A simple trading strategy is what most traders choose as a starting point. For instance, when a certain currency pair tends to come back from a particular support or resistance level, traders may choose to add some specific elements that facilitate these trading signals’ accuracy over longer periods of time.An effective forex strategy consists of multiple components such as:
- Choosing the Right Market: Traders need to identify which currency pairs to focus on and then deepen their knowledge regarding everything around those currency pairs.
- Size of Position: Traders must determine the size of each position in order to minimise the risk involved in each trade.
- Entry Points: Traders need to identify rules that will determine when to enter a long or short position regarding a currency pair.
- Exit Points: Likewise, traders must develop rules determining when to exit a long or short position and when to avoid a losing position.
- Trading Tactics: Rules must also be applied regarding how to buy and sell currency pairs and how to select the right execution technologies.
Another efficient idea involves developing trading systems in platforms such as the Metatrader 4 to facilitate automation of rules. Moreover, such applications allow backtesting, which gives traders the opportunity to see how they could have performed better in the past.
What exactly is a Trading Strategy?
A forex trading strategy refers to the technique used by forex traders to determine whether to buy or sell a currency pair at a specific time.Forex trading strategies fall into two categories: technical analysis, or fundamental, news-based events. Trading signals are usually used in a trader’s currency trading strategy to trigger buy or sell positions.
Forex trading strategies can easily be found online or even be created by traders themselves.Taking the latter into account, forex trading strategies refer to both manual and automated methods for producing trading signals.
In manual systems traders literally sit in front of a computer screen, searching for trading signals and deciding whether to buy or sell. On the other hand, in automated systems traders develop an algorithm to spot trading signals and execute trades on its own. The latter does not include human emotion which may improve performance.Traders should always be careful when picking already existing forex trading strategies since it will be hard to track their record. Many successful trading systems are not in the public eye.
When do I Need to Change my Strategy?
A forex trading strategy is effective when correctly following the rules. Like any other field, one particular strategy may not be enough and may not match all approaches. If a strategy proves to be insufficient and unproductive, traders may need to consider the following factors:
- Risk management and trading style: If the risk involved compared to the reward ratio is not suitable, then traders may need to consider changing their strategy.
- Market conditions: Market trends and trading strategies are interrelated, so if one changes, the other might be outdated. As a result, modifications may be required.
- Comprehension: If the strategy is not easily understood, there are high possibilities for misinterpretation and wrong application by the trader. When an issue occurs, and the trader is not aware of the rules, then the strategy is no longer effective.
However, everything should be used in moderation. Changing a forex trading strategy too often can be costly and will probably put you in a disadvantageous position.