MACD Chart

Moving Average Convergence Divergence ( MACD ) Charts

MACD was originally constructed by Gerald Appel an analyst in New York. It is one of the simplest and most reliable indicators available.

The MACD is basically a refinement of the two moving averages system and measures the distance between the two moving average lines.

MACD Indicator normally shows up as two lines (MACD line and Signal Line) plotted on an open scale against the zero line. These two lines will normally be of different color or one line a solid line and the other a dotted line. Forex Signals are taken when MACD crosses its signal line.

The most popular formula for the "standard" MACD is the difference between a Forex Market prices 26-day and 12-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), for this you should set indicator settings to 12 and 26 period exponential moving averages with 9 period exponential moving average as the signal line.

How to use MACD?

When the MACD falls below its signal line, it can be considered a sell signal. Similarly, a Forex buy signal can be interpreted when the MACD rises above its signal line. It is also used as an overbought and oversold indicator. The higher above the zero both lines are the more overbought it becomes and the lower below the zero line both lines are the more oversold it becomes. It may also lead to a stronger Forex signal if the signal line crosses down when it is overbought and crosses up when it is oversold.

When the MACD is making new highs or lows, and the price is not also making new highs and lows, it signals a possible trend reversal and this can be verified with an overbought/oversold oscillator like RSI or Stochastic Oscillator.

Try to combine it with parabolic SAR and you’ll get great result on your trades.

You can use this technique for any currency at any time frame. We have to use Parabolic SAR with default settings (0.02, 0.2) and MACD with 12,26,9

Entry Rules for Short: Sell When Parabolic SAR gives sell signal and MACD falls below its signal line

Entry Rules for Long: Buy when Parabolic SAR gives buy signal and when the MACD rises above its signal line.

Exit rules: At the next MACD lines crossover or if the market starts trading sideways for some time.

Note: Green cross indicate not to enter Forex Market because MACD had not confirmed it and blue check mark indicate enter to market

Click Next>> Scothastic Oscillater & RSI >>

Trading Techniques / Tricks

Fibonacci Trading

Leonardo Fibonacci da Pisa was a prominent mathematician and is credited with the discovery of what we now call the Fibonacci series. Those ratios appear from the next numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, ..., and according to these calculations: 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8 etc.

The Fibonacci ratios we shall use are 0.236, 0.382, 0.500, 0.618, and 0.764. But 0.382, 0.500 and 0.618 — are the most important to watch for, and how we can use them in our day to day trading is explained below.

To set up Fibonacci on the chart we need to find out:
1. Is it uptrend or downtrend?
2. Highest and lowest swings in the chart formation (A, B points) and go with the trend!

In below example I will show you how to calculate Fibonacci Level. Below you can see a chart of the 4H GBP/USD. (I deleted some part of the picture to help you understand the concept). Now determine Point A and Point B.

Point A is 1.9213 and Point B is 1.9827.

Now Calculate difference between Point A and Point B. (i.e. B-A)

1.9827 – 1.9213 = 0.0614

Now Calculate 38.2% of 0.0614

0.0614 * 38.2 / 100 = 0.0234548

(To Calculate 50% or 61.4% just replace 38.2 with 50 or 61.4)

Now minus your answer (0.0234548) from Point B.

1.9827 – 0.0234548 = 1.9592

Here we get 38.2% retracement as 1.9592.

Similarly you can calculate for Downtrend, only difference is instead of subtracting result of 38.2% / 50% / 61.4% form Point B we ADD it to Point B.

How to I Use?

As soon as you can see that there is going to be a retracement, calculate my retracement levels and do the following.

Entry Rule: Enter at the 38.2% retracement level and place Stop Loss behind the 61.8% retracement level.

Exit Rule: Exit at Point B but if Forex market is strong then you can use formula 1:1, it means AB = CD (where D is our target), formula is calculate difference between A and B and add it to the C. For downtrend A-B+C, uptrend B-A+C.

For Stop Loss If the difference between the 38.2% and 61.8% level is too great a risk then drop down a time frame and use the same technique but get a much tighter stop.

Looking at any chart it's obvious that the best entry position would be at the lowest possible swing e.g. at 0.618 retracement level. But Forex Market Price can hit 0.382 and go straight back, sometimes it gets to 0.500,and at times even pierces deep to the 0.618 level. But still, you can determine best entry point by get an indication that the strength and momentum of the market is also in favors with our theory. For this, we could have a slow stochastic oscillator, a MACD and a RSI just as an example to give us an indication of the weight of our reentry into the trade or late entry based on the retracement idea.

Forex Terminology

Ask: The price at which a broker or a dealer is willing to sell. For example, if GBP/USD is quoted at 1.9679/1.9681, the 1.9681 is the "Ask" or "Offered" price.

Base Currency: For foreign exchange trading, currencies are quoted in terms of a currency pair. The first currency in the pair is the base currency. For example, in a USD/JPY currency pair, the US dollar is the base currency. Also may be referred to as the primary currency.

Bid: Price at which broker/dealer is willing to buy. For example, if GBP/USD is quoted at 1.9679/1.9681, the 1.9679 is the "Bid" price.

Bid/Ask Spread: The point difference between the bid and ask (offer) price.

Cost of Carry (also "Interest" or "Premium"): The cost, often quoted in terms of dollars or pips per day, of holding an open position.

Leverage: The amount, expressed as a multiple, by which the notional amount traded exceeds the margin required to trade. For example, if the notional amount traded (also referred to as "lot size" or "contract value") is $100,000 dollars and the required margin is $2,000, the trader can trade with 50 times leverage ($100,000/$2,000).

Limit Order: An order given which has restrictions upon its execution, where the client may specify a price and the order can be executed only if the market reaches that price.

Long: A market position that has been bought. It will generate profits as the market moves up and losses as the market moves down. For example, if you bought Euros, you will be "long" Euros.

Margin: Is a deposit that opens a position i.e. a 1% margin gives you the right to open a $100,000 position with a $1,000 deposit.

Margin Call: A demand for additional funds. A requirement by a clearing house that a clearing member (or by a brokerage firm that a client) brings margin deposits up to a required minimum level to cover an adverse movement in price in the market.

Market Order: Is an order at the current market price.

Offer: Price at which broker/dealer is willing to sell. Same as "Ask".

Pip: The smallest price increment in a currency. Often referred to as "ticks" in the futures markets. For example, in GBP/USD, a move from 1.9015 to 1.9016 is one pip. In USDJPY, a move from 128.51 to 128.52 is one pip.

Premium: Is the amount of points added to the spot price to determine a forward or futures price.

Spot Foreign Exchange: Often referred to as the "interbank" market. Refers to currencies traded between two counterparties, often major banks. Spot Foreign Exchange is generally traded on margin and is the primary market that this website is focused on. Generally more liquid and widely traded than currency futures, particularly by institutions and professional money managers.

Stop-Entry Order: Orders that buy above the market and/or sell below the market at a pre-specified level.

Stop-Loss Order: Orders that try to limit losses at a pre-specified level

Short: A market position where the Client has sold a currency he does not already own.

Technical Analysis: Analysis based on market action through chart study, moving averages, volume, open interest, formations, and other technical indicators.

Volatility: A measure of price fluctuations.

Risk Management / Money Management & Worst Forex Trading Strategy

How To Loose Everything - The Worst Forex Trading Strategy Ever That You Might Be Using - by: David Jenyns

You may be wondering, `Why would David Jenyns write about the worst Forex trading strategy around? `

There are a couple of reasons:

First, to warn you about the worst Forex trading strategy, because you really don`t want to end up using this system.

Second, because once you know the worst possible Forex trading strategy, the one that is designed to maximize your losses over the long run, then you can reverse it to craft a strategy which does the exact opposite.

With what you learn from the worst Forex trading strategy, you will be able to create a system that will produce some tremendous long-term gains. The worst Forex trading strategy I’m referring to, which is simply the worst Forex trading strategy I have ever encountered, is known as averaging down. This horrifying Forex trading strategy is the process of buying more shares that you had previously acquired, as the price drops.

Traders often purchase shares this way in an effort to reduce their initial entry price.

Only bad investors average down by buying shares of a sinking assests to decrease their overall average price per share. This Forex trading strategy is hardly ever effective, and is often like throwing good money after bad. It also magnifies a trader`s loss if the share keeps dropping. Remember, just because a share is cheap now that doesn`t mean it`s not going to get any cheaper. However, let`s examine how this devastating Forex trading strategy works. Say you bought one thousand shares at $40.

The novice investor may not have a stop loss in place, and the share price falls to $30 dollars. Here comes the stupidity of this Forex trading strategy – to average down the novice trader might by another thousand shares at $30 to lower the average cost per share that he`d already purchased. So, his average cost per share would now be $35.

Unfortunately, the share price may fall even further, and the novice trader will again buy more shares to reduce the average cost per share. They end up buying more and more into a share that`s losing their money.

Now, imagine this Forex trading strategy being applied to a portfolio of assets. In the end, all the capital will automatically be allocated to the worse performing assets in the portfolio while the best performing assets are sold off. The result is, at best, a disastrous underperformance versus the market.

If a trader uses an averaging down system and uses margins, their losses will be magnified even further. The biggest problem with this Forex trading strategy is that a trader`s gains are cut short, and the losers are left to run. My advice is – never average down. The process of buying a share, watching it fall, and then throwing more money at it in the hopes that you`ll either get back to break even or make a bigger killing is one of the most misguided pieces of advice on Wall Street. Never be faced with a situation where you`ll ask yourself, Should I risk even more than I originally intended in a desperate attempt to lower my cost and save my butt?`

Instead, design a simple, robust system with good money management rules. I can practically guarantee the results will be better than averaging down.

About The Author David Jenyns is recognized as the leading expert when it comes to designing profitable forex trading systems.Download Free Copy of David's Ultimate Forex Trading System Course. http://www.ultimate-trading-systems.com/forex.htm Aritcle Source: www.articlecity.com
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Forex Trading Risk Management by: Teddy Low

Recent years we witnessed increasing numbers of Forex investment opportunities in United States. However, it is common that one afraid of being involved in Forex market because of high risk in this trading field. Although every capital market involves certain level of risk, the risk of loss in foreign currency trading market can be extensive. It would be wise to learn about the potential risk (and managing it) if you wish to trade in Forex market.

Knowledge

Needless to say, knowledge is the key of handling your risks well. Before you get into Forex market, the best thing you should do is educate yourself. What drives currency price movement? How to read analysis data? How to read chart indicators? Learn detail about how currency price move and how to trade foreign currency exchange in order to avoid unnecessary risks. If you wish to learn more, http://www.golearnforex.net/ is a good source for Forex beginner education.

Forex dealer:

Choosing the right FX dealer is a way to avoid unnecessary risks. Forex dealers are not all regulated the same way. Although Forex dealers must be regulated by law, firms and individuals can solicit retail accounts for Forex dealers and manage those accounts without being regulated. As a trader you should take up the responsibility of finding out if your Forex dealers are regulated. If they are not, you may be exposed to additional risks.

Also, beware of dealers with investment schemes that sounds too good to be true. Pay extra cautions to dealers that you first knew and always look into the investment offers. If you are from United States, you can always refer to CFTF (at http://www.cftc.gov/) or NFA (at http://www.nfa.org/) for further information.

Forex market is a non-centralized market. There is no common market place for Forex traders and there is no so-call 'standard' in foreign currency exchange price. Different Forex dealers offer very different deals to their customers. As an individual FX trader, you depends solely on the dealer to make a transaction in your trades, thus picking up the right dealer is extremely crucial in your risk.

Stop loss order:

Besides depending on the Forex dealer, a stop loss come very handful if you wish to limit your risks. Always trade Forex with a stop loss order as it will assure you to exit market in a price that you can handle the losses. As an example, if you purchase 100k of EUR/USD at 1.2050 expecting the EUR/USD to rise in value, and your stop is placed at 1.2020, you are guaranteed to be filled at your price (except in very volatile market.)

To leverage or not?

One way to manage your risks well in Forex market is to trade without overleveraged. Forex dealers want you to trade with high leverage values as this means more spread income for them. Also, trading in high leverage may increase your profit or your losing. There are high possibilities that one lose money more than he or she can afford in margin trading.

Conclusion:

You come to this article probably because of you are new to FOREX and were looking for some readings on the Internet. To be frank, Forex can be very profitable but the risk lie beneath is equally great. But what else in life does not involve risk? You can be fired from your job, factory may malfunctions, stock market may collapse, your boss may runaway with your wages, and hey! These are all risk. Learning in risk management is the key to handle your life.
Trade smartly, and gain the maximum out of Forex - good luck!

About The Author: Teddy Low, experienced writter and webmaster. Learn Forex currency trading from scratch at his latest website http://www.golearnforex.net/ Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/

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Stock Market Money Management Skills - By Chirs Perruna

Let's start by saying: You can't be afraid to take a loss. The investors that are the most successful in the stock market are the people who are willing to lose money.

Having a strategy and/or a specific philosophy is an excellent starting point to investing but it won't mean a thing if you can't manage your money. As I have said a million times: without cash, you can't invest.

Most investors spend far too much time trying to figure out the exact pivot point or perfect entry strategy and too little time on money management. The most important aspect to investing is cutting your losses, 90% of the battle is won by protecting your capital, regardless of the strategy.

Most successful money managers only make money 50-55% of time. This means that successful individual investors are going to be wrong about half the time. Since this is the case, you better be ready to accept your losses and cut them while they are small. By cutting losses quickly and allowing your winners to ride the up-trend, you will consistently finish the year with black ink.

Here are some methods that can help you with money management:

Set a predetermined stop loss (you must know where to cut the loss before it happens “this will help control emotions when the time comes)." A 7-10% stop loss insurance policy is best. Tighten the stop loss range in down markets and loosen the range in strong bull markets.

Establish smaller positions if your account has had a recent losing streak (the losses may be telling you important information such as a critical turning point, it may be time to sell and get out).

If you think you are wrong or if the market is moving against you, cut your position in half “this is the best insurance policy on Wall Street."

If you cut your position in half two times, you will be left with only 25% of the original position “the remaining stock is no longer a big deal as your risk is very low."

If you sell out of a trade prematurely based on a minor correction, you can always reestablish the position again.

Initial position sizing plays a big part in money management “don't take on too big of a position relative to your portfolio size. Novice investors should never use their entire account on one trade no matter how small the account

Know when you would like to get out of a position after a considerable profit has been made. Signs of topping could be a climax run, a spinning top or higher highs on lower volume.

Finally, cut any trade that doesn't act the way you originally analyzed it to act.

With these guidelines, you will be well on your way to solid money management skills that will help you profit in Wall Street year in and year out. Always remember, you are going to take-on losing trades at least half of the time. This is a tough concept to accept for most novice investors but it a fact. If you don't cut losses, you won't be investing for very long as you will run out of cash and the desire to continue to invest.

About Author: Chris Perruna - http://www.marketstockwatch.com/ Chris is the founder and CEO of MarketStockWatch.com, an internet community that teaches you how to invest your money with solid rules. We don't stop at just showing you our daily and weekly screens, we teach you how to make you own screens through education. Through our philosophy, you will be able to create your own methods and styles to become successful. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/