Thursday

Get Yourself a Strategy!

Contrary to popular belief, one cannot expect to be successful in the Forex market if they do not find and maintain a properly tested, rules-based trading strategy. It is unbelievable how many traders rush into leveraged currency trading giving little thought to how they will trade, when and with what size (volume). Everyone knows that anything worth doing in life is worth doing right, and Forex trading is clearly no exception. Therefore, new traders are encouraged to first thoroughly understand the Forex market, completely explore the myriad of options available and find a solid, battle-tested mentor or coach who can not only speed up your progress but can teach you numerous valuable lessons without you having to risk any actual capital.
However, the focus of today’s discussion really revolves around the critical need for traders to find and use a proven, rules-based trading strategy in order to be successful. Without a proper strategy you are doomed to be subjected to the marvelous randomness that is the Forex market. Trading three trillion dollars in a 24 hour market, Forex is the quintessential investment market. As we have seen since the advent of the internet, the Forex market can allow even the tiniest investors on the smallest budgets to potentially gain a piece of faster and larger returns on their investment capital. Certainly, risk abounds and it is crucial to be ultra-conservative, however, with the reckless behavior of so many so-called investment professionals over the past few years and the dismal performance posted in the traditional buy-and-hold investment markets since the 1990’s, no one can really trust their precious capital to just one manager or investment instrument. That is why the Forex market has become so popular with people everywhere.
That brings us to the crux of today’s article. Typically speaking, Forex strategies are forged through years of dedicated study and active trading. There is not any easy way to make money in the Forex market and those who hesitate to spend the time, effort and money to develop a real trading strategy risk losing their funds. I cannot tell you how many traders I have come across over the years who have completely bypassed the entire education, training and practice required to trade successfully. When asked some even claim to rely on their ‘gut’ or ‘instincts’. Now don’t get me wrong, ultimately instinct can and does play a critical role in trading, but it is only developed through continuous trading and putting in the requisite time to accumulate the knowledge and the ‘looks’ you will need to gain a grasp on the psychology and subtle behavior/nuance of the Forex market.
That is why developing and deploying a real, tested, rules-based Forex trading system is imperative to succeed. To that purpose we suggest a few important approaches. One must do research, actively demo trade and make new friends who are truly (and verifiably) successful traders. That may be easier said than done, however, it is a must if you expect to make money consistently. One should not be in a rush. The market will always be there and to force or rush your development is to risk failure. It is more important to put in the work necessary to lay a solid foundation for the long haul. In forex trading, you are your own best investment. Everyone needs money right now, but educating and training yourself properly with legitimate professionals is critical. If you need guidance as to who and what are the more prominent and legitimate Forex trading resources you can easily visit an active forum such as the Forex Peace Army, Babypips or Fxdaily.com. If you need to understand the basics about what a Forex trading strategy consists of you can visit a very nice site http://forex-strategies-revealed.com/ and learn about a number of different types of strategies to see which might suit you (i have no affiliation to this site).
Happy trading!

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