase their earnings significantly.

Currency investing is one of the most fascinating business endeavors around today. Millions of people participate in the currency trading market. The currency market has helped thousands become millionaires. One can easily become a proficient trader if he or she learns Forex trading concepts while attending seminars and reading free tutorials offered by online brokerage sites.

About the Author

Whoever said that a full time forex business is hard to turn into a profit making machine?
The capacity of your foreign exchange business is all dependent upon you creativity as trader.

July 1 (Bloomberg) — Georg Grodzki, head of credit research at Legal & General Investment Management, talks about the outlook for Europe’s sovereign debt crisis and the prospect of a Greek default. He speaks with Owen Thomas on Bloomberg Television’s “Countdown.”