Forex Trading 2023

Contents
Online forex trading is a huge market. Trillions are traded in foreign exchange on
a daily basis. But where do you start with currency trading? Whether you are an
experienced trader or an absolute beginner to online forex trading, we help you
find the best forex brokers and trading strategies.
Top 3 Forex Brokers in Nigeria
• XTB
• XTB offers trading on major, minor and exotic currency
pairs with tight spreads81% of retail accounts lose money.
• Moneta Markets
• Trade with leverage on a range of FX pairs.
• Vantage
• Reliable and affordable trading since 2009. Join over
900,000 others trading on 1000+ CFD products. Trade Forex CFDs from 0.0 spreads on
our RAW account through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC regulated and
client funds are segregated. Open an account less than 2 minutes.
Show All 108 Brokers ⇩
Complete Forex Brokers List
Forex Opinions
Opinions and tips from professionals in the forex trading business.
Is It Time To Buy Sterling/Dollar?
September 9, 2022
It has been a long time since a bullish Sterling position (versus the US Dollar)
could be contemplated, but we may be nearing that point. As the chart below shows,
we are nearing the (COVID) lows of March 2020, with the $1.1412 low point now
within reach. All the talk is of economic crisis as […]

April 25, 2022
Euro Dollar Outlook April 2022

March 23, 2022
Market Outlook And Forex Range Advice March 23rd 2022

January 31, 2022
A Near Term Bottom For The Euro?

November 25, 2021
Aussie – Bears Are In Control Pushing Prices Lower
» See all Opinion Posts
Forex News
EUR/USD Extends Gains Due To Weakening Dollar
December 13, 2022
Day traders making EUR/USD their foreign exchange pair choice have reason to
rejoice, with bulls pushing higher after minutes from an FOMC (Federal Open Market
Committee) meeting revealed the intention of the Federal Reserve to decelerate the
rate hike pace. The FOMC is responsible for determining the course of monetary
policy in the United States, […]

October 12, 2022
The UK Pound Hovering Over 50 Year Lows

September 8, 2022
Euro Hits 20-year Low Against US Dollar

August 23, 2022
EUR/USD Outlook: The Euro Slides Amidst Strengthening Dollar

April 5, 2022
Japanese Day Traders Betting On A Yen Resurgence
» See all Forex Trading News Posts
Forex Blog
Spread Trading
January 8, 2023
Spread trading is a trading strategy that involves buying and selling two related
financial instruments in order to profit from the difference between their prices.
This difference is known as the “spread.” Spread traders aim to make money by
betting on the direction in which the spread between two instruments will move
(e.g., convergence, divergence), […]

January 7, 2023
Relative Value

January 6, 2023
Capital Account – Impact on Macroeconomics & Currency Trading

December 8, 2022
Martingale System in Financial Markets

December 2, 2022
13 Top Mistakes Traders Make [And HowWhy Trade Forex?
to Avoid Them]
» See all Blog Posts
◦ Why Trade Forex?
◦ Why Trade Forex?
◦ The forex currency market offers the day trader the ability to
speculate on movements in foreign exchange markets and particular economies or
regions. Furthermore, with no central market, forex offers trading opportunities
around the clock.
◦ Liquidity – In the 2023 forex market, the average volume traded per day
is over $6,6 trillion. So, there is an abundance of trades and moves you can make.
◦ Diversity – Firstly, you have the pairs stemming from the eight major
global currencies. On top of that, many regional currency pairings are also
available for trade. More options, more opportunities to turn a profit.
◦ Accessibility – While not quite 24/7, the forex market is readily
accessible, open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. As a result, you decide when to
trade and how to trade.
◦ Leverage – A significant amount of forex currency pairings are traded
on margin. This is because leverage can be used to help you both buy and sell large
quantities of currency. The greater the quantity, the greater the potential profit
– or loss.
◦ Low commissions – Forex trading offer relatively low costs and fees
compared to other markets. In fact, some firms don’t charge any commission at all,
you pay just the bid/ask spreads. True ECN firms may also offer 0 spread!
◦ These factors combine to make foreign exchange the market that is
closest to being a fully competitive market. The high liquidity and accessibility
allow the market to respond to changing market conditions in near real-time.
◦ Currencies Traded In Forex
◦ Major Pairs
◦ In the international forex day trading world, the vast majority of
people focus on the seven most liquid currency pairs (“pairs” because two
currencies are traded via a single exchange rate) when learning how to trade forex
– these are known as the four ‘majors’:
◦ EUR/USD (euro/dollar)
◦ USD/JPY (dollar/Japanese yen)
◦ GBP/USD (British pound/dollar)
◦ USD/CHF (dollar/Swiss franc)
◦ In addition, there are three emerging pairs:
 ◦ AUD/USD (Australian dollar/dollar)
◦ USD/CAD (dollar/Canadian dollar)
◦ NZD/USD (New Zealand dollar/dollar)
◦ These major currency pairs, in addition to a variety of other
combinations, account for over 95% of all speculative trading in the forex market,
as well as retail forex.
◦ However, you will probably have noticed the US dollar is prevalent in
the major currency pairings. This is because it’s the world’s leading reserve
currency, playing a part in approximately 88% of currency trades.
◦ Will that dominance continue?
◦ Minor Pairs
◦ If a currency pairing doesn’t include the US dollar, it’s known as
a ‘minor currency pair’ or a ‘cross-currency pair’. Hence the most popularly traded
minor currency pairs include the British pound, Euro, or Japanese yen, such as:
◦ EUR/GBP (euro/British pound)
◦ EUR/AUD (euro/Australian dollar)
◦ GBP/JPY (British pound/Japanese yen)
◦ CHF/JPY (Swiss franc/Japanese yen)
◦ You can also delve into the trade of exotic currencies such as the Thai
Baht (THB), Indian Rupee (INR), South African Rand (ZAR) and Norwegian Krone (NOK).
However, these exotic extras bring with them a greater degree of risk and
volatility.
◦ There is no absolute “best” currency for trading, but a trader does
need a certain level of liquidity and accessibility.

◦ Forex platforms cater to clients all over the globe
◦ Which Currencies Should You Trade?
◦ Investors should stick to the major and minor pairs in the beginning.
This is because it will be easier to find trades, and lower spreads, making
scalping forex viable.
◦ Exotic pairs, however, have much more illiquidity and higher spreads.
In fact, because they are riskier, you can make serious cash with exotic pairs,
just be prepared to lose big in a single session too.
◦ See Live forex rates here.
◦ How Is Forex Traded?
◦ So how does forex trading work? The logistics of forex day trading are
almost identical to every other market. However, there is one crucial difference
worth highlighting.
◦ When you’re day trading in forex you’re buying a currency, while
selling another at the same time. Hence that is why the currencies are marketed in
pairs.
◦ So, the exchange rate pricing you see from your forex trading account
represents the purchase price between the two currencies.
◦ For example – the rate for GBP/USD represents what 1 pound is worth in
dollars.
◦ So, $300 at a rate of 1.3 will buy £230. So, if you have reason to
believe the pound will increase in value versus the US dollar, you would purchase,
say, 500 pounds with US dollars. Then, if the exchange rate climbs, you would sell
your pounds back and make a profit. Likewise with Euros, Yen etc.
◦ Contracts
◦ Forex trading contracts come in a range of types:
◦ Spot forex contracts – The conventional contract. Delivery and
settlement is immediate.
◦ Futures forex contracts – Delivery and settlement takes place on a
future date. Prices are agreed directly, but the actual exchange is in the future.
◦ Currency swaps – Where two parties can ‘swap’ currency, often in the
form of loans, or loan payments in differing currencies.
◦ Options forex contracts – An option gives a trader, the option (but not
the obligation) to exchange currencies at a certain price on a date in the future.
 ◦ Forex Orders
◦ There are a range of forex orders. Some common, others less so. Using
the correct one can be crucial.
◦ The two main types of forex orders are:
◦ Instant order or Market order
◦ Pending orders
◦ Instant Order / Market Orders
◦ These are executed immediately at market prices.
◦ A Buy is an instruction to ‘go long’ or profit from rising markets.
A Sell means opening a short position with an expectation of falling values.

◦ Pending Orders
◦ A Stop loss is a preset level where the trader would like the trade
closed (stopped out) if the price moves against them. It is an important risk
management tool. It instructs the broker to close the trade at that level. A
guaranteed stop means the firm guarantee to close the trade at the requested price.
◦ A stop loss that is not guaranteed may ‘slip’ in volatile market
conditions, and a trade closed, close to, but not on, the stop level. The shock of
the Swiss Franc (CHF) being ‘unpegged’ was one such event.
◦ A Trailing Stop requests that the broker moves the stop loss level
alongside the actual price – but only in one direction. So a long position will
move the stop up in a rising market, but it will stay where it is if prices are
falling. It allows forex traders to reduce potential losses in good times, and
‘lock in’ profits, whilst retaining a safety net.
◦ A take profit or Limit order is a point at which the trader wants the
trade closed, in profit. It is a good tool for discipline (closing trades as
planned) and key for certain strategies. It is also very useful for traders who
cannot watch and monitor trades all the time.
◦ One Cancels Other
◦ A One Cancels the Other (OCO) Order is a combination of a Stop and
Limit order, but if one is triggered, the other order is removed or cancelled. It
is an important strategic trade type.
◦ History Of Forex Trading
◦ Forex trading dates back to the 1880s, though it was different to the
foreign exchange trading we know today. A common base value was still established,
however it was often items such as stones, feathers, or even teeth. Precious metals
like silver and gold were later used to initiate transactions.
◦ After World War II, the Bretton Woods System was introduced to limit
the fluctuation of currencies to within ±1% of the pair’s exchange rate. This led
to some stabilization, but the rules were limiting as economic growth in different
countries varied dramatically.
◦ The Bretton Woods System was abolished in 1971. The forex market then
shifted to a free-floating system, where exchange rates fluctuated based on supply
and demand. It was challenging to distinguish fair exchange rates at first and the
ineffectiveness of the new process actually caused the forex market to close in
1972-1973.
◦ The introduction of the internet and online communication channels saw
global banks develop their own trading platforms, with live price quotes so traders
could initiate transactions between themselves at bank-backed rates.
◦ In the 1980s Reuters also developed an electronic forex trading system.
This served as a real-time network for retail traders, meaning that transactions
could be completed directly through a computer.
◦ Cryptocurrency
◦ Leading Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin
(LTC), Cardano (ADA) and Ripple (XRP) are often traded as a currency pair against
the US dollar. These can be traded just as other FX pairs. Their exchange values
versus each other are also sometimes offered, e.g. BTC/ETH or ETH/LTC etc.
◦ Charts
◦ Charts will play an essential role in your technical analysis and
opportunity identification. Your preferred time frame will depend on the chosen
forex trading strategy. Traders can essentially zoom into a chart, reducing the
time step along the chart. Typical charts range from 1 minute to 8 hours, with 5-
minute, 15-minute or 4-hour time frames in between.
◦ In fact, the right chart will paint a picture of where the price might
be heading going forwards. For example, day trading forex with intraday candlestick
price patterns is particularly popular.

◦ Strategy
◦ Any effective forex strategy will need to focus on two key factors,
liquidity and volatility. These are two of the best indicators for any forex
trader, but the short-term trader is particularly reliant on them.
◦ Intraday trading with forex is very specific. While your average long-
term futures trader may be able to afford to throw in 12 pips hedging (smallest
price movement is usually 1%) here and cut 12 there, a day trader simply cannot.
This is because those 12 pips could be the entirety of the anticipated profit on
the trade.
◦ Precision in forex trading comes from the trader, but liquidity is also
important. Illiquidity will mean the order won’t close at the ideal price,
regardless of how good a trader you are. As a result, this limits day traders to
specific trading instruments and times.
◦ Volatility is the size of markets movements. So, firm volatility for a
trader will reduce the selection of instruments to the currency pairs, dependant on
the sessions. As volatility is session dependent, it also brings us to an important
component outlined below – when to trade.
◦ When To Trade Forex
◦ Even though some providers claim 24/7 trading, the markets are actually
only open 24/5 and not all times are good for trading. You should only trade a
forex pair when it’s active, and when you’ve got enough volume.
◦ Trading forex at weekends will see small volume. Take GBP/USD for
example, there are specific hours where you have enough volatility to create
profits that are likely to negate the bid price spread and commission costs.
◦ The forex market is alive 24 hours a day, with the same trading hours
whether you are in the USA or Zambia, because the time zones mean there’s always a
global market open somewhere. Despite that, not every market actively trades all
currencies. As a result, different forex pairs are actively traded at differing
times of the day.
◦ For example, when the UK and Europe are opening, pairs consisting of
the euro and pound are alight with trading activity. However, when the New York
Stock Exchange, NYC, is active, pairs that involve the US dollar and Canadian
dollar are actively traded.
◦ So, if you were trading EUR/USD pairs, you’ll find the most trading
activity when New York and London are open, or Tokyo for JPY and Sydney for the
AUD.
◦ Utilise forex daily charts and graphs to see major market hours in your
own timezone. The below image highlights opening hours of markets (and end of
session times) for London, New York, Sydney and Tokyo. Crossover periods represent
the sessions with most activity, volume and price action, when forex trading is
most profitable.
◦ There are only two days in the calendar year with no forex trading
hours: Xmas and New Year. The markets are completely closed on these days, whether
they are weekdays or not.

◦ Forex Trading Sessions
◦ Each session has a unique ‘feel’:
◦ Asian Session: Made up of the Asian markets, opening in New Zealand and
Australia and moving west. This session generates lower volume and smaller ranges.
The JPY, NZD and AUD are popular markets and news events can move prices
significantly.
 ◦ The London (‘European’ Session): Actually kicks off in Frankfurt, and
London an hour later. The UK opening sees larger volume in the Forex markets, plus
volatility will peak during this session. European institutions, banks and account
managers will be active and macro-economic data is released.
◦ The New York (US) Session: This opens at 9.30am New York time, but US
fundamental data can be released at 8.30am. This can create early volume before the
‘official’ 9:30 opening.
◦ The London and New York ‘crossover’ sees the most volatility and
liquidity. Key fundamental data is released, financial institutions trigger forex
contracts and ‘smart money’ is involved.
◦ Finding The Best Forex Broker
◦ One of the most important steps for beginners is choosing a forex
broker. The online brokerage you sign up with will be your gateway to the market,
providing you with the platforms, apps and tools needed to analyze currency pairs
and execute trades. But with so many brands out there, where do you start?
◦ Ultimately, the ‘best’ forex broker will come down to personal choice.
Think about the pairs you wants to trade, spreads, commissions and non-trading
fees, leverage rates, access to customer support, regulatory oversight, and the
availability of beginner-friendly tools, such as copy trading.
◦ Forex Regulation
◦ Regulation should also be an important consideration. Whether the
regulator is inside, or outside, of Europe is going to have serious consequences on
your forex trading. ESMA (the European Securities and Markets Authority) have
imposed strict rules on forex firms regulated in Europe. This includes the
following regulators:
◦ CySec – Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
◦ FCA – Financial Conduct Authority (United Kingdom)
◦ BaFin – Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (Germany)
◦ FINMA – Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Switzerland)
◦ ESMA have jurisdiction over all regulators within the EEA. The rules
include caps or limits on leverage that vary between financial products. Forex
leverage is capped at 1:30 (or x30). Outside of Europe, leverage can reach 1:500
(x500) or even higher.
◦ Traders in Europe can apply for Professional status. This removes any
regulatory protection, and allows platforms to offer higher levels of leverage
(among other things).
◦ Outside of Europe, the largest regulators are:
◦ SEC – Securities and Exchange Commission (US)
◦ CFTC – Commodity Futures Trading Commission (US)
◦ CSA – Canadian Securities Administration
◦ ASIC – Australian Securities and Investments Commission
◦ These cover the bulk of countries outside Europe. Forex brokers
catering for India, Hong Kong, Qatar etc are likely to have regulation in one of
the above, rather than every country they support. Some brands are regulated across
the globe (one is even regulated in 5 continents). Some bodies issue licenses, and
others have a register of legal firms.
◦ To reiterate, an ASIC forex broker can offer higher leverage to a
trader in Europe.
◦ An easy way to check for regulation is to look for a disclaimer stating
the percentage of losing traders, as this is required by many regulators. You can
also check the small print at the bottom of a website as this usually contains
regulation information.
◦ Forex Scams
◦ Our reviews have already filtered out the scams, but if you are
considering a different forex trading brand, avoid getting caught out by thinking
about these questions to ask yourself;
◦ Were you ‘cold called’? Reputable firms will not call you out of the
blue (this includes emails, facebook or Instagram channels)
◦ Are they offering unrealistic profits? Just stop and consider for a
minute – if they could make the money they are claiming, why are they cold calling
or advertising on social media?
◦ Are they offering to trade on your behalf or use their own managed or
automated trades? Do not give anyone else control of your money.
◦ If you have any doubts, simply move on. There are plenty of legitimate,
legal providers.
◦ Trading Alerts Or Signals
◦ Forex alerts or signals are delivered in an assortment of ways. User
generated alerts can be created to ‘pop up’ via simple trading platform tools, or
more complex 3rd party signal providers can send traders alerts via SMS, email or
direct messages. Whatever the mechanism the aim is the same, to trigger trades as
soon as certain criteria are met.
◦ These criterion usually rely on chart patterns and/or candlestick
formations. Our charting and patterns guides will cover these themes in more detail
and are a great starting point. Paying for signal services, without understanding
the technical analysis driving them, is high risk.
◦ It is impossible to judge a service, if you do not understand it.
◦ Traders who understand indicators such as Bollinger bands or MACD will
be more than capable of setting up their own alerts.
◦ But for the time poor, a paid service might prove fruitful. You would,
of course, need enough time to actually place the trades, and you need to be
confident in the supplier.
◦ Some signal providers, such as the Forex Lines 7 and Trading System
3000, need no download, instead integrating directly with the MT4 trading platform.
◦ It is unlikely that someone with a profitable signal strategy is
willing to share it cheaply (or at all). Beware of any promises that seem too good
to be true. You can read more about automated forex trading.
◦ 50 Pips A Day
◦ If you download a 2023 pdf with forex trading strategies, this will
probably be one of the first you see. Beginners can also benefit from this simple
yet robust technique since it’s by no means an advanced trading strategy. However,
before venturing into any exotic pairs, it’s worth putting it through its paces
with the major pairs.
◦ So, when the 07:00 (GMT) candlestick closes, you need to place two
contrasting pending orders. Firstly, place a buy stop order 2 pips above the high.
Then place a sell stop order 2 pips below the low of the candlestick. As soon as
price activates one of the orders, cancel the one that hasn’t been activated.
◦ In addition, make sure you place a stop-loss order anywhere between 5-
10 pips above the 07:00 high/low. This will help you keep a handle on your trading
risk. Now set your profit target at 50 pips. At this point, you can kick back and
relax whilst the market gets to work.
◦ If the trade reaches or exceeds the profit target by the end of the day
then all has gone to plan and you can repeat the next day. However, if the trade
has a floating loss, wait until the end of the day before exiting the trade.
◦ Simple Moving Averages
◦ Another simple yet popular forex trading system, often found in PDFs
with ‘1 or 5 minute trading strategies’, is called the 3SMA (simple moving average)
crossover system. Most forex trading platforms come with the simple moving average
chart tool, which adds lines that follows the average price over given numbers of
time periods, the smaller the time-period the shorter-term averages it follows.
◦ This strategy follows the interaction of three moving averages,
normally set at around 15 periods, 30 periods and 100 periods. The 100 SMA
represents the main trade, and all trades should be made in this direction.
◦ The signals for a buy trade are that the price is above the 100 SMA,
both the 15 and 30 SMAs are above the 100 SMA and the 15 SMA has crossed to above
the 30 SMA. Trades should be closed when the price closes below the 30 SMA. For a
sell trade, the conditions are completely reversed, with the lines stacked upside
down and the price below the 100 SMA.
◦ This system can be used with 4hr charts, though the strategy can be
modified for shorter time frames with exponential moving averages (EMA), called the
MACD 3-line system, which put more emphasis on the more recent price movements.
◦ There are a myriad of other trading strategies and systems online, each
with their own pdf guides, success rates and time frames. Many systems have
indicators that can be downloaded and installed onto trading platforms, such as the
1-minute scalping, the 4-hour RSI forex trading strategy, the slingshot 30m
strategy and System 9 6 Winners.
◦ Other powerful strategies use statistical analysis, for example z-score
systems. While many strategies can be effective, and those that crop up in several
‘7 winning strategies’-type PDFs may seem like the best, it is important to truly
understand them to minimize risk and maximize profits.
◦ For more detailed examples of top forex trading strategies, see
our strategies guide on intraday trading techniques.
◦ Video Demonstration – How To Trade Forex


◦ Forex. How to start? Web.
◦ IQ Option (Official group)

◦ Get access to an IQ Option demo account here.

◦ Forex Trading Software
◦ There is a massive choice of software for forex traders. Costs and
benefits will be the main considerations, and we do look at a few software
platforms in detail on this website:
◦ MetaTrader 4
◦ MetaTrader 5
◦ AlgoTrader
◦ TradingView
◦ NinjaTrader
◦ These platforms cater for Mac or Windows users, and there are even
specific applications for Linux.
◦ Social trading or copy trading platforms are another variety of
software associated with forex trading. The leading pioneers of that kind of
service are:
◦ eToro
◦ ZuluTrade
◦ Many forex trading platforms have app versions that can be downloaded
to Apple (ipa) and Android (apk) devices. Top apps, like MetaTrader 4, retain the
majority of the capability of the desktop version.
◦ Some brokerages even take it up a level and provide their own bespoke
trading platforms.
◦ We list more options and details on the forex trading platforms page
and on our software guide. For beginners, finding the best platform usually results
in an intuitive, easy-to-use platform that is well-regarded.
◦ Education
◦ If you want to increase that forex day trading salary, you will also
need to utilize a range of educational resources to gain more advanced forex
knowledge, allowing new trading possibilities to be unlocked.
◦ Top educational resources include:
◦ Books – You can get profitable strategies books, books on scalping,
regulations, price action, technical indicators, and more. There are a myriad of
forex trading books released every year, with focuses on all areas, so you can find
the best books on 2023 beginner guides and strategies, forex trading for dummies or
two-step trend analysis, for example. Though there is no universal top forex book,
Jim Brown is a notable author with many bestselling books.
◦ Chat rooms & forums – Day trading forex live forums are a fantastic way
to learn from experienced traders. Some will even share their best free trading
systems. Just beware the quality of advice.
◦ Blogs – If you want to hear success stories from forex millionaires,
then day trading forex blogs and live streams might be the place to go. Again,
tread carefully with any advice offered.
◦ Forex websites – There are a number of specific forex websites with no
login credentials required. Some offer free signals, techniques for spotting trend
lines and setting up your platform. There is also a lot of vocabulary to learn for
forex trading, and most firms provide definitions of keywords and online trading
lessons.
◦ PDFs – Many 101 lessons and guides on trading systems can be found
online. Unlike live chat rooms, charts and images will often be provided to support
written evidence.
◦ Tips
◦ Money Management
◦ The most profitable forex strategy will require an effective money
management system. One technique that many suggest is never trading more than 1-2%
of your account on a single trade. So, if you have $10,000 in your account, you
wouldn’t risk more than $100 to $200 on an individual trade. As a result, a
temporary string of bad results won’t blow all your capital.
◦ Then once you have developed a consistent strategy, you can increase
your risk parameters. The Kelly Criterion is a specific staking plan worth
researching.
◦ Automation
◦ Automated forex trades could enhance your returns if you have developed
a consistently effective strategy. This is because instead of manually entering a
trade, an algorithm or bot, such as the Net89, will automatically enter and exit
positions once pre-determined criteria have been met. In addition, there is often
no minimum account balance required to set up an automated system.
◦ Though some forex trading bots can be profitable, there are lots of
ineffective products out there and markets are complex so no robot will work all
the time.
◦ However, those looking at how to start trading from home should
probably wait until they have honed an effective strategy first.

◦ For further guidance, see our automated trading page.
◦ Taxes
◦ When you read a blog about forex traders, such as ‘a day in the life’,
they often leave out the impact of tax. In fact, it is vital you check your local
rules and regulations as forex trading will often be taxed. Traders in the US will
receive 1099 forms from their brokerages if they make enough money through trading.
Failure to understand local tax laws could lead to legal issues.
◦ See our taxes page for details.
◦ Webinars & Training Videos
◦ They are the perfect place to go for help from experienced traders.
This is because forex webinars can walk you through setups, price action analysis,
plus the best signals and charts for your strategy. In fact, in many ways, webinars
are the best place to go for a direct guide on currency day trading basics.
◦ Most top brands offer webinars on their website. Alternatively, both
brokerages and experienced traders provide forex trading 101 YouTube videos and
channels. Those with ‘2023 forex trading guide’ in the title will have up-to-date,
relevant information. Experienced traders such as Coleman D’Angelo have several
recent videos with strategy explanations and software advice.
◦ Trading Journal
◦ The use of forex trading journals allows you to self-evaluate and
analyze previous trades, helping to improve future trading. Detail is key here, as
understanding what went right or wrong with trades will help avoid repeat mistakes
and continue success. It can also be useful to take notes and jot down ideas in the
back for future reference.
◦ Spreadsheets (XLS) and apps are often used to make forex trading
journals, though a pre-made PDF plan and template can be downloaded off the
internet or you can even use a physical journal book.
◦ Alternatively, leading programs like Edgewonk and TraderSync
automatically connect to supported platforms, capturing data and providing detailed
insights to help you make targeted improvements.
◦ 3 Mistakes To Avoid
◦ 1. Averaging Down
◦ While you may not initially intend on doing so, many traders end up
falling into this trap at some point. The biggest problem is that you are holding a
losing position, sacrificing both money and time. Whilst it may come off a few
times, eventually, it will lead to a margin call, as a trend can sustain itself
longer than you can stay liquid.
◦ This is particularly a problem for the day trader because the limited
time frame means you must capitalize on opportunities when they come up and exit
bad trades swiftly.
◦ 2. Trading Too Soon After the News
◦ Big news comes in and then the market starts to spike or plummets
rapidly. At this point it may be tempting to jump on the easy-money train, however,
doing so without a disciplined trading plan behind you can be just as damaging as
gambling before the news comes out. This is because illiquidity and sharp price
movements mean a trade can quickly translate into significant losses as large
swings take place or ‘whipsaw’.
◦ The solution – wait for the volatility to subside and you can verify
the trend.
◦ 3. Days of Interest
◦ It’s great having an effective once a day trading method and system.
However, even a consistent strategy can go wrong when confronted with the unusual
volume and volatility seen on specific days. For example, public holidays such as
Christmas/Xmas and New Year, or days with significant breaking news events, can
open you up to unpredictable price fluctuations.
◦ Countries
◦ The country or region you trade forex in may present certain issues,
especially as trading is spreading around the world. For example, African countries
such as Zimbabwe and Kenya are seeing more forex trading, although they typically
fall under less regulation. Forex traders with brokers in the USA and Canada will
need to read up on pattern trading rules (Canadian traders have it slightly
easier).
◦ Trading forex in South Africa might be safest with an FSA regulated (or
registered) brand. The regions classed as ‘unregulated’ by European firms see way
less ‘default’ protection, so a local regulator can give additional confidence.
This is similar in Singapore, the Philippines or Hong Kong. The choice of ‘best
forex broker’ will therefore differ region to region.
◦ Trading forex in less well regulated nations, such as Nigeria and
Pakistan, means leaning towards the more established European or Australian
regulated brands.
◦ Forex Trading – Is It Halal?
◦ Under the traditional model, some believe forex trading is
illegal/haram in Islam because platforms charge interest, or riba, for holding
positions open overnight. However, many brokerages have recognized this barrier and
offer Muslim trading accounts with no overnight swap charges, providing a halal
forex trading service.
◦ Though we have researched the topic, we are not attempting to provide
religious guidance and advice to readers. If you are in doubt, we would recommend
seeking guidance from your own religious leader and speaking to the customer
support teams of the top firms reviewed on this website.
 ◦ Forex Trading – Is It Profitable?
◦ Many people question what a trader’s salary is, and whether forex
trading can be a career. The truth is it varies hugely. Most people and businesses
will struggle to turn a profit and eventually give up. On the other hand, a small
minority prove not only that it is possible to generate income, but that you can
also make huge yearly returns and not go back to traditional jobs.
◦ If you are one of the ones who can really make money from online forex
trading, you can do it with as little money as $50, or even $1, though it is easier
and quicker to build capital if you begin with more. So, forex trading can make you
rich, but there are no guarantees. 75-80% of retail traders lose money.
◦ Forex Trading Terminology
◦ To succeed with forex trading, you need to understand the meaning of
some key terms:
◦ Pip – A unit of measurement that shows the change in value between two
currencies
◦ Spread – The difference between the bid price and ask price. The
fluctuation between the two prices is a key indicator of liquidity
◦ Bid – The price that an investor is willing to pay for an asset. The
bid price is normally higher than the current price
◦ Ask – The price that an investor is willing to sell an asset for. The
ask price is usually lower than the current price
◦ Current Price – The actual price of an asset on an exchange. The
current price on your forex trading platform takes supply and demand into account
which is why you may see a difference
◦ Base – The first currency listed in a forex pair. For instance, when
trading the USD/EUR pair, the US Dollar is the base currency
◦ Quote – The second currency listed in a forex pair. In the example
above, the Euro is the quote currency
◦ Lots – The denomination that forex is traded in. One standard lot has
100,000 units of the base currency. A micro lot has 1,000 units
◦ Major Pairs – Seven common pairs all of which contain USD as the base
currency or counter currency with one of the following; GBP, EUR, JPY, NZD, AUD,
CAD, CHF
◦ Minor Pairs – Also known as cross pairs. These are made up of any two
major currencies which do not contain the US Dollar as the base or counter
currency, such as the GBP/AUD, CAD/NZD, or EUR/CAD
◦ Exotic Pairs – Highly liquid pairs made up of thinly traded currencies
such as the South African Rand or the Polish Zloty. These can be very volatile
◦ Leverage – A “loan” provided by a forex firm to a retail trader. The
loan increases buying power and therefore potential profits and losses. Forex
leverage is typically expressed as a ratio, which demonstrates how large a position
you can open compared to the margin. For example, a leverage of 1:30 means that a
retail investor can open a position 30 times the size of their initial stake
◦ Margin – The minimum amount of funds, often expressed as a percentage,
that you will need if you want to open and maintain a position
◦ Margin Call – An alert that is issued when your equity falls below the
allocated margin. You will need to deposit additional funds to keep your positions
open
◦ Going Long – Involves a trader purchasing the first part of the
currency pair whilst selling the second part. For example, in the USD/EUR pair you
are buying the US Dollar against the Euro, expecting the price of the US Dollar to
rise
◦ Going Short – Involves a trader selling the first part of the currency
pair whilst purchasing the second part. In the example above, you are selling the
US Dollar against the Euro, expecting the price of the US Dollar to fall
◦ Note, some of the phrases in this forex trading jargon buster are
explained in more detail elsewhere in this guide.
◦ Bottom Line
◦ Currency is a larger and more liquid market than both the U.S stock and
bond markets combined. In fact, a surplus of opportunities and financial leverage
make it attractive for anyone looking to make a living day trading forex.
◦ Unfortunately, there is no universal best strategy for trading forex.
However, trade at the right time and keep volatility and liquidity at the forefront
of your decision-making process. Follow these general rules for FX day trading and
you’ll be on the right path.
◦ FAQ
◦ How does forex trading work?
◦ Traders speculate on fluctuations in the price of global currencies.
There are dozens of currency pairs to trade on, the most popular of which include
the USD, and are known as ‘major’ forex pairs. To trade on forex, users sign up to
a broker who then provides a platform to connect traders to the market.
◦ What is a forex trading broker?
◦ A forex broker is a firm that provides access to a platform on which
foreign currencies can be bought and sold. Brokers may use different platforms or
offer different pairs of currencies to be traded, though they all offer the same
base service.
◦ Is forex trading profitable?
◦ Forex trading can make you money. With that said, the majority lose
money. Generating consistent returns requires an effective strategy and discipline,
as no one can master forex trading in 60 seconds. Those wondering if forex trading
can be a shortcut to make you a millionaire may be disappointed.
◦ Is forex trading legitimate?
◦ Forex trading is a legitimate job for many individuals from around the
world. Licensed and regulated brokers provide a large and accessible forex market
for clients to take positions on the price of leading currency pairs.
◦ Is forex trading legal?
◦ Whether forex trading is legal or illegal will depend on the
jurisdiction you are in. It is legal in many countries around the world, from the
UK and Europe to Asia and Australia. With that said, many brokers do not accept
clients from the US. Check the legal status of forex trading in your country before
you register for an account.
◦ Is forex trading gambling?
◦ For those that approach forex trading carefully, it is not gambling.
It’s about taking a disciplined approach to legitimate financial markets with the
aim of generating returns.
◦ Is forex trading easy or hard?
◦ Making consistent profits from forex trading is hard. It requires a
successful strategy, initial capital, and a sensible approach to risk. Most forex
traders lose money and those that don’t are likely to be the first to say it isn’t
easy.
◦ Where do I start forex trading?
◦ For beginners, forex trading can feel daunting. It’s a market with a
daily trading volume in the trillions, a long list of currency pairs to potentially
trade, plus a wealth of online resources and brokers to get your head around. As a
result, we’d recommend doing your research before you start forex trading and
opening an account with a forex broker that has all the tools and tips to help you
get started. Reading our forex articles here on DayTrading.com is a great start for
an aspiring currency trader.
◦ Is forex trading really worth it?
◦ Whether forex trading is really worth it depends on what your aims and
risk appetite are. If your goal is to learn more about financial markets and to
generate returns from market patterns, then yes – forex trading may be worth it.
However, forex trading is risky and does require a careful approach to risk
management.
◦ What is forex trading all about?
◦ What does forex trading mean is fairly straightforward. Essentially, it
works works by individuals taking positions on which direction they believe the
market will move in, meaning another trader or liquidity provider will take the
opposing position. Making the forex market work to your advantage requires an
understanding of what influences the value of currencies.
◦ Which forex trading platform is the best?
◦ The best trading platforms and mobile apps depend on individual
preference. Users want different assets, trading tools and fee structures.
Fortunately, our website is where traders to go to find the best forex trading
platforms for beginners up to experts. Our reviews detail and rank the best forex
platforms and brokers.
◦ When did forex trading start?
◦ Modern forex trading started in the 1970s when the US allowed the
Dollar to float freely on the currency exchange market. With that said, forex
trading in one form of another has been around for thousands of years. Today most
currencies can be traded and the overall daily FX trading volume tops $6 trillion.
◦ Will forex trading last forever?
◦ It’s hard to say how long forex trading will last and whether it will
ever end. Forex trading started thousands of years ago when currencies were first
introduced. Many believe that for as long as they do exist, there will be
opportunities to profit from their price fluctuations.
◦ When are the forex trading sessions?
◦ Forex trading times vary. With that said, key forex markets follow a
schedule. The London and European session starts at 07:00 GMT, the New York session
begins at 12:00 GMT, the Sydney session starts at 21:00 GMT, and the Tokyo session
begins shortly after at 23:00 GMT, before closing at 08:00 GMT.
◦ Do forex trading robots really work?
◦ Forex trading bots are legal and can be profitable. However, for bots
to be worth it, they need to follow pre-determined rules that form part of a
successful strategy. Used correctly, robots can bring in profits while cutting down
the number of hours spent manually placing trades.
◦ Can forex trading be a full time job?
◦ To make a career out of forex trading, clients need a consistently
successful strategy. Traders will also need to define their risk tolerance and have
enough capital to cover potential losses.
◦ Are forex trading courses worth it?
◦ For beginners, forex trading courses can be an excellent way to learn
about the markets and understand its drivers. Good courses can also provide
guidance on how to develop an effective forex trading strategy. See our forex
training courses page for more information.
◦ Does forex trading get taxed?
◦ Local rules and regulations vary, but forex trading in many
jurisdictions is taxable. To find out whether forex trading losses are tax
deductible and to understand your obligations when it comes to profits, check the
rules in your area. See see our taxes page for more information.
◦ Do forex trading signals work?
◦ Forex trading signals can be an excellent indicator of market and price
sentiment. The right signals may help you assert a market edge. Learn how to find
the best forex trading signals.
◦ Is forex trading halal?
◦ Whether forex trading is halal or haram is open to interpretation.
Today, many brokers offer swap-free accounts to provide Islam-friendly trading
conditions. If in doubt, consult your religious leader before creating a forex
trading account.
◦ Does forex trading have PDT rule?
◦ The Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rule is set the by FINRA and SEC and
requires traders to have at least $25,000 in equity. However, this rule applies to
stock trading and is not applicable to forex trading.
◦ What units is forex traded in?
◦ Forex trading involves buying one currency with another, but the units
used are rarely pounds or dollars. Though $1,000 or $100 may be steps you are most
interested in, lots and pips are what is used, which can be confusing.
 ◦ A pip is the smallest price change possible, which is $0.0001 for USD
pairs. A lot, however, is the smallest quantity that can be physically traded in
the markets and is equal to $100,000, so 0.1 lots is $10,000 and 0.01 lots is
$1,000.
◦ How old do I need to be to trade forex?
◦ In most countries, you cannot trade forex until you are considered a
legal adult. In the UK and USA, this means you cannot trade under the age of 18.
Some countries may require traders to be 20 or 21 years old.
◦ Further Reading
◦ An Overview of the Chinese Yuan (Renminbi)
◦ Automated Forex Trading
◦ Best Forex Trading Books – The Top 5 Forex Books 2023
◦ Fibonacci Forex Trading
◦ Forex Bonus
◦ Forex Brokers 2023
◦ Forex Demo Accounts
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◦ Forex Index Trading
◦ Forex Rates
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◦ Forex Screener
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◦ Forex Trade Copier
◦ Forex Trading Accounts
◦ Forex Trading Apps
◦ Forex Trading On Margin
◦ Forex Trading vs Binary Options
◦ Forex Trading With MetaTrader 4
◦ Forex Training Courses
◦ Forex Weekend Trading
◦ Fundamentals of The Swiss Franc (CHF)
◦ How To Avoid Forex Trading Scams
◦ Indian Rupee Trading
◦ InTheMoneyStocks.com
◦ Live Forex Trading
◦ Professional Forex Traders
◦ Richest Forex Traders
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◦ Trading GBP/USD
◦ Trading GBP/ZAR
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◦ Trading NZD/SGD
◦ Trading USD/CAD
 ◦ Trading USD/CHF
◦ Trading USD/HKD
◦ Trading USD/INR
◦ Trading USD/JPY
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◦ For Specific Countries
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