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Ethereum Trading: All You Need to Know

Fusion Markets

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Read Time: 7 Minutes


What is Ethereum?  


You may have heard of Ethereum being compared to Bitcoin, but Ethereum isn’t actually the digital currency itself. Instead, Ethereum is the technology that can run various financial services like payment systems, identity software, security programs, and of course, cryptocurrency trading.  

But how does this technology work?  

Like Bitcoin, Ethereum also uses blockchain technology, but there are quite a few differences on the deeper, more technical side. Blockchain technology is the foundation that supports all of Ethereum’s services.  

The biggest feature of Ethereum is that it is a programmable blockchain. This means that you’re free to use the technology according to your own needs. Whether you need it for payments, software, or even Bitcoin, you’re free to do that!  


Some of the world’s biggest companies are using blockchain in various ways, which shows how flexible the technology is. BMW, the renowned automaker, is using the Ethereum blockchain to track materials across its supply chain.  

De Beers, the biggest diamond mining company globally, is using the Ethereum blockchain to track diamonds from mining to selling. HSBC is also using the blockchain to conduct foreign exchange trades on its FX Everywhere platform.  

The blockchain can be used on just about any technology that requires information to be logged and verified.   

But if you’re here reading this article, you’re probably more interested in investing in cryptocurrency or buying cryptocurrencies. That would be ETH or Ether.  

  

What is the difference between Ether and Ethereum?  


If Ethereum is the technology, then Ether is the cryptocurrency that runs on that technology. However, for most people, “Ethereum” and “Ether” are used interchangeably to refer to the digital currency instead of the technology.  

The shorthand for Ether is ETH, and just like Bitcoin, ETH is a form of decentralised finance or “defi.”  

This means that the digital currency is not centrally regulated by one authority. Instead, all the computers on the blockchain do the work of validating each and every transaction on the network.  

Ether is up there with Bitcoin as one of the most highly traded cryptocurrencies globally, along with Ripple XRP and Litecoin and others available on Fusion Markets’ platforms.   

  

The benefits of trading Ethereum  


As with any digital currency, the biggest benefit of trading Ethereum is the lack of centralised regulation because of blockchain technology. This means that making fraudulent transactions on the network is extremely difficult and almost impossible.  

However, one thing that makes Ether different from Bitcoin is that the supply of Eth is limitless.  

Let’s break it down a little bit.  

The way Bitcoin works is people are constantly “mining” for Bitcoin. However, there is a predefined limit for the amount of Bitcoin that can ever be in circulation. Once all the available Bitcoin has been mined, that’s all the Bitcoin that will ever circulate.  

The Bitcoin mining rate slows down over time, so the prediction is that the last Bitcoin will be mined at around 2140. That’s over a hundred years from now, but it’s still a definite time that will arrive.  

For most people, the problem with the limited supply of Bitcoin is that it can create issues like high inflation levels in the future.  

The supply of Ether does not have the same limitations that Bitcoin has. Thus, it can be more stable in its fluctuations, and this effectively works as a hedge against extreme inflation.  

Ether is also less volatile, at least when compared to Bitcoin. So if you’re looking to invest or trade in cryptocurrencies, but you want to minimise the volatility, Ether may be right up your alley.  

  

Risk Management when it comes to Ethereum  


Despite the lower volatility levels of Ethereum, it is still a cryptocurrency. This means that unlike more traditional investments like stocks and forex, its price is still quite volatile in comparison.  

So, when trading or investing in Ethereum, it’s essential to employ risk management practices.  

First, only use as much money as you’re willing to lose. This is a basic precept for investing or trading in general, and it applies to Ethereum as well. The price of ETH in 2021 may be high, and it may look like it will continue to rise, but no one can really predict the next price movement.  

Second, diversify. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If you want to trade cryptocurrency, make sure to allocate your funds across multiple digital currencies. That way, if the price of one plummets, you still have your holdings in other cryptocurrencies to rely on.  

Third, do your own research. Don’t rely on social media gurus or finance forum posts that tell you when to buy or sell. Cryptocurrency is a fairly new concept, and it’s pretty much still in its infancy stages.   

If you’re investing in ETH, make sure that you understand it, how it works, and what the technology behind it is.  

A good investment is one where you believe in the product you’re investing in.   

While it’s true that no one can really predict how the price of the cryptocurrency will move, it’s much safer to put your money in investments that you’ve done research in instead of just blindly following what you see on social media.  

Finally, make sure to monitor your own physical and mental health while trading cryptocurrency. The markets run 24/7, and you don’t want to be looking at charts all day while ignoring your own well-being.   

Taking care of your mind and body allows you to make better, more rational trading decisions, dramatically reducing the risk.  

Risk management is a fundamental skill that any reasonable investor or trader should have. There are plenty of risks when it comes to ETH and cryptocurrency in general. Risk is unavoidable, so the best thing we can do is to manage and minimize it.  

  

The Future of Ethereum  


Despite cryptocurrency being a new concept and Ethereum being fairly more recent than Bitcoin, its rise in the charts shows that it’s here to stay.  

The main selling point of Ethereum is how its blockchain technology compares to Bitcoin, and with the number of people investing in or trading ETH, it’s clear that there is widespread acceptance and trust for ETH.  

Will ETH keep its place as one of the top cryptocurrencies in the future? The truth is, nobody knows. Governments are still only beginning to recognise and regulate cryptocurrencies, so the future of ETH is, as a whole, uncertain.  

But for some people, that uncertainty is what makes ETH such a good investment. Hopefully, this article has helped get you started on the basics of trading ETH. 

 


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Beginners
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The Fibonacci Cheat Sheet

Read Time: 6-7 minutes

 

Essential Ratios Every Beginner Trader Should Know. The Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio have long fascinated mathematicians, scientists, and artists. Their influence extends across every aspect in life and can be observed in nature, architecture, and even the financial markets. Fibonacci-based tools are readily available and can assist in identifying entry and exit points, retracement lengths and more.

   

What is Fibonacci and Why Does It Matter in Trading?

   

The Fibonacci sequence consists of a series of numbers where each value is the sum of the two preceding numbers, starting from 0 and 1. For example, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5, and so on. When we continue this pattern we get:

   

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233...

   

Taking it one step further, if we observe the mathematical correlations between these numbers, we identify a range of ‘ratios’. For example, if we divide 21 by 34, we get 0.618%. If we divide 21 by the number two spots to the right (55), we get 38.2 and so on.

   

This mathematical constant appears in various natural and human-made structures, from spiral galaxies to architectural designs, and even nature.

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In trading, Fibonacci ratios can help analyse price action, pinpointing areas where market trends may pause, reverse, or accelerate. By learning to apply these ratios, you can identify potential support and resistance levels, retracement zones, and projected price targets, ultimately giving you better entries and exits on your trades.

   

Breaking Down the Key Fibonacci Ratios

   

The most widely used Fibonacci ratios in forex trading originate from the relationships between sequence numbers. As an example, some of the most commonly used in trading include:

   
         
  • 23.6% – A minor retracement level often observed in strong trends.
  •      
  • 38.2% – A commonly used retracement level where price corrections may occur.
  •      
  • 50% – Not an official Fibonacci ratio, but significant due to psychological factors.
  •      
  • 61.8% – The golden ratio, a crucial level for support and resistance.
  •      
  • 78.6% – A deeper retracement level where strong reversals may occur.
  •      
  • 161.8% – A common extension level used to forecast potential price targets.
  •    
   

These ratios are applied using Fibonacci retracements and extensions.

   

How to Use Fibonacci Retracements

 
 
   

We have explained Fibonacci retracements as one of the indicators that we have discussed here on our blog before. A trend is a significant price movement in one direction, followed by a price movement in the opposite direction, followed by a price movement in the direction of the initial trend. You can use Fibonacci retracement levels to determine where these pullbacks might find support or resistance. You can get better entries and/or exits on your trades by doing this.

 

Fibonacci Retracements

 

For example, during a bullish trend, price may retrace to the 38.2%, 50%, or 61.8% level before continuing higher. This can also be observed in a downtrend, where these levels can serve as potential swing points where price might pause or reverse before resuming its downward trend.

 

How to Use Fibonacci Extensions

 

While retracements focus on pullbacks, Fibonacci extensions project potential price targets beyond the original price movement, using the same ratios. These levels help estimate how far price may travel after a retracement completes – ultimately leading to better profit targets/exit points.

 

The 161.8% extension, often called the "golden mean," is one of the most significant levels. It frequently acts as a target in strong trends, marking potential areas where price may consolidate or reverse.

 

Extensions are particularly useful for setting profit targets, as they provide logical exit points based on prior price action.


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AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

Fibonacci Clusters: Combining Multiple Levels for Strong Trade Setups

 

A Fibonacci cluster forms when multiple Fibonacci levels from different price swings converge at a similar price point. These clusters can help identify the stronger swing points, which often lead to market reactions.

 

Traders often use these clusters for:

 
       
  • Identifying precise entry points
  •    
  • Setting stop-loss levels
  •    
  • Establishing profit targets


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Figure 1 – AUDUSD Weekly Chart

   
   

For instance, if a 61.8% retracement from a major trend aligns with a 161.8% extension from a smaller move, the resulting zone becomes a high-probability trade area.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Fibonacci in Your Trading

 

To effectively use Fibonacci techniques in forex trading, follow these steps:

 
       
  1. Identify Key Price Swings – Look for significant highs and lows as reference points for Fibonacci retracement or extension tools. It’s important that you’re drawing the tool using the correct swing high and lows of each move.
  2.    
  3. Plot Fibonacci Levels – Use charting software, such as MetaTrader or TradingView, to overlay Fibonacci levels on key price movements.
  4.    
  5. Look for Areas of Confluence – Check if the Fibonacci levels align with other technical indicators, such as moving averages, trendlines, support/resistance zones, or even other Fibonacci levels.
  6.    
  7. Observe Price Reactions – Monitor how the market responds to each Fibonacci level, looking for confirmation through price action signals like candlestick patterns.
  8.    
  9. Manage Risk Effectively – Define risk-reward parameters using Fibonacci-based stop-loss and take-profit levels.
  10.  
 

Final Thoughts

 

The Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio help to structure the way the market behaviour is analysed, and the major price levels are identified. You can enhance your technical analysis and, by result, decision-making, by applying Fibonacci retracements, extensions, and clusters.

 

However, it is crucial to mention that no tool is 100% accurate and that the use of Fibonacci tools can greatly enhance a sound trading strategy by providing more potential entry and exit points. However, like any other indicator, there are no guarantees, so it is recommended to look for a reaction and/or confirmation of each Fibonacci level before making the trade.


18/03/2025
Beginners
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Leveraging Economic Indicators

Read Time: 6 minutes


For successful forex trading, economic indicators are essential tools in understanding market trends and predicting potential currency movements. These indicators, such as GDP, employment data, inflation rates, and more, provide a window into the economic health of a country, which ultimately influences currency values across the market.  

Understanding the influence of economic indicators allows you to make informed decisions based on more accurate analysis, increasing the likelihood of profitable trades.  



Table of Contents






Key Economic Indicators



Gross Domestic Product (GDP)


GDP is the total market value of all goods and services produced within a country, reflecting its economic health.

A rising GDP often signifies a strong, growing economy, which can boost a nation’s currency due to investor confidence. Conversely, a declining GDP might signal economic trouble, potentially weakening the currency. For forex trading, GDP data can help identify long-term currency trends, particularly when compared across different nations.



Employment Data


Employment data is a major economic indicator with a substantial impact on currency values, particularly the Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) data in the United States.

The NFP measures employment changes outside the farming sector, providing a snapshot of the U.S. job market. When job creation is strong, it suggests economic health, often strengthening the currency as investors and traders feel confident.

Weak employment figures can suggest economic issues, potentially leading to currency depreciation. Since employment is closely tied to consumer spending and economic stability, this data can be very valuable for traders.



Inflation Rates


Inflation, primarily measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflects the rate at which prices for goods and services increase.

Moderate inflation is generally healthy, indicating a growing economy. However, high inflation can devalue a currency as purchasing power declines. Central banks often adjust interest rates in response to inflation; if inflation is high, they may raise rates to control it, which can attract foreign investors seeking higher returns, thus strengthening the currency. Understanding inflation’s impact on interest rates and currency valuation is vital for forex traders.



Interest Rates


Interest rates are the cost of borrowing or the return on savings, set by central banks to regulate economic activity and influence currency value.

Interest rates are among the most influential economic indicators in forex. Central banks set these rates based on economic conditions, adjusting them to either stimulate or cool down the economy. Higher interest rates often attract foreign investment, increasing demand for the currency and boosting its value. Conversely, lower interest rates can make a currency less appealing to investors, leading to depreciation. For forex trading, interest rate changes and the policies of central banks (such as the Federal Reserve in the U.S. or the Reserve Bank of Australia) provide critical insights into likely currency movements.



Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)


The Consumer Confidence Index measures consumer sentiment and expectations regarding the economy.

High consumer confidence can indicate increased spending, which drives economic growth, while low confidence suggests economic uncertainty. CCI is considered a leading indicator, as consumer sentiment often precedes actual economic changes. When consumers feel positive about the economy, the currency may strengthen; when confidence drops, the currency may weaken. Forex traders use the CCI to anticipate changes in spending behaviour and overall economic direction.




Interpreting Economic Indicators



In forex trading, interpreting economic indicators requires understanding both individual data points and the relationships between them. Economic indicators can influence currency values in varying degrees, with some holding more weight than others. Traders must also consider correlations, as indicators like GDP and employment data often move together, giving a clearer picture of economic health.

One challenge traders face is managing contradictory signals. For example, strong employment data may suggest a strong currency, but if inflation is simultaneously high, it could lead to fiscal and monetary policy changes, ultimately impacting the currency differently. Weighing the significance of each indicator helps traders decide when to take action and which indicators align with their trading objectives.



Essential Economic Indicators and Practical Application


- For traders just starting with fundamental analysis, some economic indicators offer a straightforward approach to understanding market dynamics:

- Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP): Released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NFP provides a quick look at employment trends, making it a critical indicator for traders.

- Consumer Price Index (CPI): CPI reflects inflation and purchasing power, directly influencing central bank policy and forex rates.

- Central Bank Interest Rate Decisions: Rate changes have immediate and often lasting impacts on currency valuation, making them a fundamental factor in forex trading.

You can find the details of every economic data event using our Economic Calendar.

Accessing timely and reliable economic data is crucial. Many traders use economic calendars, such as our one here, which provide release dates for upcoming economic data, allowing them to plan trades around these announcements. Economic calendars are invaluable tools for tracking data releases, setting alerts, and managing expectations for market volatility.

It's also important to be mindful of common misinterpretations, such as assuming that a single indicator will drive long-term trends. Forex markets are influenced by a multitude of factors, so it’s essential to view each indicator within a broader economic context.




Synergising Economic Indicators with Technical Analysis



Whilst economic indicators provide insights into a currency’s underlying strength, technical analysis offers real-time insights into price patterns and potential entry points. Combining fundamental and technical analysis enables traders to balance economic data with chart patterns, enhancing trade timing and precision. For instance, fundamental economic indicators can provide you with a long-term bias, and technical analysis can be used to find entries and exits in the direction of that bias.




Advanced Trading Techniques



Timing Your Trades


Timing is crucial when trading around economic data releases. Pre-release analysis allows traders to set expectations based on market consensus, whilst post-release strategies can help manage volatility once the data is out. Our Economic Calendar is an indispensable resource in this regard, assisting you in aligning trades with significant data releases and prepare for potential shifts.


Integrating Indicators into Your Trading Strategy


Developing a comprehensive trading strategy involves diversifying currency pairs based on each currency’s economic indicators. For instance, trading a U.S.-based currency pair based on NFP data, while trading an Australian pair based on the RBA’s interest rate decisions, can provide a balanced approach. Incorporating adaptive risk management around key data release dates can help traders mitigate the risks associated with high-impact news events.




Conclusion


Economic indicators are invaluable resources for forex traders, offering insights that can guide trading strategies and improve profitability. By understanding these economic indicators, you can better anticipate currency movements and make informed decisions. However, mastering these indicators requires continuous learning and constant observation.

Ultimately, leveraging economic data within a broader market analysis framework supports responsible trading practices and provides you with an additional source of information to make better trading decisions.


Remember: Successful forex trading requires a balance of economic insight, technical skill, and disciplined risk management. Stay informed, practice consistently, and adapt your strategies to ever-changing market conditions.

07/01/2025
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