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Best Currency Pairs to Trade at NightBest Currency Pairs to Trade at Night In forex trading, time is of great importance. The forex market operates 24/5, and it is divided into different trading sessions, including Asian, European, and North American. Each session has its own unique characteristics, and their overlap can impact activity and volatility. Night trading presents both opportunities and challenges. To make the most of night hours, it is important to identify the best forex currency pairs to trade during this period. This FXOpen article will delve into the world of night trading, exploring the key elements affecting it and offering valuable insights. Factors Impacting Nighttime Forex Trading Time is a critical factor in forex trading because it influences market conditions, liquidity, and volatility. Traders consider the timing of their trades and adapt their strategies accordingly to maximise opportunities while managing risk. Market Hours Around the World Nighttime forex trading coincides with different market sessions. The primary session during the night for European traders is the Asian session (Sydney and Tokyo sessions). In addition, although the New York session is not technically a night session, the latter part of it often moves into the night. The North American trading session, which includes markets in New York, Chicago, and Toronto, aligns with the evening and night hours for Australian traders. The European session overlaps with the late evening and early morning hours for Australian traders. This overlap is where traders can find significant trading opportunities. Liquidity During Different Sessions Nighttime trading sees lower liquidity compared to the major sessions, but this doesn’t mean it’s devoid of opportunities. Major forex pairs, for example, tend to remain relatively liquid, ensuring traders can enter and exit positions with ease. Also, liquidity differs depending on the currency pair. For Europe, pairs with Asia-Pacific currencies (e.g. Japanese yen, Australian dollar, and New Zealand dollar) will have more liquidity at night. Meanwhile, for Asian and Australian traders, pairs with the USD and European currencies will be more liquid in the overnight hours. Volatility Patterns Night trading often sees more stable price movements than day sessions. Traders seeking smoother trends and reduced risk often find night trading attractive. Night traders analyse and react to the information accumulated during the day sessions. This allows for more methodical and less impulsive trading decisions, which also contributes to price stability. Economic Events and News Releases Despite the quiet hours, economic events and news releases can still impact nighttime trading. Keep an eye on economic calendars to avoid unexpected surprises and capitalise on market reactions. Best Currency Pairs to Trade at Night The choice of the best forex pairs to trade at night depends on your trading strategy, risk tolerance, and preferences. However, some currency pairs are generally considered more suitable for this. Here are some popular forex pairs to consider. Major Currency Pairs Major forex pairs, such as EUR/USD (Euro/US dollar), USD/JPY (US dollar/Japanese yen), and GBP/USD (British pound/US dollar), remain attractive options for night trading due to their liquidity and stable price movements. As these are the most traded pairs in forex, many market participants favour them. Cross Currency Pairs Cross currency pairs, like EUR/GBP (Euro/British pound), EUR/JPY (Euro/Japanese yen), and AUD/JPY (Australian dollar/Japanese yen), can provide diversification and trading opportunities during the night. They might exhibit different volatility patterns from major currency pairs. Exotic Currency Pairs While exotic currency pairs can be riskier, some traders find them intriguing during the night. You can consider, for example, USD/SGD (US dollar/Singapore dollar), USD/TRY (US dollar/Turkish lira), or EUR/TRY (Euro/Turkish lira). These are among the most volatile pairs in forex, and they often experience substantial price swings, offering the potential for higher profits. Trading Strategies for Nighttime Trading Trading strategies for night trading require careful consideration of market conditions and trader preferences. Below are a few trading strategies suitable for night trading. Scalping Scalping is a short-term strategy that allows traders to capitalise on small price movements. This strategy can be effective, as news that comes out at night can create more volatility in the market, which is the main benefit for scalpers. Swing Trading This approach involves capturing medium-term price movements. This strategy provides opportunities to identify and enter positions that can be held overnight or for several days. By using swing trading, traders reduce risks of price fluctuations that can affect day traders and scalpers. Swing traders typically need to conduct technical analysis to know when it’s best to enter and exit a trade. Carry Trading Carry trading utilises the difference in interest rates between currency pairs. Traders earn interest on the currency they buy (the currency of the country with a higher interest rate) and pay interest on the currency they sell (the currency of the country with a lower interest rate). For night trading, traders may look for pairs with favourable interest rate differentials and hold positions to accumulate interest income. Range Trading Range trading involves identifying price ranges or support and resistance levels and trading within those boundaries. During the night, many currency pairs consolidate within narrower ranges, making range trading an appealing strategy. Risk Management Techniques Regardless of the trading strategy, setting stop-loss and take-profit orders is crucial. They help limit potential losses and lock in profits. You can also consider managing your risk through proper position sizing. The theory states that you shouldn’t risk more than you can afford to lose in a single trade. Another smart idea is to diversify your portfolio and trade different currency pairs to spread risk. Before entering a trade, a good way to go is to evaluate the risk-reward ratio. A favourable ratio ensures that potential gains outweigh potential losses. Final Thoughts To identify the best currency pairs to trade today, it’s crucial to conduct technical and fundamental analysis. The TickTrader platform can help you with the former, as there you will find the most advanced analysis tools, graphs, and more. To assess external factors, use news resources and analyses by experts, which you can find on our blog. You can open an FXOpen account and start trading tonight. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Education
by FXOpen
4
Mastering the Moving Average: The Trendspotter for Every TraderTradingViewers, this one will take you back to basics. In this Idea we visit a tool that’s as essential as your morning coffee — the Moving Average (MA). This indicator is the market’s smoothing instrument, ironing out the noise and letting you see the trend for what it really is. What’s a Moving Average? Think of the Moving Average as the market’s highlight reel. It averages out price action over a specific period, showing you where the market’s been and giving you a clue about where it might be headed. It’s the ultimate trendspotter, cutting through the daily chatter to reveal the bigger picture. Day traders and scalpers, don’t fret — it works on intraday time frames, too. Types of MAs Simple Moving Average (SMA): The old-school classic. It’s as straightforward as it gets — just an average of days you specify — 7, 9, 21, 50, 100, or even 200 days — that’s called “length”. This tool might be simple, but it’s a mainstay indicator for professional traders, institutional investors, and other big-shot money spinners. Exponential Moving Average (EMA): The turbocharged version of the SMA. It gives more weight to recent prices, meaning it reacts quicker to the action. If the SMA is a steady cruise, the EMA is a sports car with a little more kick. How to Use Moving Averages Spotting Trends : The Moving Average is your trend-checking buddy. Prices above the MA? We’re in bull territory. Prices below? Looks like the bears are in control. Slap it on any time frame — it’s the same rules regardless of the time horizon. Support and Resistance : MAs are like the guardrails of the market. They often act as support during uptrends and resistance during downtrends. When price bounces off an MA, it’s like a boxer bouncing off the ropes — watch for the counterpunch! The Golden Cross & Death Cross : Now we’re talking setups that get traders buzzing. When a short-term MA crosses above a long-term MA, you get a Golden Cross – the market’s flashing a buy signal party. But when the opposite happens, it’s a Death Cross, and the bears start licking their lips. Moving Average Crossover : Want some trading action? Watch for crossovers between short and long MAs. For example, throw in your chart a 50-day moving average and then top it up with a 100-day and a 200-day line. If they all cross over to the upside, you can expect a swing higher. And if they cross over to the downside, you can anticipate a swing lower. Pro Tip: Tune Your Moving Average Jot these numbers down — 20, 50, 100, 200 — these are the MA settings you’ll see most, but don’t be afraid to tweak them. A shorter MA (20 or 50) reacts quicker but can whipsaw you. A longer MA (100 or 200) is steadier but might be slower to catch reversals. It’s all about finding the balance that suits your trading style. Bottom Line The Moving Average isn’t about predicting the future — it’s about seeing the present more clearly. It’s the difference between getting lost in the noise and riding the trend with confidence. Whether you’re trend-following or looking for a noiseless entry, the MA is your go-to indicator. So slap that Moving Average on your chart and let it take you beyond the clutter. Because when the market’s moving fast, it pays to have a steady hand guiding your trades. And as essential as MAs are, don't limit your analysis to just one tool: apply several indicators on your chart to spot trends more effectively and enhance your research with data from the economic calendar , screeners, heatmaps, and all kinds of tools available on TradingView to have a bigger picture of market activities. Are you already using MAs in your charting and trading? Let us know in the comments below!
Education
by TradingView
11
Comparing Different Financial MarketsComparing Different Financial Markets In trading, understanding the types of international financial markets is crucial. This article offers a comprehensive market comparison of the stock, forex, commodity, crypto* and bond arenas. You’ll learn the importance of these financial markets and what it takes to navigate each one effectively. Stock Market The stock market is a financial marketplace where traders and investors can buy and sell shares of publicly traded companies. By purchasing a stock, an investor essentially owns a slice of the company, and their investment's value moves in tandem with the company's performance. - Risk: Stocks can be volatile, subject to market sentiment, economic indicators, and company performance. Risk varies widely among different types of stocks. - Income Potential: Day traders aim for short-term gains, while long-term investors often seek stocks that offer dividends or high growth potential. - Knowledge: A solid understanding of market trends, company fundamentals, and technical indicators is beneficial for effective trading. - Liquidity: Most stocks, especially those listed on major exchanges, have high liquidity, allowing for quick entry and exit. - Costs and Fees: Costs can include brokerage commissions, although many online platforms now offer zero-commission trading. - Trading Hours: Generally restricted to weekdays, opening and closing at set times, with after-hours trading being possible but less liquid. Forex Market The forex market is the global marketplace for buying and selling currencies. Traders pair two currencies, like EUR/USD, and profit from the fluctuations in exchange rates. - Risk: Forex trading can be highly volatile and is considered riskier than stock trading, influenced by geopolitical events, interest rates, and economic data. - Income Potential: High leverage can amplify gains but also increase risk. Many traders seek to profit from short-term fluctuations. - Knowledge: Understanding of macroeconomic indicators, geopolitical events, and technical analysis can be crucial for success. - Liquidity: Extremely high, given the 24/5 operation of the Forex market. - Costs and Fees: Typically lower than other markets, often involving spreads rather than direct commissions. - Trading Hours: Operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, allowing for flexibility in trading times. Commodity Market The commodity market is one of the types of international financial markets where physical or virtual assets like gold, oil, or agricultural products are traded. These markets often act as a gauge for supply and demand conditions globally. - Risk: Commodities can be quite volatile, influenced by global events, natural disasters, and political instability. Traders often hedge against other market risks by investing in commodities. - Income Potential: Gains can be substantial but are also subject to dramatic shifts based on the factors mentioned above. - Knowledge: Understanding of global economic indicators, supply and demand factors, and geopolitical events is critical. - Liquidity: Varies widely depending on the commodity; for example, gold and oil are highly liquid. - Costs and Fees: This can include brokerage commissions, futures contract fees, and costs associated with physical storage for some commodities. - Trading Hours: Vary by commodity and exchange, but many have extended hours due to global demand. Cryptocurrency Market* The cryptocurrency market is a decentralised digital asset market that includes cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and various tokens. It's the newest and one of the most rapidly evolving financial markets. - Risk: Extremely volatile, with prices subject to rapid fluctuations, sometimes within minutes. Regulatory concerns add another layer of risk. - Income Potential: High potential for both short-term and long-term gains, but also significant risk of loss. - Knowledge: Understanding of blockchain technology, market sentiment, and technical analysis is often crucial. Familiarity with regulation is also beneficial. - Liquidity: Generally high for well-known cryptocurrencies but can be low for lesser-known tokens and coins. - Costs and Fees: Vary by platform and may include transaction fees, deposit/withdrawal fees, and "gas" fees for certain types of transactions. - Trading Hours: Operates 24/7, allowing for ongoing trading and the chance to react to market news or events. You can head over to FXOpen's free TickTrader platform to explore the above-mentioned markets for CFD trading in real-time. Bond Market The bond market is a segment of the financial market where debt securities are issued and traded. Unlike the stock market, which is a part of the capital market, the bond market focuses on long-term debt instruments. This highlights the difference between capital markets and financial markets. - Risk: Generally considered lower risk compared to stocks and commodities, although risk can vary depending on the issuer's creditworthiness. - Income Potential: Lower yield compared to more volatile markets, but often offers more stable returns through interest payments. - Knowledge: Understanding of interest rates, yield curves, and credit ratings is essential for bond trading. - Liquidity: Varies depending on the type of bond; government bonds are usually highly liquid, while corporate bonds can be less so. - Costs and Fees: Transaction costs are generally built into the bond's price, but some brokers may charge commissions. - Trading Hours: Primarily traded over-the-counter (OTC), with some bonds available on exchanges. Trading hours can vary but are generally regular business hours. The Bottom Line In summary, the diverse features of financial markets offer traders a range of opportunities, from stocks and commodities to cryptocurrencies* and bonds. Armed with this knowledge, you're now equipped to navigate the markets with confidence. Want to put these insights into action? Consider opening an FXOpen account to kickstart your trading adventure. *At FXOpen UK and FXOpen AU, Cryptocurrency CFDs are only available for trading by those clients categorised as Professional clients under FCA Rules and Professional clients under ASIC Rules, respectively. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
FXOPEN:XAUUSDEducation
by FXOpen
4
A Guide on How to Stay on the Right Side of Market RiskStaying on the right side of the market is the only thing that matters in investing. The goal is simple: be long the things that go up and avoid the things that go down. Although this sounds straightforward, investors often focus too much on the upside potential and forget about the downside. In reality, avoiding the downside is by far the most important factor that will have the biggest impact on your total returns. This is because a -50% loss will always require a +100% gain just to break even. Step 1: Follow the Trend The most effective method to stay on the right side of the market is by following the trend, primarily through moving averages. The two most common types are the Simple Moving Average (SMA) and the Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The EMA assigns more weight to recent price movements, making it more responsive and effective for signalling the start of a downtrend, while the SMA offers a clearer view of the longer-term trend. The simplest way to construct a trend-following indicator is to combine a short-term EMA with a long-term EMA. A buying signal is triggered when the short-term EMA crosses above the long-term EMA, and a selling signal is triggered when it crosses below. This systematic approach ensures clear and actionable signals. Optimizing this strategy involves backtesting various EMA combinations to strike a balance between minimal trading frequency, lowest maximum drawdown, and highest profit factor. It’s also crucial to select assets that have historically adhered to trends, as these are more likely to continue doing so. Assets that typically adhere to trends, such as cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, commodities, and tech stocks, are often driven by speculative or uncertain future expectations. By incorporating a longer-term SMA and adding a safety margin to the calculation, you can help minimize false signals from the EMAs. It’s advisable to compare asset performance not only against the USD pair but also against the safest investable asset in the selected asset class. This comparison helps determine if the additional risk is worth taking. Step 2: Draw the Lines Trend-following strategies are effective only with a clear market trend. Without it, prices may exhibit range-bound movements and generate false signals. Drawing trend lines and identifying horizontal support and resistance levels are crucial for enhancing the accuracy of these signals. The most reliable entry points typically follow a confirmed breakout from these lines, with older lines often indicating more significant breakouts. When drawing trend lines, it’s crucial to use both normal and logarithmic chart scales. The most reliable trend lines appear consistent across these scales, with a breakout observed on both further confirming the trend. Additionally, identifying reliable patterns like head and shoulders, inverse head and shoulders or double tops and bottoms can further validate trend breakouts. TradingView’s pattern recognition tools can automate this process and provide price targets, which can be helpful but are not always guaranteed. Step 3: Understand the Macro Following current macroeconomic conditions can enhance your understanding of the overall business cycle. The primary macro forces that influence asset markets are growth, inflation, and policy. These factors are subjective and not directly quantifiable, making them unsuitable for direct investment decisions. However, they are useful for assessing the market’s risk appetite, which should influence only your position size and not your systematic approach. The US Composite Leading Indicator (CLI) is one of the most informative macroeconomic indicators, providing insights into potential economic growth trends and helping anticipate inflections in the business cycle. Monitoring the US inflation and unemployment rates is also beneficial, as they significantly influence monetary policy. While minor fluctuations may not provide much insight, sustained trends that align with the Federal Reserve’s targets of 2% inflation and low unemployment are indicative of a healthy economy. Furthermore, tracking global liquidity can reveal the real-time effects of monetary and fiscal policies implemented by major central banks and governments. This serves as a valuable tool to assess the market’s risk appetite. In conclusion, this guide helps investors stay on the right side of the market by adopting a systematic approach that captures bull markets while avoiding major downturns. Recognizing that the future is unpredictable and that markets are driven by momentum, this method can both preserve and grow your wealth in a less stressful way. A disciplined, systematic approach, executed dispassionately, is essential for navigating market uncertainties. All indicators discussed are publicly available or can be accessed on my profile. Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice.
NASDAQ:NVDAEducation
by ingeforberg
5
How to get exposure to crypto without owning crypto! Getting into crypto doesn’t always mean buying tokens like CRYPTOCAP:BTC , CRYPTOCAP:ETH or CRYPTOCAP:SOL directly onchain or even on centralized crypto exchanges. Sometimes, it’s easier, cheaper, and even more strategic to gain exposure through traditional investment vehicles There’s a few reasons why: * Tax efficiency: Many of these investments can be made through tax advantaged accounts, potentially saving you money come tax season and in the long run. * Regulatory safety: Traditional investments often come with better regulatory oversight, reducing the risks associated with direct crypto ownership. * Convenience: No need to set up wallets, remember seed phrases, or stress about hacks and CZ funds are SAFU tweets! So you know the why, now let’s get into the 5 ways to ride the blockchain wave without owning a single coin. 1/ Crypto ETFs If you’re looking to dip your toes into crypto, these funds offer exposure to digital assets without the hassle of managing a wallet. Spot/Leverage CRYPTOCAP:BTC & CRYPTOCAP:ETH ETFs: These funds directly track the price of Bitcoin or Ethereum, and some even offer leverage for those looking to amplify their bets. Think of it as buying Bitcoin or Ethereum, but without needing to worry about wallets or decentralized exchanges. Tech & Crypto ETFs (like LSE:ARK , AMEX:BLOK , NASDAQ:BKCH , AMEX:BITQ ): These funds mix crypto exposure with other cutting-edge tech stocks, offering a broader play on the future of this technology 2/ Coinbase Investing in Coinbase gives you a stake in the broader crypto ecosystem. Coinbase isn’t just a trading platform it’s a gateway to stablecoins, the Base blockchain, and a big chunk of crypto market activity Plus, they’re even an ETF custodian! And Coinbase’s stock has been COOKING: 3/ Fintech giants Companies like Robinhood, PayPal, Block, Mercado Libre, and Nubank are embracing crypto tech in a big way. Investing in these fintech giants means you’re betting on the growth of crypto adoption within our existing financial system The nice thing about investing in the fintech giants is it's a more diversified bet. If something happens to crypto, these fintech companies still have an underlying business with millions of users and real revenues. While they may drive crypto adoption and give you exposure to it, they don’t NEED crypto to still be a good investment. 4/ MicroStrategy and MetaPlanet These two public companies are heading up the “Bitcoin on the balance sheet” charge MicroStrategy is like the ultimate Bitcoin bull and holds billions in CRYPTOCAP:BTC and Metaplanet is a Japanese blockchain consulting firm that has adopted a similar strategy.Buying NASDAQ:MSTR is similar to leveraged $BTC. When CRYPTOCAP:BTC goes up, NASDAQ:MSTR goes up higher, same for the other direction though so be careful 5/ Bitcoin mining companies Want to bet on the infrastructure behind Bitcoin? Bitcoin mining companies (like NASDAQ:RIOT , NASDAQ:MARA , and NASDAQ:HUT ) are the backbone of the CRYPTOCAP:BTC network. By investing in these companies, you’re betting on a combination of the performance of the mining company and the price of Bitcoin. Bitcoin mining companies can also find additional revenue streams, like providing compute for Artificial Intelligence or heating homes. Similar to the Fintech giants, Bitcoin miners provide another diversified way to invest in crypto. As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get your slice of the crypto pie without ever buying a single token Sure, some options come with a bit more spice yet betting on companies means you’re not just riding the CRYPTOCAP:BTC or CRYPTOCAP:ETH wave, you’re also banking on those companies’ success. But depending on your situation, this might be the perfect way to dip your toes in the crypto waters or even beef up your portfolio. which way you chose and why?
NASDAQ:MSTREducation
by moonypto
12
How to Read the RSI Indicator: The Market's Lie DetectorAttention TradingViewers, market gurus, and Instagram influencers, this one indicator goes hard whenever it’s onto something. Let's talk about the RSI — the Relative Strength Index . This bad boy is like the lie detector test of the market, calling out overhyped moves and under-the-radar opportunities. What’s RSI All About? The RSI is a momentum-based oscillator that captures the speed and change of price movements. It operates on a scale of 0 to 100, and if you know how to read it, it’s like having X-ray vision into the market’s moods. The best part? It’s super easy to use — slap it on any chart, any time frame and let it do its thing. The Numbers Above 70 : Overbought alert! If the RSI shows a reading above 70, the trading instrument may have been partying a little too hard. Anywhere above 70 means that it’s flashing “overbought” – like a sugar rush that’s about to crash. Traders who follow the RSI usually interpret this as a signal to sell and move out of the asset before the line reverses course and dives back under the high-water mark. Sometimes, however, the price keeps climbing well above 70. Below 30 : Now we’re in “oversold” territory – it’s like spotting a hidden gem in a bargain bin. When RSI drops below 30, the market’s saying, “This thing’s been beaten down, but maybe – just maybe – it’s time for a comeback.” Keep in mind that sometimes the dip may keep dipping. How It’s Calculated RSI is all about relative strength — it compares the magnitude of recent gains to recent losses. Picture a tug-of-war between bulls and bears. The RSI score tells you who’s winning the battle right now, but also hints at who might be running out of strength. Trading with RSI Overbought? Maybe Sell (obligatory DYOR) . When RSI hits 70 and above, you might be looking at a market running out of fuel. You may start thinking about trimming your position, or at least keep an eye out for a reversal. After all, what goes up must come down (except maybe Bitcoin BTC/USD ?) Oversold? Maybe Buy (obligatory DYOR) . If the RSI drops to 30 and below, it could be a signal to start looking for a buying opportunity. The market is going through a meltdown and sometimes that’s your cue to go bargain hunting and snap up some discounted assets. Just make sure that your stock or crypto of choice isn’t falling for a specific reason — no indicator can save you from an actual rug pull. The Sweet Spot — Divergences: Ever notice when the RSI and price action don’t agree? That’s called a divergence, and it’s like catching the market in a lie. If the price is making new highs but the RSI isn’t, or vice versa, it’s a clue that something fishy’s going on and you may want to be on the lookout for a sur- price reversal. Bonus Tip: RSI in Different Timeframes Wanna get fancy and earn some bragging rights? Use RSI across different timeframes. A stock might be oversold on the daily but overbought on the weekly. By spotting the trend across different time frames, you can pick your desired time frame to trade in and follow closely. The higher the time frame, the longer the time horizon for the move to actually pan out. So, there you have it – the RSI. It’s not a crystal ball, but it’s pretty close. Use it wisely, and you might just outsmart the market — or at least stay ahead of the next big move. Keep those charts hot, continue learning about technical analysis and go smash those trading goals of yours. 🔥
Education
by TradingView
17
Understanding Dark Pools█ Diving Into Dark Pools In recent years, dark pools have become a significant part of the financial markets, offering an alternative trading venue for institutional traders. But what exactly are dark pools, and how do they impact market quality and price efficiency? This article delves into the comprehensive study titled "Diving Into Dark Pools" by Sabrina Buti, Barbara Rindi, and Ingrid Werner, which sheds light on the complexities of dark pool trading in the US stock market. █ What Are Dark Pools? Dark pools are private financial forums or exchanges for trading securities. Unlike public stock exchanges, dark pools do not display the order book to the public until after the trade is executed, providing anonymity to those placing trades. This lack of pre-trade transparency can help prevent large orders from impacting the market price, which is particularly beneficial for institutional investors looking to trade large volumes without revealing their intentions. █ How Do Dark Pools Work? In dark pools, the details of trades are not revealed to other market participants until the trade is completed. This lack of transparency helps prevent significant price movements that could occur if the order were known beforehand. Dark pools typically execute trades at the midpoint of the best bid and ask price in the public markets, ensuring fair pricing for both parties involved. █ Why Are Dark Pools Used? Dark pools are primarily used by institutional investors who need to execute large trades without revealing their trading intentions. Displaying such large orders on public exchanges could lead to unfavorable price movements due to market speculation and front-running by other traders. █ Benefits of Dark Pools Reduced Market Impact: Large orders can be executed without affecting the stock's market price. Anonymity: Traders can buy or sell significant amounts without revealing their identity or strategy. Lower Transaction Costs: By avoiding the public markets, traders can often reduce the costs associated with large trades. Improved Execution: Dark pools can offer better execution prices due to the lack of market impact and reduced volatility. █ Why Do Large Actors Hide Their Orders Using Dark Pools? Large institutional investors use dark pools to hide their orders to: Avoid Market Manipulation: Prevent others from driving the price up or down based on the knowledge of a large pending trade. Maintain Strategic Advantage: Keep trading strategies and intentions confidential to avoid imitation or counter-strategies by competitors. Achieve Better Prices: Execute trades at more favorable prices by not alerting the market to their actions. █ Actionable Insights for Traders Understand Market Dynamics: Knowing how and why dark pools are used can provide insights into market liquidity and price movements. Monitor Market Quality: Be aware that increased dark pool activity can improve overall market quality by reducing volatility and spreads. Assess Price Efficiency: Recognize that while dark pools can enhance market quality, they might also lead to short-term inefficiencies like price overreaction. █ Key Findings from the Study The study analyzed unique data on dark pool activity across a large cross-section of US stocks in 2009. Here are some of the critical insights: Concentration in Liquid Stocks: Dark pool activity is predominantly concentrated in liquid stocks. Specifically, Nasdaq stocks show higher dark pool activity compared to NYSE stocks when controlling for liquidity factors. Market Quality Improvement: Increased dark pool activity correlates with improvements in various market quality measures, including narrower spreads, greater depth, and reduced short-term volatility. This suggests that dark pools can enhance market stability and efficiency for certain stocks. Complex Relationship with Price Efficiency: The relationship between dark pool activity and price efficiency is multifaceted. While increased activity generally leads to lower short-term volatility, it can also be associated with more short-term overreactions in price for specific stock groups, particularly small and medium-cap stocks. Impact on Market Dynamics: On days with high share volume, high depth, low intraday volatility, and low order imbalances, dark pool activity tends to be higher. This indicates that traders are more likely to use dark pools when market conditions are favorable for large trades. █ Conclusion Dark pools play a crucial role in modern financial markets by allowing large trades to be executed without revealing the trader’s intentions, thus minimizing market impact and reducing costs. For retail traders, understanding the mechanics and implications of dark pools can lead to better-informed trading decisions and a deeper comprehension of market behavior. The study concludes that while dark pools generally contribute to improved market quality by reducing volatility and enhancing liquidity, their effect on price efficiency is nuanced. For small and medium stocks, dark pools can lead to short-term price overreactions, while large stocks remain largely unaffected. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the different impacts on various stock categories to make informed trading decisions. For institutional traders and market participants, understanding the role and impact of dark pools is crucial for navigating the modern financial landscape. By offering an alternative venue for executing large trades discreetly, dark pools play a pivotal role in today's trading ecosystem. █ Reference Buti, S., Rindi, B., & Werner, I. (2011). Diving into Dark Pools. Charles A. Dice Center for Research in Financial Economics, Fisher College of Business Working Paper Series, 2010-10. ----------------- Disclaimer This is an educational study for entertainment purposes only. The information in my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems does not constitute financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on such information. All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, backtest, or individual's trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on evaluating their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. My Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems are only for educational purposes!
OANDA:BTCUSDEducation
by Zeiierman
8
Think in Probabilities Embracing Uncertainty Your Key To SuccessPicture this: You’re at your trading desk, eyes on the charts, heart pounding as the market swings unpredictably. Do you feel that fear creeping in? Now, imagine knowing that this unpredictability doesn’t have to scare you. Instead, it can be the key to your success. Let's dive into why thinking in probabilities and staying calm in the face of uncertainty can turn trading from a gamble into a calculated path to consistent success. Many traders struggle with uncertainty because they lack a solid, tested system. Trading randomly or without a proven strategy leads to anxiety and inconsistency. But once you have a reliable system that suits your lifestyle and mindset, and you fully understand your edge, you realize that while the outcome of each trade is random, the probabilities of your trading system will work out for you over time. The Role of Probabilities in Trading Trading isn’t about predicting the next big market move; it’s about understanding the odds and working them to your advantage. Each trade is a small part of a larger statistical framework, where the focus shifts from individual outcomes to the bigger picture. Why Is Learning To Think In Probabilities So Important For Trading Success? Reduces Emotional Bias : By thinking in probabilities, you understand that each trade is just one in a series of many. This helps reduce emotional reactions to individual losses or gains, such as revenge trading, doubling up on position sizing, or even smashing your new iPhone against the wall (been there, LOL). For example, if you know that your strategy wins 60% of the time, you won't be devastated by a single loss. You'll see it as part of the statistical outcome. Encourages Rational Decision-Making: Knowing your strategy has an actual edge helps you stick to your plan, even during losing streaks, and avoid impulsive decisions. To know your edge, you need to do plenty of backtesting and forward testing so you can gain confidence in the system. For instance, if you experience a string of losses, understanding that this is normal and statistically probable helps you remain disciplined and not deviate from your strategy. Builds Confidence in Your System : Confidence comes from knowing your strategy is backtested and has a proven edge over a large number of trades. This knowledge helps you stay disciplined and focused on executing your plan. For example, if your backtesting shows a positive expectancy over 1,000 trades, you can trust your system even when short-term results are unfavorable. Things That Have Helped Me Over the Years to Deal With the Uncertainty of Trading Finding or Developing a System/Strategy That Suits You : As humans, we are all different, and this is especially true in trading. Some people are happy to be in and out of the market fast (scalpers) and have the ability to make big decisions quickly under pressure. Others are slower thinkers and like to make decisions carefully, staying in the market for a longer period of time (swing traders). You need to find what you're best at and stick to it. If you have a busy life with work and family, maybe swing trading suits you. If you’re younger and not as busy, then perhaps scalping is your style. Playing Strategy Games and Games of Chance : This may not be something you've heard before, but I've met many traders, including myself, who have found that games like poker can really help your trading by teaching you to think in probabilities. Another game I love to play is chess, as it encourages you to think ahead, and I’ve found it has helped me in my trading over the years. Practicing Visualization : If you've ever read anything on the subconscious mind, you know it’s responsible for 95% of all your automatic behaviors, especially in trading. The subconscious doesn’t distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. This is why visualization is such a powerful tool to help you embrace market uncertainty. By visualizing yourself placing trades confidently, managing risks well, and handling outcomes calmly, you prepare your mind for real trading scenarios. This mental practice reinforces your belief in your system and prepares you for the market's ups and downs. Books That Helped Me Think in Probabilities Reading has been an invaluable part of my journey to understanding probabilities. Here are some books that have profoundly impacted my trading mindset: "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman This book helped me understand how cognitive biases affect decision-making and how to overcome them by thinking more strategically. "Fooled by Randomness" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Taleb's insights into the role of chance and randomness in our lives and the markets were eye-opening and changed how I view risk and probability. "Beat the Dealer" by Edward O. Thorp Although this book is about blackjack, Thorp’s exploration of probability and statistics offers valuable lessons for trading. "The Theory of Poker" by David Sklansky Sklansky breaks down the mathematics of poker, showing how to make decisions based on probability, a skill directly applicable to trading. "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham This classic on value investing emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking and understanding market probabilities. "A Man for All Markets" by Edward O. Thorp This autobiography offers a fascinating look at how Thorp applied probability theory to beat the casino and the stock market. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari Harari’s book provides context on human behavior and decision-making, offering insights into the psychological elements of trading. "The Signal and the Noise" by Nate Silver Silver’s exploration of how we can better understand predictions and probabilities is highly relevant to making informed trading decisions. "Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction" by Philip E. Tetlock and Dan M. Gardner This book teaches how to improve forecasting skills through careful analysis and thinking in probabilities. Thinking in probabilities was a game-changer for me. It shifted my focus from trying to predict every market move to playing the long game. By embracing this mindset, I turned fear into confidence and uncertainty into strategy. Remember, trading isn’t about guessing the market. It’s about responding with a clear, composed mind. Trust your strategy, know your edge, and let the probabilities work in your favor. This approach transformed my trading journey, and it can do the same for you. Happy trading!
Education
by TheFxAce
13
Does the Market Rally When the Fed Begins to Cut Rates?The relationship between rate cuts and the stock market, as illustrated in the provided graph, shows that major market declines often occur after the Federal Reserve pivots to lower interest rates. This pattern is evident in historical instances where the Fed's rate cuts were followed by significant drops in the S&P 500. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, which are crucial for investors to understand. Economic Weakness: Rate cuts typically respond to economic slowdown or anticipated recession. Each instance of the Fed pivoting to lower rates (1969, 1973, 1981, 2000, 2007, 2019) corresponds to significant market declines soon after. Rate cuts signal concerns about economic health, causing investors to lose confidence, as reflected in the graph. Delayed Impact: Rate cuts do not immediately stimulate the economy; it takes time for their effects to propagate. The graph shows that the majority of the market decline occurs after the Fed's pivot, indicating that initial rate cuts were insufficient to halt the downturn. During this lag period, the market may continue to decline as economic data reflects ongoing weakness. Investor Sentiment: Rate cuts can trigger fear among investors, who interpret the move as an indication of severe economic issues. The graph shows substantial percentage drops in the S&P 500 following each pivot, demonstrating how negative sentiment can exacerbate declines. The fear of a worsening economy leads to a sell-off in stocks, contributing to further market drops. Credit Conditions: During economic stress, banks may tighten lending standards, reducing the effectiveness of rate cuts. Post-rate cut periods in the graph align with times of economic stress, where credit conditions likely tightened. Businesses and consumers may not be able to take advantage of lower borrowing costs, limiting economic recovery and impacting the market negatively. Historical examples such as the crises in 2000 and 2007 highlight substantial market drops after rate cuts, as seen in the graph. In both cases, the rate cuts responded to bursting bubbles (tech bubble in 2000, housing bubble in 2007), and the economic fallout was too severe for rate cuts to provide immediate relief. The graph underscores that while rate cuts aim to stimulate the economy, they often follow significant economic downturns. Investors should be cautious, recognizing that initial market reactions to rate cuts can be negative due to perceived economic weakness, delayed policy impact, and deteriorating sentiment.
SP:SPXEducation
by MarkitMaven
5
Asymmetric Risk Reward: The Secret to Success in Trading?Be as bold as you want yet protect your capital with the asymmetric risk reward strategy — an approach adopted by some of the greatest market wizards out there. In this Idea, we distill the concept of asymmetric bets and teach you how to risk little and earn big. Spoiler: legendary traders George Soros, Ray Dalio and Paul Tudor Jones love this trick. Every trade you open has only two possible outcomes: you either turn a profit or make a loss. Perhaps the greatest thing you can learn about these two outcomes is the balance between them. The fundamental difference between making money and losing money — the mighty risk-reward ratio . The risk-reward ratio is your trade’s upside relative to the downside you baked in (or realized). Let’s Break It Down 🤸‍♂️ Most traders believe that you have to take huge risks to be successful. But that’s not what the big guys in the industry do with the piles of cash they’ve got. Instead, they try to take the least amount of risk possible with the most upside. That’s what asymmetric risk-reward ratio means. Think of it this way: you invest $1 only if you believe you can ultimately make $5. Now your risk-reward ratio is set at 1:5, or a hit ratio of 20%. Safe to say that you’ll likely be wrong lots of times. But step by step, you can risk another dollar for that $5 reward and build up a good track record or more wins than losses. That way you can be wrong four times out of five and still make money. Let’s scale it up and pull these two further apart. Let’s say you want to chase a juicier profit with a small risk. You can pursue a risk-reward ratio of 1 to 15, meaning you risk $1 to make $15. The odds are very much in your favor — you can be wrong 14 times out of 15 and still break even. What Does This Look Like in Practice? 🧐 Suddenly, the EUR/USD is looking attractive and you’re convinced that it’s about to skyrocket after some big news shakes it up. You’re ready to ramp up your long position. Now comes decision time — what’s a safe level of risk relative to a handsome reward? You decide to use leverage of 1:100 and buy one lot (100,000 units) at the price of $1.10. That means your investment is worth €1,000 but in practice you are selling $100,000 (because of the leverage) to buy the equivalent in euro. In a trade of that size one pip, or the fourth figure after the decimal (0.0001), carries a value of €10 in either direction. If the exchange rate moves from $1.1000 to $1.1100, that’s 100 pips of profit worth a total of €1,000. But if the trade turns against you, you stand to lose the same amount per pip. Now, let’s go to the practical side of things. You choose to widen the gap between risk and reward and aim for profit that’s 15 times your potential loss. You set your stop loss at a level that, if taken out, won’t sink your account to the point of no return. Let’s say you run a €10,000 account and you’ve already jammed €1,000 into the trade. A safe place to set your stop loss would be a potential drawdown of 2%, or €200. In pip terms, that’s equal to 20 pips. To get to that 1:15 ratio, your desired profit level should be 300 pips, aiming for a reward of €3,000. If materialized, the €3,000 profit will bump your account by 30% (that’s your return on equity), while your return on investment will surge 200%. And if you take the loss, you’d lose 2% of your total balance. It’s How the Big Guys in the Industry Do It You’d be surprised to know that most of the Wall Street legends have made their fortunes riding asymmetric bets. Short-term currency speculator George Soros explains how he broke the Bank of England with a one-way bet that risked no more than 4% of his fund’s capital to make over $1 billion in profits. Ray Dalio talks about it when he says that one of the most important things in investing is to balance your aggressiveness and defensiveness. “In trading you have to be defensive and aggressive at the same time. If you are not aggressive, you are not going to make money, and if you are not defensive, you are not going to keep money.” Paul Tudor Jones, another highly successful trader, spotlights the skewed risk-reward ratio as his path to big profits. “5:1 (risk /reward),” he says in an interview with motivational speaker Tony Robbins,” five to one means I’m risking one dollar to make five. What five to one does is allow you to have a hit ratio of 20%. I can actually be a complete imbecile. I can be wrong 80% of the time, and I’m still not going to lose.” What’s Your Risk-Reward Ratio? 🤑 Are you using the risk-reward ratio to get the most out of your trades? Do you cut the losses and let your profits run by using stop losses and take profits? Share your experience below and let’s spin up a nice discussion!
Education
by TradingView
7
What Lot Size to Use in Forex for $10, $100, $1000 Account I will share with you a simple guide, that will help you to calculate a lot size for your forex trading account easily. In brief, let me explain to you why you should calculate a lot size for your trades. If you trade Forex with Fixed lot, you should be extremely careful. Too big lot size may lead too substantial losses or even blown trading account, while with a too small lot you may miss good profits. To calculate the best lot size, follow these 5 simple steps. 1. Make a list of all Forex pairs that you trade Let's say that you trade only major forex pairs: EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY, USDCAD, NZDUSD, AUDUSD 2. Back test every pair and identify at least 5 past trading setups on each pair Above, you can see 5 last trades on each 6 major forex pairs. 3. Measure stop losses of each trade 4. Find the trade with the biggest stop loss in pips In our example, the biggest stop loss in on GBPUSD pair. It is 34 pips. Remember this number and the name of a currency pair. Why we need to do that? Your lot size will primarily depend on your risk in pips. For example, scalpers may have 10/15 pips stop losses, while swing traders may have even 100 pips stop losses. 5. Open a Forex position size calculator You can use any free calculator that is available. They are all the same. 6. Input your account size, 2% as the risk ratio and a currency pair with the biggest stop loss (GBPUSD in our example) In "stop loss in pips" field, write down the pip value of your biggest stop loss - 34 pips in our example. For the account size of 1000$, the best lot size to use 0.05 standard lot. The idea is that your maximum loss should not exceed 2% of your account balance, while the average loss will be around 1%. Remember to carefully back test your strategy and now exactly your maximum risks in pips, to make proper calculations! ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
Education
by VasilyTrader
10
Predicting Bitcoin's Cycle Using the Elliott Wave Theory, Part 2Hello traders. In this article, we dive deeper into another detailed way of seeing Bitcoin's potential end-of-cycle pattern. This is the 2nd part to the previous post that discusses Bitcoin's cycle using the Elliott Wave Theory - a comprehensive and subjective theory. Here, we will be exploring an alternative scenario that builds on our previous concept of Bitcoin fractals since its inception in 2009. By addressing some of the subjectivity in the wave theory and leveraging market psychology and algorithmic fractals, this post is aimed to provide another organized and insightful look at the structure of Bitcoin's price movements.
If you are interested in seeing the first scenario, here is a link for your convenience: For this alternative scenario, as mentioned above, it addresses some of the subjectivity that arises from the Elliott Wave Theory, specifically the observation of multiple 1-2 scenarios presented in our previous idea. Although the idea was supported by evidence from market psychology and algorithmic fractals, the problem arises by having the possibility of infinite 1-2 nested structures that works upon extending each internal wave - which is a pretty rare observation in any markets; however, Bitcoin has been able to withstand year by year and work on a pretty timely schedule. Based on the expectations, we used that observation to create the scenario of nested 1-2's. Nevertheless, due to its possible subjective count, this idea focuses more on the structural integrity of the basic 5-wave pattern and being able to fit the whole price action from inception as a 5-wave pattern.
 Simply put, this thesis aims to create a more organized structure. As many are still eager to determine how far Bitcoin might correct after this bull run ends, I hope this idea can also give you confidence to help build your own thesis.
 There is one thing that is for sure, however: the evidence portrayed from both of these scenarios strongly suggests that we will see higher levels before lower levels, though no theory can be 100% accurate, we could technically see a reversal even now. But my duty is to make sure to narrow down the scenarios as best as I can.
 For this specific idea, we have structured this whole move up as 5 waves since inception, sticking as closely as possible to the basic Elliott Wave model of the 5-wave impulse. To achieve this, we made some simple adjustments from the first thesis in the previous post.

The challenge for many arises when trying to fit a wave 3 that must be the longest or second longest wave compared to waves 1 and 5. In this chart, since primary wave 1 in yellow is the longest, wave 5 must be technically shorter than wave 3, which is a strict rule and must be obeyed.
 To accomplish this, we can use the 2017-2020 price action as a range initself for wave 4. Previously, we considered the pandemic crash as a technical bottom. If we use that as a sideways range, the only viable sideways patterns are triangles and flats (as we have exhausted the zigzag family correction patterns for wave 4 already). For more details on these patterns, please refer to the previous guide on triangle and flat patterns in my Elliott Wave Theory guide on my main page. By using the 2017-2020 range as a triangle, our subwave E has resulted in an extremely short subwave, known as a failure or truncation. After breaking out of the triangle, the next step is to figure out on how to form wave 5, which is the final part of the 5-wave motive impulse.
 Currently, the only way we can see wave 5 concluding is through a possible diagonal given the current data. Why? We would typically expect a basic 5-wave move for wave 5, but since wave 5 has to be short and wave 1 was extended, we do not expect the last primary wave 5 in yellow to be extended. Thus, the only remaining option is a possible diagonal pattern to complete wave 5, since we have also assumed it will be short due to wave 1 already being the longest wave and wave 3 being the 2nd longest wave.

This Ending Diagonal, which consists of 5 waves (unlike a Leading Diagonal, which appears in waves 1 or A), they are only observed in wave 5s or wave Cs.
 To construct our Ending Diagonal, the five subwaves must be zigzags (simple ABCs) or complex zigzags (WXYs). We are currently observing a mix of these, which is normal in diagonals: 
 * Subwave (1): ABC. Observed as a long wave A and short wave C. This can be debated, but longer wave As compared to wave Cs are not uncommon. * Subwave (2): WXY. A WXYXZ could fit as well like we observed in our previous post, but that deviates significantly from the traditional structure. A WXY is the next best alternative, and even that can be subjective as we typically observe simple ZigZags (ABCs) within diagonals. * Subwave (3): Currently being created. With the available data, it could be an ABC, though it may become more complex going forward. * Subwave (4) / (5) : To be determined. Must belong to the zigzag family.

 As we are still working on subwave (3) within the ending diagonal, the interest level for a pullback remains the same as in our previous idea, THAT IS THE KEY. This significant pullback could validate this idea, so we will monitor it up to that point.
 This larger picture presents a wide range between subwaves 4 and 5, similar to waves 1 and 2.
 Once subwaves 4 and 5 are created, it will technically terminate the larger degree wave 5 of the entire 5-wave impulse cycle. After termination, a significant downside correction is possible, potentially reaching levels as low as $3,000. Alternatively, we also have a completely different count where this cycle wave 1-2 may be already in play, and it can be achieved by using a larger flat idea that may also help with separation and further deepend subjectivity. Here is that approach: In conclusion, while the evidence strongly suggests that Bitcoin will reach higher levels before any significant correction, it is crucial to remain adaptable as market conditions evolve. The analysis presented here offers merely a potential roadmap. No theory can predict market movements with absolute certainty. By staying informed and considering multiple scenarios, investors can better navigate the complexities of the cryptocurrency market. I invite EVERYONE to share your thoughts and engage with this post in the comments below.
INDEX:BTCUSDEducation
by XForceGlobal
109
Why Interest Rates Matter for Forex TradersWhy Interest Rates Matter for Forex Traders Delve into the intricate world of forex, where interest rates stand as towering beacons guiding currency movements and trader strategies. From the fundamentals of central bank operations to the subtle nuances of the carry trade, uncover how they shape the global financial tapestry, dictating economic outcomes and trader fortunes. Understanding Interest Rates An interest rate is the cost of borrowing money or the return earned from lending, expressed as a percentage. Two primary types dominate the discourse: Central Bank Interest Rates Set by monetary authorities like the Federal Reserve, these rates often serve as the benchmark for short-term lending between banks. For instance, the federal funds rate in the US dictates interbank loans overnight, influencing liquidity and, by extension, currency value. Market Interest Rates Think LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) – the rate at which banks lend to each other in the international interbank market. It, influenced by supply and demand dynamics, often fluctuates daily, making it a vital metric for traders who delve into currency swaps or forward rate agreements. In trading currency pairs, interest rates aren't mere numbers – they're indicators dictating strength, investment flows, and overall economic health. Interest Rates as Market Drivers In forex, interest rates emerge as crucial influencers. Acting as catalysts, they shape currency values, guide investment flows, and mould strategies traders employ. For those looking to take advantage of these forces, using a platform like FXOpen's TickTrader offers a competitive edge, ensuring traders have access to real-time data and advanced trading tools. Decoding Interest Rates in Forex Market Trends Interest rates wield enormous power in the global financial theatre, particularly in the dynamics of forex trading. One of the clearest relationships observed is between high interest rates and currencies. Elevated rates act as a magnet for foreign capital since investors constantly scout for better returns. This inflow requires the purchase of the country's currency, leading to its appreciation. Carry Trade and Interest Dynamics One such tactic to capitalise on rate disparities is the carry trade. Traders borrow funds in a currency with low rates and invest it in a currency yielding higher returns. The difference or the "carry" becomes their profit. The symbiotic relationship between interest rates and forex is deeply evident here. A sound grasp of the nuances of this strategy can lead to lucrative opportunities for seasoned traders. Interest Differentials: The Subtle Nuances Even minor variations in rates across nations can offer significant opportunities. These differentials between currency pairs influence their relative strengths. For instance, if Country A starts offering higher interest rates than Country B, it could lead to an appreciation of Country A's currency, interest rates playing the central role. Savvy traders continually analyse these differentials, strategising their trades to capitalise on the anticipated market movements. Central Banks and Monetary Policy Central banks hold a significant position in steering a nation's economic direction. One of their critical levers is the setting of interest rates. They directly impact the money supply and, subsequently, inflation levels. When inflation surges beyond targeted levels, central banks may raise rates to rein it in, as this will typically reduce consumer borrowing and spending. Conversely, when economies face downturns, they might reduce them, promoting borrowing and investment and aiming to boost economic activity. Thus, the delicate balance between inflation rates and interest rates is a testament to the central authorities’ pivotal role in economic stability. Monetary Policy Tools: Shaping the Financial Landscape Central banks use a variety of tools to implement their monetary policies: Open Market Operations By buying or selling government securities, these banks control the money circulating in the economy. Selling securities pulls money out of the market, leading to higher interest rates. Conversely, purchasing them injects money, pushing rates down. Reserve Requirements By altering the amount of money banks need to hold in reserve, central banks can influence the amount available for loans. A higher reserve means fewer loans, resulting in higher rates and vice versa. Forward Guidance and Quantitative Easing These are more nuanced tools. Forward guidance involves bank governors communicating their future plans, providing the market with a sense of direction. Quantitative easing, on the other hand, involves large-scale asset purchases to increase money supply and lower interest rates. Economic Indicators and Their Correlation with Interest Rates Economic indicators provide valuable insights into a country's financial health, and their fluctuations often influence monetary policy decisions. For instance, when inflation surpasses target levels, central banks might consider hiking them to temper the rising prices, leading to an interplay between foreign exchange and interest rates. A strong GDP growth signals a thriving economy, which might attract foreign investments. These inflows usually put upward pressure on the domestic currency. However, if the bank responds by raising rates, this may further amplify its strength. Thus, the effect of increasing interest rates on currency is often profound, making it a focal point for forex traders. Similarly, employment metrics, consumer sentiment, and manufacturing output are all vital indicators that economists monitor. Changes in these metrics might hint at upcoming monetary policy adjustments. Lastly, there are foreign currency loans and interest rates. When global rates are low, corporations might engage in foreign currency loans, seeking cheaper financing options. However, shifts in these rates can impact the cost of servicing these loans, leading to potential forex market volatility. The Bottom Line The dance between forex and interest rates is both complex and fascinating. As we've seen, interest rate trading offers profound insights and opportunities for those in the foreign exchange arena. For those eager to navigate these waters and capitalise on the intricate interplay of rates and currencies, opening an FXOpen account can be the gateway to informed, strategic trading in this dynamic market. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Education
by FXOpen
6
Exploring Trading Basics: Expert Tips for New TradersWelcome to the thrilling world of trading, future market experts! If you’re stepping into this arena for the first time, it’s natural to feel both excited and a little overwhelmed. No worries — we’ve set up this nice value-packed TradingView Idea to make you feel at home. Read on for practical tips that will help you kick off your trading journey to a strong start. Ready, set, go? Let’s roll! 1. Get Yourself Familiarized Action Step : Your first step as a fresh trader is to familiarize yourself with the market fundamentals. Start by getting a solid grasp of basic market concepts. Learn about different asset classes like stocks , forex , or crypto . Understand how they work and what news or events influence prices across the board (spoiler: if you’re looking at the bigger picture and keep it high level, there aren’t too many things to consider — check the Economic Calendar Related Idea below). Spend an hour or two each week reading about market fundamentals. Knowledge of these basics will make you more confident in your trading approach and also help you see where you feel most comfortable putting your money. And don't forget about the trading psychology part . 2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals Action Step : Write down your trading goals and stick them somewhere you can see them. Aim for specific, measurable targets like “Hit a 2% monthly return” or “Learn a new trading strategy weekly.” This keeps your efforts focused and on track. But don’t stop there. Keep revisiting, updating, and refining your trading goals. Think of them as your compass or map that you need to follow in order to get where you want. In contrast, not having a goal or goals might throw you out in the open where you wander without a clear path or direction. 3. Stick to Your Budget Action Step: Decide on your total trading capital and how much you’re willing to risk per trade. Use the 1-2% rule: never risk more than 1% or 2% of your total capital on a single trade. This will help you protect your account from total wipeout. It’s easy to get swayed by some massive move in the market (yes, we know about Bitcoin BTC/USD ), but catching these waves is rarely an easy game. The better you are at sticking to a healthy level of risk exposure, the better your chances to stay in the game for as long as possible. 4. Stay Updated with Market News Action Step : Dedicate 15 minutes each morning to checking financial news. Keeping tabs on major economic reports and events will give you an understanding of what investors regard as important so you can add it to your agenda too. We’ve set up a nice and easygoing Top stories news stream that serves you only top-tier market-moving scoops, published daily and updated in real time. Make sure to frequent them so you can raise your level of knowing what’s happening in the markets. 5. Keep a Trading Journal Action Step : For every trade, jot down the details in a journal. Include entry and exit points, your reasons for the trade, and the outcome. Review your journal weekly to identify patterns and areas for improvement. If you want to get an even more precise look at your trading performance, add more columns to it and include prospect trades, or a watchlist of positions you’re interested in. Mark your monthly performance, year-to-date returns, and even how much you paid in commissions. 6. Start Small and Scale Up Action Step : Begin with small trades to minimize risk while you’re learning. For example, if you have $1,000, start with trades of $50-$100 and keep your stop tight around the 2% mark. That way, you’ll gain experience and see how you feel when you have an open trade. Leave a trade overnight, watch it actively or let it run for a few days (provided you use a stop loss , more on it in the Stop Loss Related Idea below) — all these will help you ease into smoother trading and build better confidence. After that, you can gradually increase your trade size for bigger profits. And — most importantly — don’t rush it. The markets will be there tomorrow; but will you? 7. Use Stop-Loss Orders Action Step : Always set a stop-loss order when placing a trade. For instance, if you buy a stock at $100, set a stop-loss at $95. This means your position will be automatically sold if the price drops to $95, limiting your loss to $5 per share. The use of stop-loss orders, or simply stop losses, can’t be emphasized enough. No matter how confident you are on a trade, how much conviction you have to go big, always think of the downside, or how much you’re willing to lose. 8. Join a Trading Community Action Step : If you’re reading this, then you’ve already nailed this step. TradingView is the world’s largest finance, markets, and charting platform, boasting more than 60 million monthly visitors — one big, big community . This is the place where traders share tips and strategies, show off their charts, discoveries, patterns, price targets, and trading ideas. So, stick around, engage, ask questions, and learn from the experiences of others. 9. Diversify Your Portfolio Action Step : Spread your investments across different sectors and asset classes. Don’t just buy big tech stocks ; consider some auto companies as well or the volatile corner of cryptocurrencies. Diversifying your portfolio (learn about it in the Diversification Related Idea below) will help you balance your risk, ideally without reducing the potential for returns. You don’t have to go all-in on a trade and YOLO your entire life savings into a Solana meme coin. Think of the long term and tread carefully. Sometimes, you’re as good as your last trade. 10. Continuously Improve Your Skills Action Step : Dedicate time each week to learning something new about trading. Watch educational videos , read books, or dive into financial podcasts where big market events get broken down or where traders and investors share their experience and what made them successful. The markets renew each day, never resting, never ceasing to oscillate and presenting new trading opportunities. Always learn, never get complacent, and keep striving for more! Share Your Thoughts! So there you have it, folks! With these practical, actionable tips, you’re ready to jump into the trading game with some added confidence. Remember, every pro was once a newbie. Stay cool, stay informed, and most importantly, have fun with it (but also be smart). Happy trading! 🚀📈
SP:SPXEducation
by TradingView
4
Divergence: RSI vs. PriceHey everyone! In my years of trading, I've really come to love Reversal Strategies and my favorite is in the form of a DIVERGENCE! Today, I took some time to put together an Educational Video on: 1) What a Divergence Is? 2) How to Spot them! & 3) How to Trade them! I hope you find this helpful! **Tips - Divergence is never good enough to trade alone, YOU NEED CONFIRMATION! - The longer the Divergence takes, the more reliable it is - Change in Momentum is KEY!
Education
by Novi_Fibonacci
6
Timing when day trading can be everythingTiming when day trading can be everything In Stock markets typically more volatility (or price activity) occurs at market opening and closings When it comes to Forex (foreign exchange market), the world’s most traded market, unlike other financial markets, there is no centralized marketplace, currencies trade over the counter in whatever market is open at that time, where time becomes of more importance and key to get better trading opportunities. There are four major forex trading sessions, which are Sydney, Tokyo, London and New York sessions Forex market is traded 24 hours a day, 5 days a week across by banks, institutions and individual traders worldwide, but that doesn’t mean it’s always active the entire day. It may be very difficult time trying to make money when the market doesn’t move at all. The busiest times with highest trading volume occurs during the overlap of the London and New York trading sessions, because U.S. dollar (USD) and the Euro (EUR) are the two most popular currencies traded. Typically most of the trading activity for a specific currency pair will occur when the trading sessions of the individual currencies overlap. For example, Australian Dollar (AUD) and Japanese Yen (JPY) will experience a higher trading volume when both Sydney and Tokyo sessions are open There is one influence that impacts Forex matkets and should not be forgotten : the release of the significant news and reports . When a major announcement is made regarding economic data, currency can lose or gain value within a matter of seconds Cryptocurrency market s on the other hand remain open 24/7, even during public holidays Until 2021, the Asian impact was so significant in Cryptocurrency markets but recent reasearch reports shows that those patterns have changed and the correlation with the U.S. trading hours is becoming a clear evolving trend. Unlike any other market Crypto doesn’t rest on weekends, there’s a drop-off in participation and yet algorithmic trading bots and market makers (or liquidity providers) can create a high volume of activity. Never trust the weekend’ is a good thing to remind yourself One more factor that needs to be taken into accout is Blockchain transaction fees, which are responsive to network congestion and can change dramatically from one hour to the next In general, Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, which means that the price of a coin can change dramatically over a short time period in either direction The Bottom Line The more traders trading, the higher the trading volume, and the more active the market. The more active the market, the higher the liquidity (availability of counterparties at any given time to exit or enter a trade), hence the tighter the spreads (the difference between ask and bid price) and the less slippage (the difference between the expected fill price and the actual fill price) - in a nutshell, yield to many good trading opportunities and better order execution (a process of filling the requested buy or sell order) The best time to trade is when the market is the most active and therefore has the largest trading volume, trading all day long will not only deplete a trader's reserves quickly, but it can burn out even the most persistent trader. Knowing when the markets are more active will give traders peace of mind, that opportunities are not slipping away when they take their eyes off the markets or need to get a few hours of sleep You are kindly invited to check the script that helps to identify market peak hours : Day Trading Booster .
Education
by dgtrd
23
Incorporating Alternative Investments into Portfolio BuildsIncorporating alternative investments such as private equity, hedge funds, and real assets can be a rewarding strategy for diversification and enhancing returns. These alternative assets provide unique risk-return profiles that can complement traditional investments in forex, commodities, and indices. 1️⃣ Understanding the Role of Alternative Investments Alternative investments can play an important role in diversification due to their low correlation with traditional asset classes. By including assets like private equity, hedge funds, and real assets, you can reduce overall portfolio volatility. For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, many hedge funds and private equity investments outperformed traditional equities, providing a buffer against market downturns. Understanding the unique risk-return characteristics of each alternative investment is essential for effective integration. 2️⃣ Analyzing Historical Performance and Risk To effectively incorporate alternative investments, it's important to analyze their historical performance and risk profiles. For instance, private equity has historically offered higher returns than public equities, but with greater risk and illiquidity. Hedge funds, on the other hand, provide diverse strategies such as long-short equity, market neutral, and global macro, each with different risk-return dynamics. Real assets like real estate and infrastructure provide stable cash flows and inflation protection, but come with their own set of risks. 3️⃣ Diversification Strategies Diversification is the cornerstone of portfolio construction. When integrating alternatives, consider spreading investments across different types of alternative assets. For example, combining private equity with hedge funds and real assets can help mitigate the risk associated with any single asset class. A diversified portfolio might include a mix of growth-oriented private equity, income-generating real estate, and tactical hedge fund strategies. 4️⃣ Assessing Liquidity Needs One of the main challenges with alternative investments is liquidity. Private equity and real assets typically have long lock-up periods, whereas hedge funds may offer more liquidity but still not as much as traditional assets. Assess your liquidity needs and time horizon before allocating significant portions of your portfolio to these investments. For example, an investor with a long-term horizon might allocate more to private equity, while those needing shorter-term liquidity might prefer hedge funds. 5️⃣ Evaluating Manager Expertise and Due Diligence The success of alternative investments often hinges on the expertise of the fund managers. Conduct thorough due diligence by evaluating the manager’s track record, investment strategy, and risk management practices. For example, when selecting a private equity fund, consider the fund’s history of successful exits, management team’s experience, and alignment of interests. Similarly, for hedge funds, assess the manager's ability to generate alpha across different market conditions. 6️⃣ Tactical Asset Allocation Integrating alternative investments requires a dynamic approach to asset allocation. Tactical asset allocation involves adjusting the portfolio mix based on market conditions and opportunities. For instance, during periods of low interest rates and high equity valuations, increasing exposure to private equity and real assets might provide better returns. Conversely, in volatile markets, hedge funds employing market neutral or global macro strategies can offer downside protection. 7️⃣ Monitoring and Rebalancing Regular monitoring and rebalancing are essential to maintain the desired risk-return profile of the portfolio. Set predefined thresholds for rebalancing to ensure the portfolio stays aligned with your investment goals. For example, if the allocation to private equity exceeds the target due to strong performance, consider rebalancing by allocating more to underperforming or undervalued assets like certain commodities or forex positions. This disciplined approach helps in maintaining the optimal balance between traditional and alternative investments. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio that includes forex, commodities, and indices offers a pathway to enhanced diversification and potential returns. By understanding the unique characteristics of private equity, hedge funds, and real assets, investors can craft a balanced and resilient portfolio. Remember to conduct thorough due diligence, assess liquidity needs, and regularly monitor and rebalance the portfolio to adapt to changing market conditions.
TVC:GOLDEducation
by AlexSoro
8