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Trading and Brokerage
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Inside the Mind of a Successful Trader: Understanding the Psychology Behind Forex Success
Fusion Markets

Forex trading, with its promise of financial freedom and independence, has captivated the minds of millions around the globe. Yet, beneath the surface of charts, indicators, and currency pairs lies a complex landscape shaped not just by market dynamics but by the intricate workings of the human mind.  

Success is not solely dictated by market knowledge or technical prowess but by the ability to master one's own trading psychology. This article delves deep into the psyche of successful forex traders, exploring the mindset, habits, and strategies that set them apart from the rest.  

Whether you're a novice trader taking your first steps into the world of forex or an experienced investor seeking to enhance your trading performance, understanding the psychological aspects of trading is paramount to achieving lasting success. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the human mind and discover the keys to unlocking your full potential in the forex market. 



Contents 


Defining Success in Forex Trading

The Role of Psychology in Trading

Characteristics of Successful Traders

Embracing Emotional Intelligence

Developing a Winning Mindset

The Psychology of Risk Management

Learning from Mistakes

Conclusion




Defining Success in Forex Trading


The concept of "success" in forex trading is a bit of a hot topic. Some see it as being all about the money, while others argue it's more about staying consistent, managing risks, and growing as a trader. Plus, success means different things to different people, so what floats one trader's boat might not do it for another.

A “successful” forex trader possesses discipline, focus, determination and emotional resilience. This enables them to take a calculated approach to their trading, ultimately producing a consistent performance over the long-term.

Every trader will encounter losses. It’s how you manage your risk that will determine your outcome from these losses. In addition to managing your risk, having a psychological plan in place to prevent your emotions from taking control is also important. For example, some day traders have a daily loss limit that, if reached, results in them walking away for the day and trading the next day. Others might have a psychological limit of 4 losing trades in a row and so forth.

A successful trader is ‘successful’ over the long-term. Making profits is only one piece of the puzzle. You cannot be successful in profiting over the long-term without being successful in risk management and psychological behaviour.

 

The Role of Psychology in Trading


At the heart of successful forex trading lies the understanding of one's own trading psychology and the ability to manage emotions effectively. 

The psychology of trading encompasses a range of factors, including emotional intelligence, mindset, and behaviour. Successful traders understand the importance of emotional regulation and employ strategies to remain calm and focused during times of market volatility. By developing self-awareness and cultivating a positive mindset, traders can overcome psychological barriers and make rational decisions based on analysis rather than emotion.

Characteristics of Successful Trader


Successful forex traders share common traits that set them apart from the rest. These include discipline, patience, adaptability, and a willingness to accept losses as part of the trading process. They approach the market with a clear plan, stick to their strategies, and remain unphased by short-term fluctuations.

Discipline is the most critical characteristic of successful traders. It involves following a trading plan meticulously, adhering to risk management principles, and avoiding impulsive decisions. Patience is also essential, as successful traders understand that success in forex trading is a marathon, not a sprint. They wait for high-probability trading opportunities and avoid chasing after quick profits.

Adaptability is another hallmark of successful traders. They recognise that the forex market is constantly evolving, and they adjust their strategies accordingly to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it's adapting to changing market conditions or refining their trading approach based on new information, successful traders remain flexible and open-minded.

In addition to the above, there are other catalysts outside of trading that contribute to the success of a trader. On, of which, is maintaining a good sleeping habit. With the forex market trading 24/5, it’s impractical for most traders to stay away all day and night. Sleep deprivation can cause many issues in all forms of life, and trading is no different.

Embracing Emotional Intelligence 


Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in forex trading, enabling traders to recognise and manage their emotions effectively. Successful traders cultivate self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy, allowing them to make rational decisions even in high-pressure situations. By understanding their emotional triggers, they can maintain composure and avoid impulsive actions. 


Self-awareness involves recognising one's emotions and their impact on trading decisions. Successful traders are attuned to their emotional state and take proactive steps to prevent emotions from clouding their judgment. Self-regulation is the ability to control impulses and maintain discipline in the face of temptation. Successful traders develop strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions that can interfere with trading performance. 


Empathy is also important in forex trading, as it allows traders to understand the perspectives and motivations of other market participants. By putting themselves in the shoes of other traders, successful traders can anticipate market movements and react accordingly. Empathy also helps traders build relationships with other market participants, fostering collaboration and mutual respect. 


Successful traders also have an understanding of cognitive and confirmation biases. We recommend all traders read our two-part series on the 10 hidden biases here: 



Developing a Winning Mindset


A winning mindset is essential for success in forex trading. Successful traders maintain a positive attitude, focus on continuous improvement, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. They approach each trade with confidence, knowing that setbacks are temporary and part of the learning curve.

A winning mindset is characterised by several key traits, including optimism, determination, resilience, and good habits. Optimism involves maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. Successful traders believe in their ability to succeed and remain confident in their trading approach, regardless of short-term setbacks.

Determination is the drive to succeed despite obstacles and setbacks. Successful traders are tenacious in pursuit of their goals and refuse to be deterred by temporary failures. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and approach them with a sense of determination and perseverance.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances. Successful traders understand that losses are inevitable in forex trading and view them as learning experiences rather than failures. They remain resilient in the face of adversity, quickly recovering from losses and maintaining their focus on long-term success.

And finally, building good habits is paramount to becoming a successful trader. “It takes 21 days to form a habit and 90 days to form a lifestyle”. Understand what your identity-based habits are and how to build them to your arsenal of tools to conquer the market.

The Psychology of Risk Management


Risk management is a cornerstone of successful forex trading, and mastering it requires a deep understanding of one's risk tolerance and the ability to make calculated decisions. Successful traders prioritise capital preservation and employ risk management strategies such as setting stop-loss orders, diversifying their portfolios, and sizing their positions appropriately. By limiting their exposure to risk, they can protect their capital and avoid catastrophic losses.

Effective risk management involves several key principles, including diversification, position sizing, and risk-reward ratio. Diversification involves spreading risk across multiple assets or currency pairs to reduce the impact of any single trade or market event. Successful traders diversify their portfolios to minimise risk and maximise returns over the long term.

Position sizing is the process of determining the appropriate amount of capital to allocate to each trade based on risk tolerance and market conditions. Successful traders carefully assess the potential risks and rewards of each trade and adjust their position sizes accordingly. By sizing their positions appropriately, they can minimise losses and maximise profits while preserving capital.

Risk-reward ratio is the ratio of potential profit to potential loss on a trade. Successful traders seek to maintain a favourable risk-reward ratio on each trade, typically aiming for a ratio of at least 2:1 or higher. By consistently seeking trades with a positive risk-reward ratio, they can achieve consistent profits over time while minimising losses.

Learning from Mistakes


Mistakes are inevitable in forex trading, but successful traders view them as valuable learning opportunities rather than failures. They analyse their trades objectively, identify areas for improvement, and adjust their strategies accordingly. By embracing a growth mindset, they continuously refine their skills and adapt to changing market conditions. Every mistake becomes a stepping stone towards greater proficiency and success.

Learning from mistakes involves several key steps, including reflection, analysis, and adaptation. Successful traders take the time to reflect on their trades and identify any patterns or recurring mistakes. They analyse their trading journals and performance metrics to gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses.

Based on their analysis, successful traders adapt their strategies and techniques to address any areas for improvement. They may seek out additional education or training, refine their trading approach, or implement new risk management strategies. By learning from their mistakes and making adjustments, they can improve their trading performance over time and achieve greater success in the forex market.

Conclusion


In the dynamic world of forex trading, success is not solely determined by market knowledge or technical prowess but by the ability to master one's own trading psychology. By understanding the psychological factors that influence trading behaviour, traders can develop the mindset, habits, and strategies necessary for long-term success.  

Remember, that everyone faces the same challenges in the markets. Only those who can overcome the psychological barriers in trading end up succeeding over the long-term. Sometimes in bizarre market conditions, or on an off day, it’s better to take a step back and examine why we’ve been behaving and thinking as we have. 


Whether you're a novice trader or an experienced investor, cultivating emotional intelligence, embracing risk management, and maintaining a winning mindset are key to thriving in the competitive forex market. As you embark on your trading journey, remember that success is not just about profits but about the journey of self-discovery and growth. 


Forex
Trading Psychology
Mindset
12.04.2024
Trading and Brokerage
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A Beginner’s Guide to Trading Forex
Fusion Markets


Embarking on your forex trading journey might seem daunting at first, but fret not! We’ve put together all the information you need to get started. 


This guide is your friendly companion, packed with real-world examples, easy-to-grasp basics, newbie-friendly strategies, handy tips, and a step-by-step roadmap to kickstart your forex adventures.



Contents 


Introduction to Forex Trading

How the Forex Market Works

Getting started in Forex Trading

Developing a Strategy 

Practical Tips for Beginners

Resources for Further Learning



Introduction to Forex Trading


Foreign exchange trading, or forex trading, is the process of buying and selling currencies in the global financial markets. It is one of the largest and most liquid markets in the world, with an average daily trading volume estimated to exceed USD$7 trillion. Unlike traditional stock markets, forex trading operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, allowing traders to participate in the market at any time.


Understanding currency pairs


Forex trading involves the exchange of one currency for another at an agreed-upon price. This is done with the aim of profiting from fluctuations in exchange rates. Currencies are traded in pairs, where one currency is bought while the other is sold. The most commonly traded currency pairs, or ‘the majors’ as they’re more commonly referred to, include EUR/USD (Euro/US Dollar), GBP/USD (British Pound/US Dollar), AUD/USD (Australian Dollar/US Dollar), NZD/USD (New Zealand Dollar/US Dollar), USD/JPY (US Dollar/Japanese Yen), USD/CAD (US Dollar/Canadian Dollar), and USD/CHF (US Dollar/Swiss Franc).


Examples of other currency pairs, most often referred to as “crosses”, are AUD/JPY (Australian Dollar/Japanese Yen), GBP/NZD (British Pound/New Zealand Dollar), EUR/CAD (Euro/Canadian Dollar) and so forth.


And finally, less-traded currency pairs are referred to as “exotics”. Examples of these include USD/TRY (US Dollar/Turkish Lira), USD/HUF (US Dollar/Hungarian Forint). It’s important to note that exotic pairs tend to have wider spreads and higher volatility compared to major and minor pairs.


Uses of the forex market


The forex market is used by many players, for many different reasons. Retail traders aim at buying or selling a currency to take advantage of short-term fluctuations in price, whereas corporates who conduct regular international trade often use the forex market to hedge against their local currency weakening.


Large-scale players such as hedge funds or investment firms, will use the foreign exchange market to take advantage of divergences in interest rates between two nations in the form of a carry trade.


For more information on the types of forex trading, head to Part Four.


Reading Currency Pair Quotes


Currency pair quotes consist of two prices: the bid price and the ask price. The bid price represents the price at which you can sell the base currency, while the ask price represents the price at which you can buy the base currency. The difference between the bid and ask prices is known as the spread, which represents the broker's profit margin.


In forex trading, currency pairs are quoted in pips, short for "price interest point," representing the smallest possible price movement. For most major currency pairs, prices are quoted with four decimal points, indicating a change of 1/100 of one percent or 1 basis point. However, the Japanese Yen is an exception, trading with only two decimal points.


For instance, if the bid price for the EUR/USD pair is quoted as 1.19040, this breakdown refers to the five decimal places displayed on the market watch.


Pips EURUSD

How the Forex Market Works


In order to trade the foreign exchange market effectively, you need to understand the nuts and bolts of how it works.


The forex market is decentralised, meaning that there is no central exchange where all transactions take place. Instead, trading occurs over-the-counter (OTC) through a global network of banks, financial institutions, and individual traders. Some of the larger players in the forex market are Deutsche Bank, UBS, Citi Bank, RBS and more.


Prices are determined by supply and demand dynamics, with exchange rates fluctuating based on economic indicators, geopolitical events, and market sentiment.


How the system works


Market makers are key players in the forex world. They establish both the buying (bid) and selling (ask) prices, which are visible to everyone on their platforms. Their role extends to facilitating transactions with a diverse clientele, including banks and individual traders. By consistently quoting prices, they inject liquidity into the market. As counterparties, market makers engage in every trade, ensuring a seamless flow: when you sell, they buy, and vice versa.


Electronic Communications Networks (ECNs) play a crucial role in forex trading by aggregating prices from various market participants like banks, market makers, and fellow traders. They showcase the most competitive bid and ask quotes on their platforms, drawing from this pool of prices. While ECN brokers also act as counterparts in trades, they differ from market makers in their settlement approach rather than fixed pricing. Unlike fixed spreads, ECN spreads fluctuate based on market activity, sometimes even hitting zero during peak trading times, especially with highly liquid currency pairs like the majors.


Direct Market Access (DMA) empowers buy-side firms to directly access liquidity for securities they aim to buy or sell through electronic platforms offered by third-party providers. These firms, clients of sell-side entities like brokerages and banks, maintain control over trade execution while leveraging the infrastructure of sell-side firms, which may also function as market makers.


Straight Through Processing (STP) represents a significant leap in trading efficiency, transitioning from the traditional T+3 settlement to same-day settlement. One of its notable advantages is the reduction of settlement risk. By expediting transaction processing, STP enhances the likelihood of timely contract settlement. Its core objective is to streamline transaction processing by electronically transmitting information, eliminating redundant data entry and enabling simultaneous dissemination to multiple parties when necessary.


Market Makers Forex


Getting Started in Forex Trading


Choosing a Broker


When selecting a forex broker, it's essential to not only consider the fees, but also regulatory compliance, trading platform, and customer support. Look for brokers regulated by reputable authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US.


Here at Fusion Markets we’re dedicated to offering a quality service with an affordable fee structure. You can learn more about trading forex or view our licences


Setting Up Your Trading Account


Once you've chosen a broker, the next step is to open a trading account. This typically involves completing an online application, submitting identification documents, and funding your account. Forex brokers offer various account types to suit different trading preferences, including standard accounts, mini accounts, and demo accounts for practice trading.


Before risking real money, practice trading with a demo account to familiarise yourself with the trading platform and test your trading strategy in a simulated environment. Demo accounts allow you to gain valuable experience without the risk of financial loss. We also offer demo trading for those who want to test the water first.


Developing a Strategy


Identify Your Trading Style


Before developing a trading strategy, it's essential to identify your trading style, whether it's day trading, swing trading, or position trading. Your trading style will dictate the timeframe you trade on and the types of setups you look for in the market.


Below are the types of pros and cons of each trading style:


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Types of Analysis


Fundamental Analysis


Unlike technical analysis, which primarily relies on historical price data, fundamental analysis examines economic indicators, monetary policies, geopolitical events, and other macroeconomic factors to gauge the strength and direction of a currency's movement.


Central to fundamental analysis is the understanding that currency prices are ultimately driven by supply and demand dynamics, which in turn are influenced by broader economic conditions. For example, factors such as interest rates, inflation rates, GDP growth, unemployment levels, and trade balances can all impact a currency's value.


One of the key concepts in fundamental analysis is interest rate differentials. Central banks use interest rates as a tool to control inflation and stimulate economic growth. Currencies with higher interest rates tend to attract more investors seeking higher returns on their investments, leading to an appreciation in their value relative to currencies with lower interest rates. Traders closely monitor central bank announcements and economic reports to anticipate changes in interest rates and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.


Another important aspect of fundamental analysis is the assessment of economic indicators. These indicators provide insights into the health of an economy and can influence currency prices. For example, strong GDP growth and low unemployment rates are typically associated with a robust economy and may lead to appreciation in the currency. Conversely, high inflation or rising unemployment may weaken a currency.


Geopolitical events can also have a significant impact on currency prices. Political instability, conflicts, trade tensions, and other geopolitical factors can create uncertainty in the market and cause fluctuations in currency prices. Traders must stay informed about geopolitical developments and assess their potential impact on currency markets.


While fundamental analysis provides valuable insights into the long-term trends and direction of currency markets, it is important to note that currency prices can also be influenced by short-term factors and market sentiment. Therefore, traders often use a combination of fundamental and technical analysis to make informed trading decisions.



Technical Analysis


Technical analysis involves studying historical price data and using various charting tools and indicators to identify patterns and trends. Common technical analysis tools include moving averages, trendlines, and oscillators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD). Traders use technical analysis to make short-term trading decisions based on price action and market momentum.


Technical analysis is a cornerstone of forex trading, offering traders a systematic approach to interpreting market dynamics and making informed trading decisions based on historical price movements and market statistics. Unlike fundamental analysis, which focuses on economic indicators and macroeconomic factors, technical analysis relies solely on price data and trading volume to forecast future price movements.


At its core, technical analysis is based on the efficient market hypothesis, which posits that all relevant information is already reflected in an asset's price. Therefore, by analysing past price movements, traders believe they can identify recurring patterns and trends that may indicate potential future price directions.


One of the fundamental concepts in technical analysis is that of support and resistance levels. Support represents a price level where buying interest is sufficiently strong to prevent the price from falling further, while resistance is a level where selling pressure is sufficient to halt an upward price movement. Traders use these levels to identify potential entry and exit points for their trades.


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Example of support and resistance areas on EURUSD Daily chart


Another key tool in technical analysis is chart patterns, which are formed by the recurring movements of prices over time. Common chart patterns include triangles, flags, and head and shoulders formations. By recognising these patterns, traders attempt to predict future price movements and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.


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In addition to chart patterns, technical analysts also utilise technical indicators to aid in their analysis. These indicators are mathematical calculations based on price and volume data and are used to identify trends, momentum, volatility, and other aspects of market behavior. Popular technical indicators include moving averages, oscillators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), and trend-following indicators such as the Average Directional Index (ADX).


While technical analysis is a powerful tool for forex traders, it is not without its limitations. Critics argue that technical analysis is subjective and prone to interpretation bias, as different analysts may draw different conclusions from the same set of data. Moreover, technical analysis does not account for fundamental factors such as economic news and geopolitical events, which can have a significant impact on currency prices.


Despite these limitations, technical analysis remains an indispensable tool for forex traders worldwide. By understanding and applying technical analysis principles, traders can gain valuable insights into market trends and dynamics, allowing them to make more informed trading decisions and improve their overall trading performance.

 


Risk Management


Setting Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Orders


Stop-loss orders are used to limit losses by automatically closing a trade at a predetermined price level. Take-profit orders, on the other hand, are used to lock in profits by closing a trade when the price reaches a specified target. By using stop-loss and take-profit orders, traders can manage risk and control their downside exposure.


Position Sizing


Position sizing involves determining the appropriate amount of capital to risk on each trade based on factors such as account size, risk tolerance, and the probability of success. A common rule of thumb is to risk no more than 1-2% of your trading capital on any single trade to preserve capital and avoid significant drawdowns.

 

Your Strategy


Once you’ve determine what style of trading would suit you best, you now need to develop a strategy. There are thousands of different strategies out there so you have the choice of learning one from someone else, or developing your own.


Regardless, some common strategies include:


Trend Following Strategies


Trend following strategies in forex trading involve identifying and capitalising on established market trends. Traders employing this approach aim to enter positions in the direction of the prevailing trend, whether it's upward (bullish) or downward (bearish), and ride the momentum for as long as possible. These strategies typically utilise technical indicators, such as moving averages and trendlines, to confirm the direction of the trend and determine optimal entry and exit points. The goal of trend following strategies is to capture significant portions of a trend's movement while minimising losses during market reversals.


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NZDUSD Daily Chart showing optimal entry points to go short during a bearish trend.



Range-bound strategies


Range-bound strategies in forex trading focus on exploiting price movements within defined ranges or boundaries. Traders employing this approach identify periods when a currency pair is trading within a relatively narrow price range, bounded by support and resistance levels. Instead of following a trend, range-bound traders seek to buy near support and sell near resistance, aiming to profit from the price being restricted to the range highs and lows.


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USDJPY 15min chart with optimal buy and sell signals for a range-bound strategy



Breakout Strategies


Breakout trading strategies in forex involve capitalising on significant price movements that occur when an asset's price breaks through predefined support or resistance levels. Traders employing this approach wait for a clear breakout from the established range and then enter positions in the direction of the breakout, anticipating continued momentum in that direction. Breakout traders typically use technical indicators, such as trendlines, moving averages, and volatility measures, to identify potential breakout opportunities and confirm the strength of the breakout. The goal of breakout trading strategies is to capture rapid price movements and profit from the subsequent price trend.


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Example of an opportune entry for a bullish breakout trade on EURUSD 4-hour chart


The key to developing a strategy that works for you is by studying the charts and thinking about what makes sense to you. If you think patterns make sense as they identify areas of consolidation which can lead to a breakout, then pattern trading could be a good fit for you.


It’s important for any trader to stick with their chosen strategy and not switch strategies every time they encounter a losing streak.


Practical Tips for Beginners


 

Maintain a Trading Journal


Keeping a trading journal allows traders to track their performance, analyse their trades, and identify areas for improvement. A trading journal should include details such as entry and exit points, trade rationale, risk-reward ratio, and emotional state. By reviewing past trades, traders can learn from their mistakes and refine their trading strategies over time.

 

Avoid Overleveraging


While leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of significant losses. Avoid overleveraging by using leverage cautiously and only trading with capital you can afford to lose. A general rule is to keep leverage levels below 10:1 to mitigate risk effectively. The best position is cash. You should ensure you’re only taking the most high-probability set-ups that are in-line with your strategy.


Stay Disciplined


Maintain discipline in your trading approach by sticking to your trading plan and avoiding emotional decision-making. Avoid chasing losses or deviating from your strategy based on fear or greed. Consistency and discipline are key to long-term success in forex trading. Sometimes it’s best to walk away from the charts and come back the next day with a clearer head.


Manage Emotions Effectively


Trading can be emotionally challenging, with the potential for both euphoria and despair. Learn to manage your emotions effectively by practicing mindfulness techniques, maintaining a positive mindset, and taking regular breaks from the market. Remember that losses are a natural part of trading, and it's essential to stay resilient and focused on your long-term goals.


We highly recommend reading our article on the Top 10 Hidden Biases here.



Be realistic with your expectations


Trading can be very lucrative, but it can also be very costly. Traders should be realistic in their expectations – what % will you aim for each month? How much are you going to risk? Risking 20% of your equity per trade will be great on winning trades, but it won’t take long for you to eradicate your entire balance on a handful of losses. Whereas risking 1% equity per trade will allow you to conserve as much capital as possible, whilst still gaining 1%+ per winning trade.



Resources for Further Learning


To continue your forex trading education, consider exploring the following resources:


  • Books: "Currency Trading for Dummies" by Brian Dolan, "Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques" by Steve Nison, and "Market Wizards" by Jack D. Schwager.
  • Online Courses: Investopedia Academy, Udemy, and Coursera offer a variety of forex trading courses for beginners and advanced traders.
  • Forums and Communities: Join online forums and communities such as Forex Factory, BabyPips and TradingView to connect with other traders, share ideas, and learn from experienced professionals.

 

Ready to get started?


Sign up for a free Demo account with us today.











Trading Tips
Beginners
Forex
Forex Trading
Trading Psychology
06.03.2024
Trading and Brokerage
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Our Inter-Account Transfers are Now 60% Cheaper
Fusion Markets

Our mission has always been to bring low-cost trading to everyone, everywhere, and our newest upgrade is another way we're fulfilling that promise to you. In this blog post, we'll delve into the improvements we've made to our inter-account transfer infrastructure, and show you how to leverage these new features to optimise your trades.


Reduced Account-to-Account FX Transfer Costs


Part of our upgrade allows you to transfer funds from two different base currency accounts at a rate 60% cheaper than before. Our rates are essentially interbank rates, meaning that these are some of the best rates you'll find available, even from your own bank.

So when you're transferring funds from your USD account to your EUR account, you're getting close to the rate that banks will give when they trade with each other.


Seamless Transfers Between Trading Accounts


Transferring funds between your trading accounts is now a breeze. Access the convenient "Payments" tab within your Client Hub and click on "Transfer."


Effortlessly swap between accounts or create new ones to streamline your trading strategy and manage your funds with ease.


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Creating New Base Currency Accounts Made Simple


In addition to far superior exchange rates, you can also create new base currency accounts with a simple click.


To create a new account, all you need to do is select a currency in which you currently do not have a trading account.


Click on "Create an Account," set up your password and trading conditions, and you're ready to go.


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Instant Transfers for Immediate Trading


Recognising the importance of time in the fast-paced world of trading, we've ensured that transfers between your accounts are now instant. With prompt processing, you can create a new account, transfer funds, and dive into trading within a minute. Embrace agility and seize opportunities swiftly.


Have More Questions?


If you require further information or have any additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our support team - we're available 24/7. We're here to provide guidance and support, ensuring your trading success.


Happy trading!


Currency Exchange
Deposit Options
Forex
Payment Methods
Currency Trading
12.06.2023
Market Analysis
post image main
USD/CNH (USD/CNY): An Overview
Fusion Markets

The foreign exchange pair USD/CNH (or otherwise known as USD/CNY) is the trading ticker symbol for the powerful but volatile pair of the United States dollar and Chinese Renminbi. Chinese Renminbi is the official currency of the People’s Republic of China, but each individual unit of currency is called Yuan. These two are considered as “exotic” or volatile pairs, mainly because a major currency, USD, is paired with that of an emerging nation, CNH.

 

While considered volatile and generally treated with higher liquidity, the USD/CNH pair is the combination of the world’s two largest economies. The unique relationship between the two countries of the two currencies makes the combination both potent and fascinating.


CURRENCY BACKGROUND


United States Dollar


The United States Dollar is the official currency of the United States of America and several other countries. It is popularly known as the “greenback” due to the bills’ predominantly green color.

 

The Coinage Act of 1972 paved the way for the introduction of the US dollar. The fiscal policy of the United States is under the control and supervision of the Federal Reserve System, which serves as the nation’s central bank as well.


Chinese Yuan


The Renminbi is the official currency of the People’s Republic of China. The Yuan is the basic unit of the Renminbi, but it is also used to refer to the currency in general, especially in an international context.

 

In 1948, or one year before the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) introduced the Renminbi. As the new government of China expanded its hold on its territories, it began to steadily issue the Renminbi so as to have a unified currency in the land. Since then, the Renminbi, or Yuan, has been in circulation and has been the official currency of China.


IMPLICATIONS OF USD/CNH CURRENCY PEGGING


The US and China have always had a love-hate relationship that greatly affects not only their trade relations but that of the world as well. The past decades saw a series of pegging and de-pegging between the two currencies. Here are a few key periods that saw the biggest impact and highlighted the importance of currency pegging.


1995-2005


The US Dollar is freely convertible into all currencies of developed economies. On the other hand, the Chinese government is managing the Chinese Yuan’s value. From 1995, Chinese Yuan was at a “hard currency peg” at 8.38 against the US Dollar. For a decade this seems to be the case, and for this reason, it received wide criticism, mainly from the US government. The expectation that there should be a movement in the currency exchange of Yuan (given that China’s economy saw big growth) was not seen. This move by China is seen to protect its interest as, by artificially keeping the value of the Yuan down, Chinese importers were given a competitive advantage: a lower Yuan exchange rate reflects a stronger Chinese currency because you would need fewer Yuan to purchase one US Dollar.


2005


July of 2005 saw a revaluation of the Yuan by the People’s Bank of China by 2.1 percent. PBOC likewise announced a shift to a “soft peg,” which will allow the Yuan to trade more freely within a certain managed exchange rate range. While some criticized the change for being too “insignificant,” many economists praised the move and saw it as the first step towards a more flexible currency exchange system.


2010 - present


Since 2010, China continued its efforts of reforming its exchange rate system by giving the buying and selling forces in the market a freer reign in determining the exchange rate.


IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN TRADING USD/CNH IN FOREX


Federal Reserve and People’s Bank of China


Federal Reserve


The Federal Reserve, or most commonly known as The Fed, is the United States’ central bank. It is responsible for the monetary policies of the nation and sets the interest rates of the dollar investments eight (8) times in any given year. The Fed provides direction to strengthen the US Dollar and in maintaining its fluidity and stability.


People’s Bank of China (PBOC)


PBOC is China’s central bank. It has the duty of implementing monetary policies – even unconventional ones – to ensure that CNY remains competitive and afloat. PBOC likewise sets a daily midpoint rate, which serves as a basis in trading Renminbi or Yuan within 2% in either direction.


Trade Wars


Being major players in the international trading arena, trade wars in the form of imposition of additional tariffs and sanctions greatly affects the values of the currencies. In the 2018-2019 US-China Trade standoff, when Trump imposed a series of sanctions against China’s products and exports, China retaliated by lowering the exchange rate value of CNY below its USD peg.


CNY Depegging and artificial manipulation

USD/CNH Weekly - Nov 2017-2018



CONCLUSION


Is the USD/CNH worth the risk for your investment?

 

As a volatile combination, is it worth the risk to invest in USD/CNH?

 

While it seems counterintuitive, the pair remains to be one of the most popular, given that the combination represents two of the most powerful economies in the world.

 

The US Dollar is the world’s primary reserve currency, and remains to be the most widely used currency when it comes to international transactions. The Chinese Yuan represents the continuous and rapidly rising economy of China, the world’s largest exporter. Their advantages when taken individually could be the pair’s strength when taken cumulatively.

 


Currency Trading
USD
CNY
CNH
Forex
10.11.2022
Market Analysis
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NZD/CAD: An Overview
Fusion Markets

The Forex symbol NZD/CAD indicates the exchange rate value between the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and the Canadian dollar (CAD).

 



Currency background

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

 

The New Zealand dollar has been New Zealand's official currency since 1967. It is also used by the Cook Islands, Niue, the Pitcairn Islands, and Tokelau.

 

Before NZD emerged as the country's official currency, New Zealand used the New Zealand pound. It should be noted that it differs from NZD and the sterling pound. The government researched using a decimal currency, eventually leading to the use of NZD.

 

When NZD was introduced, 27 million worth of banknotes and 165 million in coins were produced. The currency is also known as the kiwi, after the bird native to New Zealand.

 

The Canadian Dollar (CAD)

 

The Canadian dollar (CAD) has been Canada's official currency since 1858. It uses the typical dollar sign ($). You will sometimes see it as CAD, Can$, or even CA$. These variations are meant to distinguish it from other currencies that use the dollar name. Like other dollar denominations, such as NZD, it is a decimal currency.

 

CAD is pretty popular, holding the fifth most chosen reserve currency. Of course, USD dollar is at the top, followed by the EUR, GBP, and JPY. CAD is also the sixth most traded currency because the country has a lot to offer in terms of raw materials and natural resources.

 

Factors you need to consider in trading NZD/CAD

 

Most currency pairs depend on similar factors, such as economic trends and geopolitical factors. Your wins and losses will depend on the countries your currencies are from.

 

Here are some factors that drive the NZD/CAD dynamics:

 

Economic and geopolitical conditions are the most significant factors that affect NZD/CAD as a Forex pair.

 

Economic conditions

 

When considering the NZD/CAD Forex pairing, you may want to take special note of Canada's strong economy. It is a mixed one, with over 70% of it relying on the service industry.

 

It is worth noting that in 2020, the country was considered to have the world's ninth-largest economy, with almost USD 1.75 trillion in GDP. It even places third worldwide in terms of oil deposits. There are many other raw materials the country can also export.

 

Meanwhile, NZD has recently (at the time of writing) experienced a surge, with its economy rising faster than investors expected. The second quarter of 2022 has seen it grow by 1.7%. The rally did not last long, and more recent stats show it is now fizzling. However, considering the 0.2% drop during the first quarter, NZD is still headed in the right direction.

 

Because New Zealand is very close to Australia, observe how their economies are also closely interrelated. A lot of New Zealand’s exports may be going to its neighbour.

 

As a Forex pairing, NZD/CAD is reliable enough. It may not involve the ever-popular USD, but CAD is a reliable currency, and NZD is also proving its worth. One must, of course, at least show some predictable up-and-down motion for you to profit from this pair.

 

Because both Canada and New Zealand are known for their oil and other commodities, you may also want to do a lot of commodity price watching before you make a trade.

 

Geopolitical conditions and global risks

 

Canada does very well politically. It is known to have one of the least corrupt politics in the whole world. That fact makes it a steady country with a reliable economy.

 

Meanwhile, New Zealand is generally known as a peaceful country. Still, it is difficult to deny that current global tensions have affected the currency. NZD's value lowers as the tensions and the prices soar, an effect felt long after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

 

Despite NZD issues, local exporters benefit from lower NZD value.

 

Perception

 

How each of these economies is perceived also plays a role in how each performs. Traders want to invest in something they can trust and predict. For example, Canada is generally perceived to have clean and non-corrupt political practices. It also continues to deliver high-quality raw materials and natural resources. Both these factors play a big role in the currency's perception.

 

How to trade NZD/CAD

 

When trying to profit from this particular Forex pair, do so during the optimum times: from 13:00 and 17:00 (GMT). Why? It is at these hours that the NZD/CAD is at its busiest. Be careful. Trading when it is at its volatile is risky, while trading when it is not volatile will have you spending too much.


A number of other factors will also influence the volatility of this pair, for example, the CAD exchange rate can be affected by the US’s economic conditions. Meanwhile, the NZD is affected by Asian and Australian markets.

 

Conclusion

 

Is the NZD/CAD pair worth going into?

 

The NZD and CAD pairing does not involve the USD, the most sought-after currency. So, it does have that against it.

 

However, CAD is reliable enough. It is one of the world's most-held reserve currencies, coming from a stable country with perceptibly good politics and many resources. So, you can trade this pair with the knowledge that you can, at least, rely on the CAD.

 

The combination with NZD is near perfect because the New Zealand currency may be experiencing some issues, but it is still generally more reliable than many other currencies. It is the 18th most used currency, from a largely peaceful country. The ups and downs it is currently experiencing may ultimately benefit traders. After all, you want to profit from the trade and not work on a pegged, static currency.

 

So, it is worth checking NZD/CAD if you want to diversify your foreign exchange portfolio. You may still have another pairing with USD involved, but the NZD/CAD pair is worth checking out.


NZD
CAD
Currency Trading
Forex
01.11.2022
Trading and Brokerage
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The Benefits of Copy Trading Forex
Fusion Markets

In this article, we go through everything you need to know about forex copy trading and how you can gauge the benefits and drawbacks it offers to both beginners and experienced traders.

  

What is Copy Trading?


Copy trading is software that is used to duplicate the trading strategies of selected traders.  

 
While this may sound like “mirror trading” (a technique used to mimic another traders strategies), the key difference is in copy trading the copying trader has their account linked to the account of the trader being copied. This means that whenever the trader being copied opens, closes, or alters a position these actions are also applied to the linked account (the copying trader).  



What’s the Difference between Social Trading and Copy Trading?


Before we dive into more details about copy trading, it’s important to distinguish between copy trading and social trading, as they are often mistakenly considered to be one and the same. Since we have already made clear what copy trading is about, let’s go into what social trading is, and how it might differ from copy trading. 


In essence, social trading is a combination of social media and investment. In social trading platforms, you can directly communicate with other investors, and exchange information about what trades to perform in a given time. This allows more people to collaborate. 


The main advantage of this is that you can analyse the trades yourself, meaning in some cases, you can try to see if there are any errors in making the trades before you execute them yourself. 


In mirror and copy trading, traders are in most cases using automated software to mimic the strategies of selected traders. 


In both mirror trading and social trading, you are not directly following someone’s trades, but are instead either automating their strategy (mirror trading) or manually following their strategy (social trading). 


In contrast, copy trading follows the trades of the selected trader, including when a position is opened and closed, as the accounts are linked. 


While social trading involves a closer look at trades and is great for people who want to learn trading by experiencing it first-hand, it also includes investing more time in research on the terminology and strategies of the industry.  


It should also be noted that with social trading, you might still be solely responsible for the trades that you perform. You only gain information from other traders within the social trading platform, and you can't automatically execute the trades based on other traders, as copy trading platforms allow you to do. 


In a sense, the main difference is in the way people approach trading in the first place.  


For those who are keen on learning everything about trading, social trading is a fantastic place to start. They gain knowledge along the way as they perform trades themselves. They copy other traders but also do their own research in the process, because they want to know the reasoning behind those trades.  


Copy trading, on the other hand, is for people who want a hands-off approach to trading, who prefer not to have to constantly monitor their trades. It’s for people who would rather just trust their trades to an experienced trader or someone they know personally.  




   Manual Trading     Copy Trading       Mirror Trading      Social Trading  
Beginner Friendly     No     Yes     No    Yes
Fully Automated
     No    Yes     Yes    No
Algorithmic     No    No     Yes    No

 


Why Should I Learn About Copy Trading?


These days, when markets are monitored around the clock, a variety of strategies are called for and across various asset classes.  


Investors might favour some strategies they have applied for a long time and with good results, but there’s no guarantee that those strategies will always work in the future. 



History of Copy Trading


While popular now, the first iteration of copy trading goes back to 2005, when researchers found a way to create an algorithm that could replicate trading behaviours.  


This use of algorithms quickly grew in popularity as investors and brokers picked up on it. This became the birth of mirror trading. 
 

However, it wasn’t long until brokerages and popular traders used the popularity of mirror trading to instead allow investors to link to their account, and for a small fee, allow investors to get complete exposure to their positions and strategies. 


Copy trading has turned out to be a unique way of getting access to the financial markets. The innovation spread to others who wanted to invest in foreign exchange, crypto or stocks but didn't have the time to follow markets, analyse information, or devise strategies they weren’t even sure would work.  



What Are the Benefits of Copy Trading? 


Copy trading has several benefits. These fall under two main categories: Income and Learning.  


You Earn Passive Income


Copy trade forex allows for passive income. You only need to set up your account, find a reputable investor that has hopefully been investing or trading for many years and has a reliable track record with few bumps along the road in their performance. Ideally, they take less risk than the average investor by holding fewer drawdowns and accessing markets you wouldn’t either get exposure to (e.g., Forex, Commodities etc.).  


In a way, to copy trade forex is to ride the wave that the experienced investor is creating and profit from it. 


Of course, investing in this way is not entirely risk-free. That is what makes the other benefit category, learning, more significant if you’re a beginner trader. 


You Learn from the Experts


One crucial benefit of copy trading, which beginners should be aware of, is that it can save them tons of time learning the fundamentals of forex trading.  


Learning how to analyse market information and plan a strategy from scratch can take a long time. Copy trading helps shorten that learning process by following the market in real time with actual skin in the game.  


You can experience how seasoned traders approach trading and pick up ideas from them. Eventually, you may even make your own variations of their strategies.  


You Learn How Experts Handle Losses


That doesn’t mean you should blindly trust what an established investor is doing with their trades. Even experts make mistakes.  


In fact, good investors study their past losses to identify errors in their approach and make adjustments, intending to minimise future risk further. 


Among the things you can also learn from copy trading, then, is how to recognise these mistakes for yourself, despite an expert’s opinion or because of an expert’s mistake, when a trade will result in a loss. 


And from the expert traders’ example, you learn how to learn from your mistakes. 



What Are the Drawbacks of Copy Trading?


Like all other investment strategies, copy trading has its fair share of disadvantages across any platform.  


Even Experts Make Mistakes


As mentioned before, even professional investors can make mistakes. They might trade something they wouldn’t normally trade, or refuse to close a trade when they should have. These are common mistakes we can all make due to our hidden biases. It's best, therefore, to partially monitor your investments as well, and not passively hope for the best. Ideally, you’re following along and can understand the reasoning for why the trader you’ve followed has done what they’ve done.  


Investing Involves Costs 


For people keen on investing in high volume, the commission fee that professional investors take can sometimes add up if money has already been lost through a bad or missed strategy.  


With a copy trading platform like Fusion’s, you only pay fees for any positive performance. There are no hidden management fees or entry or exit fees. You simply agree to the performance fee when signing up and away you go.  



Dealing with Drawbacks


Like everything else, copy trading has its pros and cons. With careful decision-making, proper research, and intelligent risk management, you can maximise the benefits of copy trading and minimise its drawbacks.                                      



Final Thoughts 


There isn’t much difficulty to copy trading. All you're doing is finding someone you know with a decent track record which has steady gains with minimised risk and hopefully mimicking their strategies for trading in the markets.  


That can be done by looking at investors’ trade history and analysing their trade entry (both buy order for long positions and sell order for short positions). At least two years of history is a good place to start.  


Overall, copy trading can minimise the risk of capital loss if you have found the right trader. For professional investors already familiar with various strategies, copy trading is still a good option - it might get you access to an uncorrelated asset class they might not have traded before or sharpen their own skills by following and learning from someone else.  


If you’d like to get started with copy trading, Fusion offers a range of options for both beginner and seasoned traders. Fusion+ allows traders to copy trade some of the most successful traders in the financial markets.  
 

We also offer a copy trading service through our partner DupliTrade. For those who wanted more of a social trading experience we also provide that with our partner, Myfxbook Auto Trade. 


If you’d like to learn more, contact us and we’ll happily answer any questions you have about copy trading, Forex or CFDs.  




FAQs


What’s the main benefit of copy trading? 


The main benefit of copy trading is to automate the investors' trading and minimize risk. It can also prevent slippage in buy and sell orders because most copy trading platforms are fast and automated. 


How does copy trading work? 


It works by copying the strategies of other experienced investors and applying them to your portfolio. 


Can I use MT5 and MT4 for forex trading? 


You can use MT5 and MT4 for forex trading. While MT4 is explicitly designed for forex investments, MT5 has a range of other assets, both centralized and decentralized. 


What are the risks of copy trading? 


The main risk of copy trading is that even experienced traders whose strategies you might copy can make mistakes. You have to monitor your own investments to spot issues at once if something goes wrong. 


Thousands of brokers are ready to help you invest. Experience copy trading with MT4 or MT5. Sign up now! 


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Trading Strategies
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22.03.2022
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