How to Get Funded and Become a Forex Prop Trader in 2025?How to Get Funded and Become a Forex Prop Trader in 2025: A Step-by-Step Action Plan
With prop trading firms offering funding to skilled traders, 2025 presents an excellent opportunity to trade with significant capital while limiting your personal risk. Here’s a detailed roadmap to getting funded and becoming a successful prop trader in the forex market.
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📌 Step 1: Build a Profitable Trading Strategy
Before applying to a prop firm, you need a tested and profitable strategy that aligns with prop firm risk rules. Here’s what to focus on:
✅ Choose a Trading Style
• Scalping – Quick, small trades (requires low spreads and fast execution).
• Day Trading – Intraday trades with clear setups (most prop firms allow).
• Swing Trading – Holding trades for days/weeks (lower stress, fits many prop firm rules).
• Algorithmic Trading – Using bots or EAs (some firms allow automation).
✅ Develop a High-Probability Edge
• Top-Down Technical Analysis (Identify trends using multiple timeframes).
• Price Action & Market Structure (Support/resistance, breakouts, trendlines).
• Risk-Reward Ratios (Aim for at least 1:2 RR on trades).
• News & Fundamentals (FOMC, NFP, CPI, interest rate decisions).
✅ Backtest & Optimize Your Strategy
• Use Forex Tester 5 or TradingView’s replay mode to test past market conditions.
• Run at least 100-200 trades in a demo account.
• Maintain a win rate above 50% with an R:R of 1:2 or higher.
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📌 Step 2: Master Risk & Money Management
Most prop firms fail traders due to poor risk management. Here’s how to avoid that:
✅ Follow Strict Drawdown Rules
• Daily Drawdown: Most firms allow 5% max daily loss.
• Overall Drawdown: 8-10% max loss before account termination.
• Solution: Risk only 0.5% - 1% per trade.
✅ Position Sizing
• Lot Size Calculator: Always use a calculator to match risk per trade.
• Adjust for Volatility: Trade smaller lots on high-impact news days.
✅ Risk-Adjusted Growth
• Withdraw profits monthly to secure earnings.
• Scale up gradually instead of over-leveraging.
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📌 Step 3: Get Funded by a Prop Firm
🚀 Top Prop Firms in 2025 for Forex Traders
• FTMO – Up to $400,000 funding, 90% profit share.
• My Forex Funds (MFF) – Up to $600,000 funding, 85% profit split.
• The Funded Trader – 80-90% profit split, offers aggressive scaling.
• Fidelcrest – Allows scalping, news trading, and EAs.
• E8 Funding – Low drawdown rules, 80% split.
📈 How to Pass a Prop Firm Challenge
Most firms require a two-phase evaluation:
1. Phase 1: Profit target (8-10%) within 30 days without exceeding the daily/overall drawdown.
2. Phase 2: Lower profit target (4-5%) within 60 days with the same risk rules.
3. Funded Stage: Trade firm capital with a profit split (usually 75-90% to the trader).
🛠️ Pro Tips to Pass a Prop Firm Challenge
✅ Risk only 0.5% per trade (low risk = higher success rate).
✅ Trade high-probability setups only (2-3 trades per day max).
✅ Avoid trading the first & last 15 minutes of sessions (high spreads).
✅ Use a prop firm challenge simulator before applying.
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📌 Step 4: Optimize & Scale Your Trading Career
🔹 Get Multiple Funded Accounts
• Many firms allow traders to manage multiple accounts.
• Use copy trading software (e.g., Trade Copier, FXBlue) to replicate trades across accounts.
• Some firms have a combined max funding of over $2 million.
🔹 Transition to a Full-Time Forex Trader
1. Withdraw Profits Monthly – Secure earnings and reinvest.
2. Diversify Income Streams – Consider trading signals, coaching, or selling EAs.
3. Trade with Institutional Mindset – Focus on consistency over big wins.
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📌 Step 5: Use Trading Tools & AI Bots for an Edge
🔹 Best Forex Trading Tools in 2025
📊 TradingView & MT5 – Best for charting & analysis.
📉 AutoRisk Calculator – Automates lot sizing based on risk %.
🤖 AI & Algo Bots – AI-powered news sentiment analysis & high-frequency trading.
📅 Forex Factory & Myfxbook – Economic calendar & trade tracking.
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📌 Step 6: Stay Ahead in the Forex Market
🚀 Follow Pro Traders – Learn from institutions & hedge funds.
📊 Analyze Market Cycles – 2025 will be affected by interest rates & global policies.
📉 Avoid Overtrading – Focus on quality over quantity.
📈 Invest in Continuous Learning – Join trading communities & courses.
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🎯 Final Thoughts: The Fastest Way to Become a Forex Prop Trader in 2025
✅ Develop a tested, profitable strategy.
✅ Master risk & money management.
✅ Apply to top prop firms & pass the evaluation.
✅ Scale with multiple funded accounts.
✅ Stay disciplined, patient, and focused on long-term success.
Trend Analysis
Ichimoku Theories - Complicated? Keep it SimpleNYMEX:CL1!
The Ichimoku Strategy is a technical analysis method using the Ichimoku Kinko Hyo indicator, which helps traders identify trends, support/resistance levels, and potential trade signals. It consists of five key components:
Ichimoku Indicator Components:
1. Tenkan-sen (Conversion Line): (9-period moving average)
• Short-term trend indicator.
• A sharp slope suggests strong momentum.
2. Kijun-sen (Base Line): (26-period moving average)
• Medium-term trend indicator.
• Acts as a support/resistance level.
3. Senkou Span A (Leading Span A): ((Tenkan-sen + Kijun-sen) / 2, plotted 26 periods ahead)
• Forms one edge of the Kumo (Cloud).
• A rising Span A suggests an uptrend.
4. Senkou Span B (Leading Span B): (52-period moving average, plotted 26 periods ahead)
• The second edge of the Kumo (Cloud).
• When Span A is above Span B, the cloud is bullish (green); when Span A is below Span B, it’s bearish (red).
5. Chikou Span (Lagging Span): (Closing price plotted 26 periods behind)
• Confirms trend direction.
• If Chikou Span is above past prices, it signals bullish momentum.
Trading Strategies Using Ichimoku
1. Kumo Breakout Strategy
• Buy when the price breaks above the Kumo (Cloud).
• Sell when the price breaks below the Kumo.
2. Tenkan-Kijun Cross Strategy
• Bullish signal: Tenkan-sen crosses above Kijun-sen.
• Bearish signal: Tenkan-sen crosses below Kijun-sen.
3. Chikou Span Confirmation
• Buy when Chikou Span is above past price action.
• Sell when Chikou Span is below past price action.
4. Kumo Twist
• When Senkou Span A crosses above Senkou Span B, it signals a potential bullish reversal.
• When Senkou Span A crosses below Senkou Span B, it suggests a bearish reversal.
5. Trend Confirmation
• Price above the cloud = bullish trend.
• Price inside the cloud = consolidation.
• Price below the cloud = bearish trend.
Advantages of Ichimoku Strategy
✅ Provides a comprehensive market view (trend, momentum, support/resistance).
✅ Works well in trending markets.
✅ Offers clear entry and exit signals.
Limitations
❌ Less effective in ranging or choppy markets.
❌ Can be complex for beginners.
❌ Requires confirmation with other indicators (e.g., RSI, MACD).
Trade Smart - Trade Safe 🚀
Understanding Fibonacci In TradingUnlock the secrets of Fibonacci and its powerful applications in trading. Learn how to use Fibonacci tools to identify optimal entry and exit points, manage risk, and refine your trading strategies. While many traders are familiar with basic Fibonacci retracements, this guide will also explore advanced techniques and lesser-known concepts.
📚 The Foundation of Market Geometry
🔢 What is Fibonacci?
The Fibonacci sequence is a series where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones:
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34...
This mathematical principle, introduced by Leonardo Fibonacci in Liber Abaci (1202), is foundational to nature, architecture, and financial markets. The key ratio derived from this sequence is 1.618, known as the Golden Ratio.
✨ The Golden Ratio and Market Significance
The Golden Ratio (1.618) and its inverse (0.618) appear frequently in natural patterns and price movements. In trading, these ratios help determine potential support and resistance levels.
Other critical Fibonacci-derived levels include:
0.236 (23.6%)
0.382 (38.2%)
0.5 (50%) (not strictly Fibonacci but widely used)
0.618 (61.8%)
0.786 (78.6%)
📊 How Fibonacci Became a Trading Tool
Traders noticed that price movements often respect Fibonacci levels, leading to the creation of Fibonacci-based tools:
📉 Fibonacci Retracement: Identifies potential reversal zones during pullbacks.
📈 Fibonacci Extension: Forecasts potential profit-taking levels.
📐 Fibonacci Arcs, Fans, and Time Zones: Advanced tools for multidimensional analysis.
Circles
Fans
🛠 Applying Fibonacci in Trading
📍 Step 1: Identifying Swing Highs and Swing Lows
Choose a clear trend and mark:
Swing High (peak before price declines)
Swing Low (trough before price rises)
📏 Step 2: Using Fibonacci Retracement Levels
On platforms like TradingView, apply the Fibonacci tool:
Uptrend: Draw from Swing Low to Swing High.
Downtrend: Draw from Swing High to Swing Low.
Key retracement levels act as support or resistance zones.
🚀 Advanced Fibonacci Concepts
🎯 ICT Optimal Trade Entry (OTE) Zone
A modern adaptation of Fibonacci, OTE focuses on the 0.618 - 0.786 retracement zone.
📊 Bullish Setup: In an uptrend, the price pulling back into the OTE zone signals a high-probability long entry.
📉 Bearish Setup: In a downtrend, price retracing into the OTE zone suggests a shorting opportunity.
💎 The Golden Pocket
The zone between 0.618 - 0.650 is known as the "Golden Pocket." This is a prime area where the price often finds strong support or resistance before continuing its trend.
⏳ Fibonacci Time Zones
While most traders focus on price-based Fibonacci levels, Fibonacci Time Zones can predict when significant price movements may occur. These vertical lines are placed at Fibonacci intervals (1, 2, 3, 5, 8...) from a significant market event.
🔄 Fibonacci Confluence
When multiple Fibonacci levels align with other indicators (trendlines, moving averages, pivot points), it creates a Fibonacci Confluence Zone, strengthening the probability of a reversal or continuation.
📊 Fibonacci Clusters
Traders can plot multiple Fibonacci retracements/extensions on different timeframes. Overlapping levels suggest a high probability reaction zone.
📌 Combining Fibonacci with Other Tools
Fibonacci analysis is most effective when combined with:
📉 Candlestick Patterns: Confirmation for reversals or continuations.
📏 Trendlines & Moving Averages: Validate Fibonacci levels.
📊 Volume Analysis: Gauge strength of reactions at Fibonacci levels.
🧠 ICT Strategies: Incorporate Fair Value Gaps, Inversion Fair Value Gaps, Breaker Blocks, and Order Blocks for precision entries.
📍 Practical Applications of Fibonacci
⚡ Scalping: Use Fibonacci on lower timeframes (1m, 5m) to identify intraday opportunities.
📈 Swing Trading: Combine Fibonacci retracements with trend analysis for multi-day trades.
💰 Long-Term Investing: Apply Fibonacci tools on weekly/monthly charts to pinpoint major turning points in the market cycle.
🏆 Key Takeaways
Mastering Fibonacci enhances your ability to:
Identify optimal entry and exit points.
Manage risks with precision.
Gain deeper insights into price movements.
By integrating Fibonacci with other trading strategies, you can refine your approach and improve decision-making. Start experimenting with Fibonacci tools today on TradingView and elevate your trading strategy!
How to determine trend line in trading?Determining a trend line in trading is a fundamental skill used to identify the direction and strength of a price trend. Here's a step-by-step guide to drawing and interpreting trend lines:
1. Understand the Basics of a Trend Line
A trend line is a straight line that connects two or more price points on a chart, extending into the future to act as a line of support or resistance.
Uptrend Line: Connects higher lows in an upward trend (acts as support).
Downtrend Line: Connects lower highs in a downward trend (acts as resistance).
Sideways/Ranging Market: Price moves horizontally, and trend lines may not be as effective.
2. Identify Key Price Points
For an uptrend, identify at least two higher lows (swing lows) and draw a line connecting them.
For a downtrend, identify at least two lower highs (swing highs) and draw a line connecting them.
The more times the price touches the trend line without breaking it, the stronger and more valid the trend line is.
3. Draw the Trend Line
Use a charting platform to draw the line manually.
Connect the swing lows for an uptrend or swing highs for a downtrend.
Ensure the line is not too steep or too flat; it should reflect the natural slope of the price movement.
4. Validate the Trend Line
A valid trend line should be touched by price at least three times. The more touches, the more reliable the trend line.
If the price breaks the trend line significantly, it may indicate a potential trend reversal or weakening of the current trend.
5. Use Trend Lines for Analysis
Support/Resistance: In an uptrend, the trend line acts as support. In a downtrend, it acts as resistance.
Breakouts: A break below an uptrend line or above a downtrend line may signal a trend reversal or continuation, depending on the context.
Trend Strength: A steep trend line may indicate a strong trend, while a shallow one may suggest a weaker trend.
6. Combine with Other Tools
Use trend lines in conjunction with other technical indicators (e.g., moving averages, RSI, MACD) to confirm trends and potential entry/exit points.
Look for volume confirmation: Increased volume during a breakout or bounce off the trend line adds validity to the signal.
7. Adjust as Needed
Trend lines are not static. As new price data comes in, you may need to redraw or adjust the trend line to reflect the current market conditions.
Example:
BTC has touched the line that I've drawn multiple time so It is a reliable Bullish Trend line. The next Possible connection can be around 93.5k! the line also acts as a support.
By mastering trend lines, you can better identify potential trading opportunities and manage risk effectively. Always practice on historical data and use proper risk management techniques.
Trade Management Strategy Testing Dow JonesI will be trying out a new holding style for my trades going forward based on my journal and statistics. Instead of having a fixed target, I will instead hold my trades all the way until 04:00pm market close.
Pros:
Letting trades run. I don't know how far a trade will go. By not having a strict target, I can lock in those big running days.
Not stressing over if it will hit target. By not having a strict target, I can just let price do what it is going to do and close my day trades at 04:00pm. I don't have to worry about if it is only 10 ticks away from my target.
Allows me more freedom to use my time elsewhere. By not having a strict target, I know all my day trades will be closed by 04:00pm. I will set an alarm 5 minutes before 4 to close any open positions. I can then use my time more productively instead of being at the screen.
Cons:
Giving back profits. I know by not having a strict target that I can be up a certain percent and by the end of day close, any/all profits can be gone and or stopped out.
Can have a lot of small wins/losses and Breakevens mixed with the occasional stop out and giant win. Since I have no target, I have no control over how much profit I may make in a given day. Someone with a fixed target knows they are getting out at 2:1 for example.
Below is an exact trade I have taken using strict target of 200 ticks.
Using End of Day Hold the trade would look like this
200 ticks vs 553 ticks
This is just one example, and my journal shows countless more just like this.
If anybody has any thoughts or experience with this holding style, I would love to hear feedback.
HOW-TO Swing Trade SolanaI take a much more conservative approach to trading - that's how the JSC - Swing Long is used. It simply finds extremely oversold moments (on larger time frames) and reaps the rewards. The strategy tester shows 82% win rate using this indicator, with an average 22.5% trade.
As of now, it's VERY close to triggering the BUY alert, but I can't be too hasty because of this bearish momentum we are seeing.
I am able to set alerts for this indicator, so as of now, I will wait for the BUY alert.
I designed it specifically for my students, especially beginners, to have confidence in their next trade.
SOL blockchain is the KING of meme coins - that's the main reason it gained so much value in this bull run. In order to buy meme coins, you had to buy Solana first, then swap it.
Keep it simple and have confidence in your next trade.
-JumpStartCrypto
Mastering Bitcoin #1In this quick but educational video we delve into the intricacies of Bitcoin's price movements using popular technical analysis tools like Bollinger Bands, Elliott Wave Theory, Triple Moving Average, and Bearish Divergence on MACD and RSI. Learn how these few indicators can help predict what might be ahead for Bitcoin based on current data.
I'm gonna make this into a habit, creating short, educational videos, so expect more of this insightful, bite-sized content going forward.
Gann Time Cycles Price Synchronization | Gann’s Timing StrategyGann Time Cycles | Gann's Time Price Synchronization Method
In this video, we dive deep into the Gann Time-Price Synchronization Method, a powerful approach to market analysis that combines impulse moves, time cycles, and squared price levels. Learn how aligning price action with time-based cycles can help you identify high-probability trade setups and significantly improve your trading accuracy.
Key Points Covered:
- How to use Gann time cycles and price levels to anticipate market reactions.
- Step-by-step guide to entry criteria, stop-loss placement, and take-profit strategy.
- Practical application of the Gann method across Forex, stocks, and commodities.
- Enhancing trade confidence with market confirmation tools like candlestick patterns, RSI, and volume.
- Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, this method will help you make more informed and confident trading decisions.
Trading Steps Overview- Gann Time Cycles | Gann's Time Price Synchronization Method.
1. Identify the Initial Impulse Move - Find the first strong price movement.
2. Identify Key Time Cycles - Use 144, 225, 52, 90, and 26-bar cycles.
3. Apply Price Squaring & Vibrations - Calculate squared price levels.
4. Look for Market Confirmation Confirm entries with price action and indicators.
📌 Timestamps: Gann's Time Price Synchronization Method | Gann Time Cycles
00:00 ▶️Gann's Time Price Synchronization Method - Introduction.
00:40 ▶️ Risk Disclaimer.
01:00 ▶️ What is the Gann Time-Price Synchronization Method.
02:18 ▶️ Gann's Time Price Synchronization Method - Core Principle.
02:52 ▶️ Step 1 - Identify the Initial Impulse Move
03:18 ▶️ Step 2 - Identify Key Gann Time Cycles.
03:50 ▶️ Step 3 - Apply Gann Price Squaring & Gann law of Vibrations.
04:10 ▶️ Step 4 - Look for Market Confirmation.
04:29 ▶️ Gann's Time Price Synchronization Method | Gann Time Cycles- Example.
10:49 ▶️ Gann's Time Price Synchronization Method | Gann Time Cycles- Trading Rules & Execution.
11:30 ▶️ Gann's Time Price Synchronization Method | Gann Time Cycles - Conclusion & Final Thoughts.
How Does a Carry Trade Work? How Does a Carry Trade Work?
A carry trade is a popular forex trading strategy that takes advantage of interest rate differentials between two currencies, aiming to earn returns from the interest gap. This article explores what a carry trade is, its formula, and how the strategy works, helping traders understand its potential advantages and risks.
Carry Trade: Definition
A carry trade is a popular forex strategy where traders take advantage of the difference in interest rates between two currencies. It involves borrowing money in a currency with a low borrowing cost—this is known as the "funding currency"—and then converting that borrowed amount into another offering higher interest, called the "investment currency." This is done to earn the interest rate differential between the two.
The Mechanics of a Forex Carry Trade
A carry position involves a few key components that work together to create potential opportunities in the forex market.
1. The Funding Currency
The first component is the currency that the trader borrows, the funding currency. Traders typically choose one with low interest costs because the amount to repay will be minimal. Common funding currencies include the Japanese yen (JPY) or the Swiss franc (CHF), as these often have low or even negative borrowing costs.
2. The Investment Currency
The second component is the investment currency, which is the one into which the borrowed funds are converted. This is chosen because it offers a higher interest yield, providing an opportunity to earn returns from the interest rate differential.
Popular investment currencies often include the Australian dollar (AUD) or the New Zealand dollar (NZD), as they tend to have higher borrowing costs. However, in recent years, emerging market currencies, like the Mexican peso (MXN), Brazilian real (BRL), and South African rand (ZAR), have also been favoured due to their high interest yields.
3. Interest Rate Differential
The core concept here is to capitalise on the interest rate differential between the funding and investment currency. If someone borrows in a currency with a 0.5% premium and invests in another offering a 4% yield, the differential (known as the "carry") is 3.5%. This differential represents the potential return, assuming there are no significant changes in the exchange rate.
4. Swaps and Rollovers
Swaps and rollovers are key factors. When you hold a position overnight (roll it over), the difference in interest rates between the two currencies is either credited or debited to your account. This is because when you trade a forex pair, you're effectively borrowing one currency to buy another. The swap rate compensates for the interest rate difference.
Positive Swap Rate: If the interest rate of the currency you are buying is higher than that you are selling, you might receive a positive swap rate, meaning you earn interest.
Negative Swap Rate: Conversely, if the interest rate of the currency you're selling is higher than the one you're buying, you'll pay interest, leading to a negative swap rate.
5. Leverage
Many traders use leverage to amplify their positions. Leverage allows them to borrow additional funds to expand the size of their investment. While this can potentially increase returns, it also magnifies risks. If the position moves against the trader, losses can quickly accumulate due to the leverage.
6. Market Fluctuations
The price of the pair is a crucial factor in the yield of the differential. While the differential offers the potential for returns, any adverse price movement can negate these gains. For instance, if the investment currency depreciates relative to the funding currency, the trader could face losses when converting back to the funding currency.
Conversely, if the investment currency appreciates relative to the funding currency, then they can potentially make an additional gain on top of their interest yield.
7. Transaction Fees and Spreads
Traders must consider transaction fees and spreads, which are the differences between the buying and selling prices of a forex pair. These costs can reduce the overall gains of the operation. Wider spreads, particularly in less liquid forex pairs, can increase the cost of entering and exiting positions.
In a carry position, these components interact continuously. A trader borrows in a low-interest-rate currency, converts the funds to a higher-yielding one, and aims to earn from the differential while carefully monitoring market movements, transaction costs, and swap rates. The overall approach is based on balancing the interest earned, fees, and potential pair’s price movements.
Carry Trade: Formula and Example
To calculate the potential return of a carry trade, traders use a basic formula:
- Potential Return = (Investment Amount * Interest Rate Differential) * Leverage
Let’s examine a carry trade example. Imagine someone borrows 10,000,000 Japanese yen (JPY) at a low interest rate of 0.5% and uses these funds to invest in Australian dollars (AUD), which has a higher borrowing cost of 4.5%. The differential is 4% (4.5% - 0.5%).
If the current exchange rate is 1 AUD = 80 JPY, converting 10,000,000 JPY results in 125,000 AUD (10,000,000 JPY / 80).
They then use the 125,000 AUD to earn 4.5% interest annually:
- 125,000 * 4.5% = 5,625 AUD
The cost of borrowing 10,000,000 JPY at 0.5% interest is:
- 10,000,000 * 0.5% = 50,000 JPY
Converted back to AUD at the original exchange price (1 AUD = 80 JPY), the interest cost is:
- 50,000 JPY / 80= 625 AUD
The net return is the interest earned minus the borrowing cost (for simplicity, we’ll exclude other transaction fees):
- 5,625 AUD − 625 AUD = 5,000 AUD
If the price changes, it can significantly impact the position’s outcome. For example, if the AUD appreciates against the JPY, moving from 80 to 85 JPY per AUD, the 125,000 AUD would now be worth 10,625,000 JPY (125,000 * 85). After repaying the 10,000,000 JPY loan, the trader receives additional returns.
Conversely, if the AUD depreciates to 75 JPY per AUD, the value of 125,000 AUD drops to 9,375,000 JPY (125,000 * 75). After repaying the 10,000,000 JPY loan, the trader faces a loss.
Types of Carry Trades: Positive and Negative
Trades with yield differential can be classified into two types: positive and negative, each defined by the differential between the funding and investment currencies.
Positive Carry Trade
A positive carry trade occurs when the borrowing rate on the investment currency is higher than that of the funding one. For example, if a trader borrows in Japanese yen (JPY) at 0.5% and invests in Australian dollars (AUD) at 4.5%, the differential is 4%. This differential means they earn more interest on the invested currency than they pay on the borrowed one, potentially resulting in a net gain, especially if market movements are favourable.
Negative Carry Trade
A negative carry trade happens when the yield on the funding currency is higher than that on the investment. In this case, the trader would lose money on the rate differential. For example, borrowing in US dollars at 2% to invest in euros at 1% would result in a negative carry of -1%. Traders might still pursue negative yield differential trades to hedge other positions or take advantage of expected market movements, but the strategy involves more risk.
How Can You Analyse Carry Trade Opportunities?
To analyse opportunities, traders focus on several key factors to determine whether a carry position could be effective.
1. Differentials
The primary factor here is the interest rate differential between the two currencies. Traders look for forex pairs where the investment currency offers a significantly higher interest return than the funding currency. This differential provides the potential returns from holding the position over time.
2. Economic Indicators
Traders monitor economic indicators such as inflation rates, GDP growth, and employment figures, as these can influence central banks' decisions on interest rates. A strong economy may lead to higher borrowing costs, making a pair more attractive for a yield differential position. Conversely, weak economic data could result in rate cuts, reducing the appeal of a currency.
3. Central Bank Policies
Understanding central bank policies is crucial. Traders analyse statements from central banks, like the Federal Reserve or the Bank of Japan, to gauge future rate changes. If a central bank hints at raising borrowing costs, it could present an opportunity for a positive carry transaction.
4. Market Sentiment and Risk Appetite
This type of transaction often performs well in low-volatility environments. Traders assess market sentiment and risk appetite by analysing geopolitical events, market trends, and investor behaviour.
Risks of a Carry Trade
While carry trading can offer potential returns from borrowing cost differentials, they also come with significant risks that traders must consider.
- Exchange Risk: If the investment currency depreciates against the funding one, it can wipe out the returns from the differential and result in losses.
- Interest Rate Risk: Changes in the cost of borrowing by central banks can alter the differential, reducing potential returns or even creating a negative carry situation.
- Leverage Risk: Many traders use leverage to amplify returns, but this also magnifies potential losses. A small adverse movement in pairs can push the trader out of the market.
- Liquidity Risk: During periods of low market liquidity, exiting a position may become difficult or more costly, increasing the risk of loss.
A Key Risk: Carry Trade Unwinding
Unwinding happens when traders begin to exit their positions en masse, often due to changes in market conditions, such as increased volatility or a shift in risk sentiment. This essentially means exiting the investment and repurchasing the original currency.
Unwinding can trigger rapid and significant price movements, particularly if many traders are involved, and lead to a much lower return if the exit is timed incorrectly. For example, if global markets face uncertainty or economic data points to a weakening economy, investors may seek so-called safer assets, leading to a swift exit from carry positions and a steep decline in the investment currency.
The Bottom Line
This type of strategy offers a way to take advantage of interest rate differentials between currencies, but it comes with its own set of risks. Understanding the mechanics and analysing opportunities is critical. Ready to explore yield differential trades in the forex market? Open an FXOpen account today to access advanced tools, low-cost trading, and more than 600 markets. Good luck!
FAQ
What Is a Carry Trade?
A carry trade in forex meaning refers to a strategy where traders borrow in a low-interest currency (the "funding currency") and invest in a higher-interest one (the "investment currency") to earn returns from the differential.
What Is the Carry Trade Strategy?
The carry trade strategy consists of borrowing funds in a currency with a low interest rate and using those funds to invest in a currency that offers a higher interest rate. Traders then invest the borrowed funds in the higher-yielding one to earn returns from the borrowing cost differential. The strategy typically relies on both relatively stable forex prices and the interest differential remaining favourable.
How Does the Japanese Carry Trade Work?
The Japanese currency carry trade typically involves borrowing the Japanese yen (JPY) at a low interest rate and converting it into another with a higher yield, like the Australian dollar (AUD). The aim is to take advantage of the gap in borrowing costs.
What Is an Example of a Yen Carry Trade?
An example of a yen carry position is borrowing 10,000,000 JPY at 0.10% interest and converting it to AUD, which earns 4.35%. The trader takes advantage of the 4.25% differential, assuming favourable market conditions.
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This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Are You a Technical or Fundamental Trader? (And Why It Matters)Financial markets are a battleground of opposing forces: buyers vs. sellers, bulls vs. bears, diamond hands vs. paper hands. But one of the oldest rivalries in trading doesn’t involve price movements at all — it’s the ongoing feud between technical and fundamental traders.
One side believes the charts hold all the secrets (you, maybe?), while the other insists that cold, hard data dictates market direction (you, maybe?). In this Idea, we break down the two and ask: which side are you on?
📈 The Chartists: The Lost Art of Tape Reading
Technical traders are the wizards of the candlestick, seeing patterns where others see chaos. To them, a moving average isn’t just a squiggly line — it’s guidance. Fibonacci levels ? More sacred than grandma’s secret pie recipe. They don’t care if a company just launched the greatest product of the century — if the RSI says it’s overbought, they’re out.
Technical analysis thrives on one simple principle: price action reflects all available information and hints at the next possible move. Instead of diving into earnings reports or economic data — the fundamental traders’ bread and butter — technical traders study past price movements, volume, and momentum indicators to predict the next leg up or down. They’re the ones glued to their TradingView charts, eyes darting between support and resistance levels, waiting for the perfect breakout.
💸 The Fundamentalists: Betting on Real-World Events
Fundamental traders scoff at the idea that lines on a chart can predict the future. Instead, they dig into earnings reports , economic calendars , and all sorts of reports and data. They believe markets, like everything else in life, move based on value, supply and demand, and macroeconomic forces—not just on price action.
To them, a stock isn’t just a ticker symbol; it’s a business with revenues, expenses, and growth prospects. If they’re trading forex , they’re looking at interest rates USINTR and inflation reports USCPI , not head-and-shoulders patterns. The goal? To determine an asset’s intrinsic value and bet on it going up or down, ideally running ahead of the pack.
If a company’s earnings are strong, like Spotify’s SPOT latest earnings figures , they buy—regardless of what a stochastic oscillator says. And vice versa, if a company’s earnings are weak, like Google parent Alphabet’s GOOGL latest showing , they sell.
👉👈 Who’s Right?
Both, depending on who you ask. Technical traders argue that prices move in patterns, and those patterns repeat. Fundamental traders counter that real-world events drive prices, and charts are just a delayed reflection of reality.
The truth may actually be somewhere in the middle — markets are a mix of both. Even the most die-hard fundamentalist will glance at a chart before making a trade, and many technical traders keep an eye on economic calendars to avoid being blindsided by major news.
💡 Why It Matters
Your trading style affects everything: the markets you trade, the tools you use, and even your level of stress. If you’re a fundamentals-first trader trying to scalp five-minute charts, you’re in a world of pain. Conversely, if you’re a technical trader attempting to hold trades for years without considering financial data, you might miss obvious warning signs.
Understanding your own tendencies can help refine your strategy and improve your results. Are you more comfortable crunching numbers and reading financial statements? You might be in the same boat with other cash-flow guys like Warren Buffett and Ray Dalio. Do you prefer spotting patterns and reacting to price action? Say hello to your billionaire buddies Paul Tudor Jones and Stanley Druckenmiller.
💚 Final Thoughts
Bottom line, trading isn’t about proving one method superior — it’s about making the right decisions, and, let’s be frank, turning a profit. Whether you’re a chart junkie or an earnings aficionado, what matters most is having a strategy that works for you.
So now the big question… which side are you on? Fundamental analysis or technical analysis? Comment below and let’s see who’s who!
How market goes up and down?Hello guys. more than 80% of the market has no huge order inside. for these zones you should watch Tokyo and London session. if both were down, the NY session will go up and break the start of downtrend. It is simple easy and you must to know the response zone. for this chart it is sort of Parallel. be happy and have a profitable trade(wink)- CM me if any question or have an idea about.
Marking MC, and Signal BarTo mark the Master Candle (MC), wait for the price to cross and close 7EMA. Then look to the left of the candle that crossed and closed it. In most cases, the MC is directly in front of this candle.
As it's shown in the chart, Candle X has crossed and closed 7EMA. So, candle Y is the MC.
Bullish Signal Bar: a green Pinbar which has no or is smaller than the body's upper shadow.
Bearish Signal Bar: a red Pinbar which has no or is smaller than the body's lower shadow.
Note 1: Signal Bar can be spotted via Candlestick Math too. This means we consider the opening price of the first and the closing price of the last candle. If these candles add to a valid Signal Bar, we consider it as a signal to go in trade.
Note 2: the only situations that Signal Bar is valid:
For trading in the opposite direction of the trend, we should be in a ranging market (inside the MC range), and the price should have toughed MC levels and BB (Bollinger Bands).
For trading in the direction of the trend, the price should have at least touched an MC level and one of the EMAs.
As we see, summation of candles X & Y was not a bearish Pinbar. So, we don't have a valid signal to go short after candle Y. In these situations we expect the price to go higher.
The Questions That Matter, How, What and WhenTrading Into Key Areas: The Questions That Matter, How, What and When
📌 "Price has reached a key level—now what?"
Many traders fixate on areas where price should react but fail to ask why it might react or how it arrived there. To improve decision-making, we need a structured approach that goes beyond simply marking levels on a chart.
But understand this—trading is not merely about lines on a chart. It is about navigating complexity with clarity. The market is a vast, dynamic system, governed by the collective psychology of its participants. If you fail to structure your thinking properly, you will become lost in randomness, reacting emotionally instead of acting with discipline.
Let’s impose order on the chaos.
The Three Critical Questions
✅ 1. How did price arrive?
A slow, controlled approach (efficient) suggests institutional order flow—the kind of deliberate, structured movement that signals purpose.
A rapid, impulsive move (inefficient) hints at imbalances that may need correcting—gaps in liquidity that create instability.
Has liquidity been built up or absorbed? Markets, like nature, do not tolerate inefficiency forever.
✅ 2. What are our expectations?
Are we reacting to a level just because it looks right? Because it feels right? Beware of the trap of wishful thinking—price does not care what you believe.
Does this area align with broader market structure (e.g. range extremes, supply/demand zones)?
Are we leaning on experience or just bias? Are we seeing what is there, or only what we want to see?
✅ 3. What time has price reached this area?
Session timing matters—a reaction at a level during the London Open carries more weight than during low-volume periods.
Upcoming data releases can shift sentiment instantly—are you trading ahead of event risk, or blindly walking into volatility?
Trade With Logic, Not Emotion
The market is a relentless teacher, and those who refuse to ask the right questions will be punished accordingly. When price reaches a key area, think before reacting. Ask yourself:
"Am I trading the market as it is, or as I wish it to be?"
Because the difference between success and failure in trading is the difference between seeing reality for what it is and being blinded by your own assumptions.
⚡ Question: Do you have a checklist for trading key levels? Feel free to comment!
Understanding Fibonacci ExtensionsUnderstanding Fibonacci Extensions
Have you ever noticed that market movements often occur in repeatable patterns? Well, that’s where Fibonacci extensions come into play. Join us in this article as we dive into the world of Fibonacci extensions and discover how they can be a strong addition to your trading arsenal.
A Primer on Fibonacci Ratios
Fibonacci ratios originate from the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones (e.g., 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34). The key ratio, known as the Golden Ratio, is approximately 1.618. This is calculated by dividing a number in the sequence by its immediate predecessor (e.g., 34 ÷ 21 ≈ 1.619). Conversely, dividing a number by the next number yields approximately 0.618 (e.g., 21 ÷ 34 ≈ 0.618).
In trading, these ratios are used to identify potential support and resistance levels through Fibonacci retracements and extensions:
- Fibonacci Retracements. These indicate where the price might pull back within an existing trend. Common retracement levels are 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, and 78.6%. They are derived from the ratios between numbers in the sequence and are applied to measure potential correction points.
- Fibonacci Extensions. These project potential price targets beyond the current range. Key extension levels include 100%, 161.8%, 200%, 261.8%, and 423.6%. They are calculated by extending the Fibonacci ratios past the 100% level to anticipate where the price might move following a retracement.
Note that these ratios can be expressed as either integers or percentages, e.g. 0.618 or 61.8%.
What Are Fibonacci Extensions?
Fibonacci extensions (also known as Fibonacci expansions or Fib extensions) are a technical analysis tool that allows traders to determine potential levels of support and resistance for an asset’s price. Like regular support and resistance levels, they are considered as areas of interest rather than where the price will turn with pinpoint precision. They’re most frequently used to set profit targets, although they can also be used to find entries.
Fibonacci extensions can be applied to any market, including forex, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies*, and more, and work across all timeframes. While not foolproof, using the Fibonacci extension tool combined with other forms of technical analysis might be an effective way to spot potential reversal points in financial markets.
Fibonacci Retracements vs. Extensions
Both Fibonacci retracements and extensions are based on the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio, but they are used to measure different things in the market. The former shows support and resistance levels during a pullback from a larger move. The latter measures the potential levels of support and resistance for an asset's price after a pullback has occurred.
As shown in the chart above, the Fibonacci retracement tool can be applied to identify where the price may pull back to – 50% in this scenario. Then, the Fibonacci extension tool is used to plot where the price could end up beyond this pullback. The 100% and 161.8% levels posed significant resistance, causing the price to reverse.
It’s easy to see how both tools can be used in conjunction to build a strategy. Generally speaking, traders tend to enter on a pullback to one of the key retracement levels, and then take potential profits at the extension levels. However, either tool can be used to find areas suitable for entries and exits.
Fib Extensions: How to Use Them in a Trading Strategy
If you’re wondering how to use Fib extensions in your own trading, here are the steps you need to follow.
- Click to set the first point at a major swing low if expecting bullishness or swing high if expecting bearishness.
- Place the second point at a swing in the opposite direction.
- Put the third point at the low of the pullback if a bullish move is expected or the high if a bearish move is expected.
That’s it! You now have an idea of where price may reverse as the trend progresses, allowing you to set profit targets or plan entries. You can also double-click the tool to adjust it to your preferences, like removing certain levels and changing colours.
Bullish Example
In this example, we have a swing low (1) followed by a swing high (2) that makes a retracement (3). These three points are all we need to plot a Fibonacci extension. Notice that the 138.2% level didn’t hold, showing that price isn’t always guaranteed to reverse in these areas. However, the wicks and sustained moves lower at the 100% and 161.8% areas gave traders confirmation that a reversal might be inbound.
Bearish Example
Here, we can see that each of the three areas prompted a pullback. Some traders might not consider the 138.2% area valid to trade. However, the most common way to get around this is to look for confirmation with a break of the trend, as denoted by the dotted line between extensions. Once the price gets beyond that swing high (intermittently breaking the downtrend), traders have confirmation that what they’re looking at is likely the start of a reversal.
Some traders believe that if the price closes beyond a level, it’ll continue progressing to the next area. While this can sometimes be the case, it can just as easily reverse. Here, the price briefly closed below the 161.8% level before continuing much higher.
How Can You Confirm Fib Extensions?
While Fibonacci extensions suggest potential areas where price movements may reverse or stall, traders often seek additional confirmation to enhance their confidence in these levels. Here are some methods traders typically use to validate Fib extension levels.
- Confluence with Other Fibonacci Levels. Traders can look for alignment between Fibonacci extensions and retracements from different timeframes or price swings. This overlap may indicate a more significant level where the price could react.
- Support and Resistance Zones. If a Fibonacci extension level coincides with established support or resistance areas on the chart, it can reinforce the likelihood of a market response at that point.
- Candlestick Patterns. Observing specific candlestick formations, such as doji, hammer, or engulfing patterns at Fibonacci extensions, can provide insights into potential reversals or continuations.
- Technical Indicators. Incorporating indicators like moving averages, RSI, or MACD can help confirm the validity of a Fibonacci extension level. For example, if the RSI indicates overbought conditions at a key extension level, traders might anticipate a pullback.
- Trendlines and Chart Patterns. Aligning Fibonacci extensions with trendlines or chart patterns like the Head and Shoulders can offer additional confirmation. Traders often find that extension levels intersecting with these tools carry more significance.
- Volume Analysis. An increase in trading volume near a Fibonacci extension level may suggest stronger market interest, potentially validating the importance of that level.
- Multiple Timeframe Analysis. Traders might analyse Fibonacci extensions across various timeframes to identify consistent levels of interest. A level that appears significant on both charts could be considered more reliable.
- Market Sentiment and News Events. While primarily technical, acknowledging fundamental factors such as economic news or market sentiment can help traders assess whether a Fibonacci extension level might hold or be surpassed.
Limitations of Fibonacci Extensions
Fibonacci extensions are valuable for projecting potential price targets, but they come with limitations that traders should consider. Understanding these can lead to more informed use within a trading strategy.
- Lack of Confidence in Price Movements. While based on mathematical ratios, Fibonacci extensions don't account for unexpected market events like economic news or geopolitical developments that can significantly impact prices.
- Subjectivity in Point Selection. The effectiveness of extension levels hinges on correctly identifying swing highs and lows. Different traders may choose varying reference points, leading to inconsistent levels and interpretations.
- Ineffectiveness in Certain Market Conditions. In sideways or highly volatile markets, prices may not respect Fib extensions, reducing their reliability as indicators of support or resistance.
- Conflicting Signals Across Timeframes. Extension levels vary between different timeframes, potentially causing confusion and conflicting signals in analysis and decision-making.
- Overreliance on Technicals. Focusing solely on Fib extensions might cause traders to overlook other critical technical indicators or fundamental factors influencing the market.
- Unnatural Price Movements. Widespread use of Fibonacci levels can lead to price reactions simply because many traders expect them, creating artificial support or resistance that may not hold.
- Psychological Biases. Traders might experience confirmation bias, seeing what they expect at Fib levels, which can lead to misguided trading decisions.
Making the Most of Fibonacci Extensions
By now, you may have a decent understanding of what Fib extensions are and how to use them. But how do you make the most out of Fibonacci extensions? Here are two points you may consider to improve your trading strategy.
- Look for confirmation. Instead of blindly setting orders at extension levels, you can look for price action confirmation that the price is starting to reverse at the area before taking potential profits or entering a position. You could do this by looking for breaks in the trend, as discussed in the example above.
- Find confluence. Similarly, you can use other technical analysis tools like trendlines, indicators like moving averages, or even multiple Fibonacci extensions, to give you a better idea of how price will likely react at a level.
Your Next Steps
Now, it’s time to put your understanding to the test. Spend some time practising how to use Fibonacci extensions and try backtesting a few setups to see how you could get involved in a trade. Once you feel you have a solid strategy, open an FXOpen account to start using your skills in the live market. In the meantime, why not try exploring other Fibonacci-related concepts, like Fibonacci retracements and harmonic patterns? Good luck!
FAQ
How Can You Use Fibonacci Extensions?
Fibonacci extensions help traders identify potential future support and resistance levels beyond the current price range. To use them, traders select three points: the start of a trend, its end, and the retracement point. They then apply the Fibonacci extension tool to project where the price may move following a retracement.
How Should You Draw Fibonacci Extensions?
The process starts with choosing the trend-based Fib extension tool in your charting software. Then, the next step is to select the swing low/high (start of the trend), then the swing high/low (end of the trend), and finally the retracement low/high. The tool will display extension levels indicating possible future price targets.
What Is the Difference Between Fibonacci Retracements and Extensions?
Fibonacci retracements identify potential support and resistance levels during a price pullback within an existing trend. Extensions, on the other hand, project levels beyond the current price range, indicating where the price might move after the retracement. Retracements focus on corrections; extensions focus on trend continuations.
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Making money in a downtrend - J is WILDI chose J as my public idea for the day for a lot of reasons
-it’s my best idea of the day (it’s #11 on my composite score list)
-covering a span of over 1800 trades (real and backtested), it has an AVERAGE gain of 2.9%.
-the 1 “losing” trade in all 1800+ was a signal from yesterday which I will boldly predict will become profitable too.
-it has a per day held average gain of over 3x that of the S&P500 over those 1800+ trades
-it’s right at support and has some more support further down both from previous highs and an unbroken uptrend line going back over 18 months
-it has a track record of rebounding nicely after earnings “disappointments”
-it’s trading in the middle of its 6 month range
But I also chose it to illustrate a point about the way I trade, and it’s one that is very relevant and about to become more relevant, I think. When the market starts to show weakness, people get scared of trading long. And I get that - it’s a valid concern. It’s easier to make money in an uptrend - that’s why so many people who have traded NVDA over the last 2 years think they are amazing traders. Rising tides lift ALL boats, even leaky ones. But making money in ANY environment is the difference maker.
J is down a little over 11% in the last 3 months or so. It is in the middle of a legitimate Wall Street definition of a correction. I am not picking the bottom here, or even trying to. That’s the point. I don’t care if this is the bottom. It’d be great if it was, but it doesn’t matter. Now I’m not saying my algo is the greatest thing ever (though it might be for me), but the WAY I use it is significant and it illustrates something ANYONE can do when a stock or markets are trending lower.
During this correction, my algo has signaled 14 LONG trades, including today. 12 have been closed profitably and one was the long signal yesterday (#14 was today). Full disclosure: I didn’t actually trade that signal yesterday, but I am today. The average gain on the 13 prior to today (including yesterday's "loser"), DURING A CORRECTION, is +0.9%.
Not only does it win, but it wins consistently even when stocks are trading lower. The key is as much how/when I exit as it is the algo and its entry signals. As soon as a lot is end of day profitable, it is gone. I don’t care how much I’ve made, it’s gone. And that is a secret to making money long during a downtrend. It helps a lot that my entry signals are good ones, but the key is GET OUT WITH A PROFIT.
Don’t let the market take its money back. It’s the same thing casinos try to do when you win and they have the edge - keep you playing so they can get their money back. I trade the same way in uptrends too. That leaves some money on the table then, but I take it back on the way down when I’m making money instead of losing it - and you can too. The method I use works in almost every situation, on almost any stock. But its shining moment is when things are going downhill. Not just because it makes money, but because I don’t worry about timing and downtrends much any more.
Some slides can get annoying under the right circumstances, but I don’t worry. This technique has worked in every major market downtrend in the last 50 years. Except for stocks that go to zero, it works on stocks in corrections or bear markets, though at a certain point even it will lose money (I’ll be posting an idea involving NVDA in that regard sometime relatively soon).
But relatively small losses are easily regained, especially if the win rate is high (which it obviously is here). The key is avoiding the BIG losses and this technique does that very well.
So I went long at the close at 132.19. Per my usual strategy, I'll add to my position at the close on any day it still rates as a “buy” and I will use FPC (first profitable close) to exit any lot on the day it closes at any profit.
As always - this is intended as "edutainment" and my perspective on what I am or would be doing, not a recommendation for you to buy or sell. Act accordingly and invest at your own risk. DYOR and only make investments that make good financial sense for you in your current situation.
EMAs V.2This article will enhance the definition and guidelines for using EMA in the ARZ Trading System.
General Conditions and Significance:
Trend Direction: Price should pull back (at least once) and then resume making new highs/lows, with the candle body (uptrend/downtrend).
Trend Strength: the steepness of the EMA slope.
Ranging: If the EMA is flat or the price repeatedly crosses and closes without pullbacks, it indicates a range.
Each EMA's usage:
7EMA: Spike and Master Candle Identification. Spike: a trending market based on 7EMA. Once the price is crossed and closed 7EMA with a candle body, look to the left to find the Master Candle.
20EMA: Minor Structure. Always trade in the direction of minor trends unless it’s a minor range.
50EMA: Major Structure. Serves as a key level to indicate default buying or selling conditions: if the price is above, it suggests buying; if below, it suggests selling.
100EMA and 200EMA: Just as a key level for analyzing price.
Let's analyze this chart:
In candle #1, the price has crossed and closed and created a new high. So it is a pullback and we are in an upward Spike.
In candle, X price has crossed and closed below 7EMA, after giving at least one pullback to it. So we look to the left to find the MC (Master Candle) which is candle #2.
In candle #3, the price has crossed and closed below 20EMA, so if in the future the price can't break the 7EMA upward, it most likely will continue a downward Spike until reaching the LTP of the MC (which happened after giving pullback to 7EMA in candle #4). We expect this behaviour.
After breaking the LTP, although the candle is huge, it wasn't able to break the 50EMA (Exhaustion Candle). It is a sign of a possible reversal to the MC. Candle #6 is a Signal Bar (which will be covered in future) and confirms it.
In the circled area, we are in MC (Ranging Market) and this type of behaviour is normal. Until we see another Signal Bar at #7 which is after rejecting the price from multiple levels (LTP, mid-LTP, 7EMA, 20EMA). A clear sign of continuing upward.
In candle #8, the price crossed and closed above UTP, followed by a pullback and a higher close in candle #9. At the same time, we reached the next TP based on UTP_2.
Becaused price has reached UTP_2, if 7EMA crossed and closed again we have to find a new MC. Candle #10 shows us that Candle #9 is the new MC. At candle #11 we have a Signal Bar at LTP and 20EMA. The perfect setup to go long!
Gann Trading Strategy Lessons: Mastering Time & Price Cycles. Gann Trading Strategy Lessons: Mastering Gann’s Time & Price Cycle for Precise Market Reversals!
In this Gann Trading Strategy Lessons, we dive deep into W.D. Gann’s powerful trading strategy using the 144-Time Cycle and 225-Price Cycle, specifically applied to the EUR/USD pair. This method helps traders identify high-probability reversal points by aligning time and price for precise market entries.
What You’ll Learn:
1. Understanding Gann’s concept of periodic and rhythmic movements.
2. How to apply the 144-time cycle as a turning point in the market.
3. The significance of the 225-price cycle and why markets move in multiples of 225.
4. Step-by-step guide to spotting time and price equilibrium for trade setups
5. Real chart examples to see how this strategy works in live market conditions
Key Levels to Watch:
- Monitor 144, 288, and 432 bars for market reactions
- Measure price movement in 225-pip cycles for trade confirmation
- Use trading tools like TradingView’s date and price range tools to analyse charts effectively
Why This Works:
Gann believed that time and price must balance before a trend reversal occurs. This strategy allows traders to anticipate major moves, reduce risk, and enter trades at the best possible levels.
📌 Timestamps: Mastering Gann’s Time & Price Cycle for Precise Market Reversals.
00:00 ▶️ Introduction
00:52 ▶️ Financial Disclaimer.
01:19 ▶️ Gann’s Market Cycle Theory.
02:32 ▶️ Gann’s most important time cycles — The Gann 144-time cycle.
03:27 ▶️Gann Time and Price Analysis Using the 225-Price Cycle and Squaring Techniques.
04:38 ▶️ How to identify the Gann cycles on the charts.
06:04 ▶️ Gann Time & Price Cycle - Example 1
08:30 ▶️ Gann Time & Price Cycle - Example 2
10:59 ▶️ Gann Periodicity, Disharmony & Strength Points
12:00 ▶️ Gann Key Takeaways & Conclusion.
Gann Trading Strategies with a focus on Time & Price Cycles, including the 255 and 144 cycles, to predict market reversals with precision. This lesson covers Gann’s price-time synchronization, squaring techniques, and cyclical patterns, helping traders identify key turning points and trend shifts accurately.
EDUCATION: Using RENKO Charts to Trade Crypto Like a ProRenko charts strip away the noise of traditional candlestick charts, making them a powerful tool for trading crypto. Instead of plotting price movements based on time, Renko charts focus purely on price changes, filtering out the wicks and erratic movements that make crypto trading so volatile.
Why Use Renko for Crypto?
Crypto markets never sleep, and their constant fluctuations can overwhelm traders. Renko simplifies this by helping you:
Spot Trends Clearly – No distractions from minor price fluctuations.
Reduce Market Noise – Filters out insignificant moves and focuses on real momentum.
Identify Support & Resistance – Renko blocks highlight strong price levels better than traditional charts.
How to Set Up Renko for Crypto Trading
Choose an ATR-Based Brick Size – A 14 or 13-period ATR setting adapts to market volatility.
Identify Key Levels – Look for trend reversals, double tops/bottoms, and support/resistance zones.
Use Confirmation Indicators – Pair Renko with moving averages or RSI to confirm trades.
Renko is a game-changer for crypto traders who want cleaner, more actionable charts. Have you tried trading crypto with Renko? Drop a comment and share your experience! 🚀 #CryptoTrading #RenkoCharts #Bitcoin
Principle of predictionThe Principle of Prediction – How We Are Prediction Machines
"Every action we take is based on a prediction—whether we realize it or not. Mastery comes from refining those predictions through data and analysis."
🔍 Understanding the Principle of Prediction
- The human brain is wired for prediction. Every decision we make—whether in trading, business, or life—is an attempt to anticipate an outcome.
- Prediction is about stability. Our ability to predict future events determines how well we adapt to uncertainty, manage risk, and maintain control.
- The role of data and analysis: While intuition plays a role, true mastery comes from combining biological instinct with structured data-driven refinement.
📊 The Chart & Its Meaning
- The chart illustrates how patterns emerge over time, reinforcing the idea that recognizing, testing, and refining these patterns enhances predictive accuracy.
- Human Perception vs. Statistical Reality:
- Our intuition is often biased—we see what we expect to see.
- Data analysis acts as a corrective lens , aligning perception with objective reality.
- Performance Optimization:
- Stability in decision-making is achieved when human prediction aligns with statistical
probability.
- Tracking and refining pattern recognition improves predictive power over time.
🧠 Key Takeaways
✅ Prediction is survival. The better we predict, the more control we exert over uncertainty.
✅ Data refines intuition. Without measurement, prediction is just an educated guess.
✅ Mastering prediction = mastering stability. Stability isn’t found in avoiding risk, but in learning to predict and manage it effectively.
💡 The First of The Seven Principles
This establishes The Principle of Prediction as the foundation of stability.
- In future annotations, we can progressively introduce the next principles in a way that naturally builds on this concept.
- Each principle will connect back to scientific reasoning, human needs, and performance optimization.
Mastering EUR/USD TradingMastering EUR/USD Trading
EUR/USD is the most traded forex pair, offering unparalleled liquidity and potential opportunities for traders of all levels. The exchange rate between the euro and the US dollar reflects the economic relationship between the two global powerhouses. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the EUR/USD pair so popular, the factors influencing its price, and how to approach the pair.
What Is the EUR/USD Forex Pair?
Although you definitely know what the EUR/USD pair is, we can’t start this article without a short overview.
The EUR/USD pair represents the exchange rate between the euro (EUR) and the US dollar (USD), showing how many US dollars are needed to buy one euro. It's the most traded currency pair in the world, thanks to its significant role in the global economy. For traders, this often means tight spreads, high trading volumes, and potential opportunities in various market conditions.
Introduced in 1999 with the euro's creation, the EUR/USD pair reflects the economic relationship between the Eurozone—comprising 20 European countries—and the United States. It’s more than just a number on a chart; it’s a barometer for the performance of two of the largest economic regions. Movements in this pair are influenced by factors like interest rates set by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Federal Reserve (Fed), economic indicators such as GDP growth, and geopolitical events impacting either region.
One standout feature of EUR/USD is its responsiveness to economic news. For example, a strong US jobs report might drive demand for the dollar, causing the pair to fall. Similarly, announcements from the ECB about monetary policy can send ripples through the market. This responsiveness makes EUR/USD a popular choice for traders who thrive on analysis of market dynamics.
Why Traders Choose EUR/USD
The EUR/USD pair’s unique characteristics make it stand out in the market, offering potential opportunities and strategic flexibility.
- Unmatched Liquidity: EUR/USD is the most liquid forex pair, meaning there’s strong trading activity. This high liquidity often translates to tighter spreads, which reduce transaction costs for traders and makes it popular among scalpers and day traders.
- 24/5 Accessibility: The pair can be traded almost anytime during the week, with peak activity during the overlap of London and New York trading sessions. This accessibility makes it popular as traders can capitalise on this pair regardless of their schedule.
- Macro Sensitivity: The pair responds sharply to macroeconomic developments, such as interest rate decisions, inflation data, and employment figures. This sensitivity may make it appealing to traders who thrive on analysis of major economic events.
- Relatively Lower Volatility: While the pair offers ample price movement for potential trading opportunities, it’s often less volatile than emerging market pairs, making it a more measured option for risk-conscious traders.
- Diverse Strategies: Its price action accommodates a variety of trading styles, from trend-following and range trading to news-based strategies. Whether you’re a short-term scalper or a long-term position trader, there’s flexibility to tailor your approach.
Key Factors Influencing EUR/USD Movements
The EUR/USD pair’s price movements are driven by a mix of economic, political, and market dynamics. Understanding these influences can help traders better analyse its behaviour.
Economic Indicators
Economic releases from the eurozone and the United States are key drivers of the pair's movements. Key reports include GDP growth, inflation rates, employment figures, and manufacturing activity. For instance, a strong US non-farm payroll report might boost the dollar, causing EUR/USD to drop. Similarly, weak eurozone inflation data could pressure the euro lower. Regularly monitoring economic calendars is crucial, as even small deviations from expectations can cause noticeable shifts.
Central Bank Policies
The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Federal Reserve (Fed) wield significant influence. Interest rate decisions, monetary policy announcements, and commentary from central bank officials often trigger immediate reactions. A hawkish Fed, signalling higher interest rates, can strengthen the dollar, while dovish ECB policies might weaken the euro. Traders often focus on speeches from figures like the Fed Chair or ECB President for clues about future policy changes.
Geopolitical Events
Political developments can create volatility. For example, elections, trade negotiations, or economic sanctions affecting the US or eurozone can shift sentiment. Historical events like Brexit significantly impacted the euro, while US-China trade tensions affected the dollar’s performance.
Market Sentiment and Risk Appetite
The EUR/USD pair is influenced by global market sentiment. During periods of risk aversion, the dollar often strengthens as a so-called safe-haven currency. Conversely, a risk-on environment, where investors seek higher-yielding assets, may support the euro. For example, during times of financial instability, traders may gravitate toward the relative security of the dollar, impacting the pair’s direction.
Commodity Prices and Trade Balances
While less direct, trade balances and commodity price changes also play a role. Higher commodity prices can weaken the euro due to increased import costs for the Eurozone, while benefiting the US as a commodity producer. Similarly, the Eurozone's trade surplus tends to support the euro, whereas the US trade deficit can pressure the dollar. Shifts in these factors often lead to fluctuations in the exchange rate.
How to Trade EUR/USD
A well-rounded EUR/USD trading strategy involves several key steps that help traders build a structured approach adaptable to market dynamics.
1. Finding a Broker Offering EUR/USD Trading
To start trading EUR/USD, a broker providing forex trading services is essential. Many brokers offer the pair, but traders often prioritise competitive spreads, low fees, and reliable execution. For example, FXOpen provides EUR/USD trading with access to 4 advanced platforms, tight spreads from 0.0 pips, low commissions from $1.50 per lot, and fast execution speeds based on a wide range of liquidity providers.
2. Choosing a Trading Style
The high liquidity of the EUR/USD pair allows traders to choose different strategies based on their objectives and market involvement:
- Scalping: High liquidity and volatility during market events of EUR/USD allow traders to take advantage of scalping.
- Day Trading: Day traders may also capitalise on significant market liquidity and volatility of the euro to US dollar pair.
- Swing Trading: As the pair movements depend on macroeconomic analysis, trades may focus on price swings over days or weeks.
- Position Trading: EUR/USD moves in solid market trends. So, those who prefer a longer-term strategy could apply it to this market.
3. Understanding and Analysing the Market Environment
EUR/USD moves between trending and ranging phases. Identifying these conditions helps traders adapt their strategies. Tools like moving averages, trendlines, and oscillators such as Stochastic or Awesome Oscillator are commonly used to gauge market momentum. For ranging markets, traders may focus on support and resistance levels to anticipate price reversals.
A clear technical strategy often includes identifying entry and exit points. This could involve analysing chart patterns, candlestick formations, or tools like Fibonacci retracements. Consistency in applying these methods helps traders build confidence in their analysis.
4. Understanding the Macroeconomic Environment
EUR/USD reacts strongly to macroeconomic developments. Traders often assess economic indicators like interest rate changes or inflation reports, alongside sentiment-driven events such as central bank statements. Combining macroeconomic understanding with technical tools can provide a well-rounded view of the pair’s dynamics.
5. Considering Timeframes and Trading Sessions
EUR/USD is most active during the overlap between the London and New York sessions. Short-term traders often focus on these times for potentially higher liquidity, usually using the 1-minute to 1-hour charts, while longer-term traders may not be as session-dependent, typically relying on 4-hour to 1-week charts.
6. Using Risk Management
Traders typically integrate risk management into their approach. This includes using stop losses, understanding the impact of leverage, and sizing positions appropriately to manage risk exposure. By balancing risk and reward, traders aim to protect their capital while seeking returns.
Challenges of EUR/USD Trading
EUR/USD trading comes with its own set of challenges, despite its popularity, including:
Volatility During Key Events
EUR/USD is highly sensitive to economic data releases and central bank announcements. For example, higher-than-expected inflation data from the US can trigger a sharp rally in the dollar, pushing the pair lower. These movements can create potential opportunities but also increase the risk of losses if trades aren’t carefully managed.
Overlapping Influences
EUR/USD is driven by two major economies, meaning traders monitor a broad range of factors. For example, strong US economic data may boost the dollar, while strong eurozone growth could simultaneously support the euro, creating a mixed market reaction. Keeping track of both regions’ data releases and news can feel overwhelming, particularly since the euro sees releases for several key economies, like France and Germany, as well as the broader eurozone.
Interest Rate Differentials
Interest rate expectations between the ECB and the Fed significantly impact the pair. A surprise divergence in monetary policy may lead to rapid shifts in the EUR/USD, catching traders off-guard. Likewise, ignoring fundamentals, especially differentials in monetary policy, can lead a trader to rely too heavily on technical analysis, which may mean they trade against a strong trend driven by macroeconomics.
Session Volatility
The pair’s most active periods occur during the London and New York trading sessions. While this high liquidity can offer opportunities, it also means sharp intraday moves are more likely. Traders unprepared for this session-specific volatility may find themselves exposed to quick losses.
The Bottom Line
Trading EUR/USD offers potential opportunities thanks to its liquidity, accessibility, and responsiveness to market dynamics. This major forex pair may suit traders of all styles. Ready to start? Open an FXOpen account today and access EUR/USD trading with competitive spreads from 0.0 pips, low commissions from $1.50 per lot, and advanced tools.
FAQ
Why Is EUR/USD Most Traded?
EUR/USD is the most traded forex pair due to its deep liquidity and accessibility. As the currencies of two of the world’s largest economies—the eurozone and the United States—it attracts traders globally.
When to Trade EUR/USD?
According to theory, the best time to trade EUR/USD is usually during the London and New York trading sessions overlap, roughly between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM GMT (winter time) and 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM GMT (summer time). This period usually offers higher liquidity and more significant price movements, which appeal to traders using intraday strategies.
Which Pair Correlates with EUR/USD?
EUR/USD often positively correlates with GBP/USD. These relationships stem from economic ties and shared market influences.
Is Gold and EUR/USD Correlated?
Gold and EUR/USD occasionally move together because both are inversely linked to the US dollar. When the dollar weakens, both gold and the euro may gain value, creating periods of positive correlation.
How Many Pips Does EUR/USD Move Daily?
According to statistics, the EUR/USD pair typically moves between 50 and 100 pips daily, depending on market conditions and news events.
How Do You Trade the EUR/USD Forex Pair?
Traders often combine technical analysis with macroeconomic insights to navigate EUR/USD. Potential high liquidity and tight spreads support strategies ranging from scalping to position trading.
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This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
How To identify the Jesse Livermore Buy PatternAs traders, we're always on the lookout for reliable patterns that can give us an edge in the market. One such pattern, popularized by the legendary trader Jesse Livermore, is the Accumulation Cylinder with Widening Mouth.
This pattern is a rare but potentially explosive formation that can signal a significant price move.
What is the Accumulation Cylinder with Widening Mouth?
The Accumulation Cylinder with Widening Mouth is a technical analysis pattern where the price of an asset moves back and forth between two non-parallel lines, creating a cylinder-like shape.
Over time, the "mouth" of the cylinder widens as the price continues to fluctuate within the pattern. This pattern is often seen during periods of consolidation, where the market is accumulating before a potential breakout.
Key Characteristics
Non-Parallel Lines: The price moves between two trendlines that are not parallel.
Widening Mouth: The distance between the trendlines increases over time.
Consolidation: The pattern typically forms during a period of consolidation, where the price is ranging within a defined area.
Volume: You must see that the volume size is as pictured in the schema.
This post is real evidence that such a pattern does exist.
In addition, you can see that the consolidation period takes time to develop...
No need to rush...
Also, if you have not got on it from the start, by looking at the past, you can estimate that the runup is just starting, so you can still get some of the cream.
The Plus and Minus are showing increasing volume vs decreasing volume.
Refreshing the conversation. Showing my learners under the hoodRecently I've been lucky enough to mentor an 18 year old into the world of crypto and the markets
Being able to speak with wisdom instead of trying to factor in a ridged mindset gave me the freedom to speak about where MTOPS truly originated from
Listen in with an open mind