A method of trading forex that is based on a series of analyses to determine whether to buy or sell a currency pair at a given time. Forex system trading could be based on a set of signals derived from technical analysis charting tools or fundamental news-based events. The day trader's currency trading system is usually made up of technical signals that create a buy or sell decision when they point in a direction that has historically led to a profitable trade. |||Forex trading systems can be either manual or automated. A manual system involves sitting at the computer screen, looking for signals and interpreting whether to buy or sell. In an automated trading system, the trader "teaches" the software what signals to look for and how to interpret them. It is thought that automated trading removes the emotional and psychological components of trading that often lead to bad judgment. Both automated and manual day trading systems and signals are often available for purchase. It is important to note that there is no such thing as the "holy grail" of trading systems. If the system was a perfect money maker, the seller would not want to share it. This is why large financial firms keep their "black box" trading programs under lock and key.
The current exchange rate at which a currency pair can be bought or sold. The spot forex rate differs from the forward rate in that it prices the value of currencies compared to foreign currencies today, rather than at some time in the future. The spot rate in forex currency trading, is the rate that most traders use when trading with an online retail forex broker. |||Although the forex spot rate calls for delivery within two days, this rarely occurs. Traders that hold a position for longer than two days will have their trades "reset" by the broker, i.e. closed and reopened at the same price, just prior to the two-day deadline.
When dealing with foreign exchange (FX), a situation where the spot futures exchange rate, with respect to the domestic currency, is trading at a higher spot exchange rate then it is currently. A forward premium is frequently measured as the difference between the current spot rate and the forward rate, but any expected future exchange rate will suffice. |||It is a reasonable assumption to make that the future spot rate will be equal to the current futures rate. According to the forward expectation's theory of exchange rates, the current spot futures rate will be the future spot rate. This theory is routed in empirical studies and is a reasonable assumption to make in the long term.
The number of basis points added to or subtracted from the current spot rate to determine the forward rate. When points are added to the spot rate, there is a forward points premium; when points are subtracted from the spot rate, there is a points discount. |||The number of forward points on a given exchange rate will be determined by the prevailing interest rates in each market, the time period between the spot and forward rate, and other market factors. For example, if the current spot rate of the USD/EUR is 0.7232 and the two-year forward rate is 0.7332, the number of forward points is 100 basis points (0.7332-0.7232).
In a foreign exchange situation where the domestic current spot exchange rate is trading at a higher level then the current domestic futures spot rate for a maturity period. A forward discount is an indication by the market that the current domestic exchange rate is going to depreciate in value against another currency. |||A forward discount means the market expects the domestic currency to depreciate against another currency, but that is not to say that will happen. Although the forward expectation's theory of exchange rates states this is the case, the theory does not always hold.
A cash market transaction in which delivery of the commodity is deferred until after the contract has been made. Although the delivery is made in the future, the price is determined on the initial trade date. |||Most forward contracts don't have standards and aren't traded on exchanges. A farmer would use a forward contract to "lock-in" a price for his grain for the upcoming fall harvest.
A way of trading currency while minimizing the risk of volatile exchange rates. The booking company (risk agents) will write up a contract specifying what the rate of exchange will be, and in doing so will assume the exchange rate risk. The contract will also outline a timeline in which the trade must be made. The fee associated with the forward book is usually based on a percentage of the amount being traded in the contract. |||For example, if Mr. A plans to purchase a big ticket item from Europe in January, and the euro is quite low in December, he may want to forward book in case the euro skyrockets in the next month. The booking company, after making the contract would hope for the euro to plummet. However, if it doesn't, they would still have the fee paid for the transaction.
A form of instruction or mentorship that provides information on forex trading tactics, methods and successful practices. Forex training acts as a guide for the retail forex trader, providing insight into successful strategies, signals and systems as well as other general information on the foreign exchange market. |||Because of the massive size of the forex market, there is a wealth of information available for traders who are looking to enhance their trading knowledge.Remember that there is no "holy grail" of trading! If the system and signals in the training program were foolproof, the developer would be using them exclusively, rather than distributing the information to others.