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Subsequently, a new short-term or long-term bottom or top forms. The result is the beginning of a new trend or retracement in price. The Reversal StrategyĪ market reversal occurs when a prevailing trend changes or "reverses" its present course. Given the short time frame, minimal profit target and stop loss, the effectiveness of this breakout trade relies on tight spreads and low slippage. If the bullish break above 0.7400 is successful, Sam will realise a quick 7 pip profit. A profit target is placed at 0.7408 according to a 1:1 risk vs.
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Sam believes that a bullish breakout is pending above this level and decides on the following scalp: Price has repeatedly tested and rejected the upper BB at 0.7400. Rates are near flat, causing the BBs to narrow. Sam decides to trade the AUD/USD 30-minute chart, which is in heavy rotation. As a general rule, tight BBs suggest that a breakout may be imminent. During periods of consolidation, the upper and lower BBs tighten amid trending markets, they widen. As a result, Sam the scalper has decided that a bullish or bearish breakout may be in the offing.Īnalytically, Sam implements BBs to address market volatility. Assume that the AUD/USD has traded in a tight consolidation pattern on a 30-minute time frame. The following scenario is an example of a breakout. By doing so, the scalper may spot periods of market consolidation and potential breakouts before they occur. One of the most common is to use technical tools such as Japanese candlestick chart patterns or a volatility measure such as Bollinger Bands (BBs). During the rapid price action, scalpers attempt to harness the enhanced volatility and realise profits.
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When the compression reaches critical mass or "breaking out," price moves considerably to the bull or bear. In most cases, a market break is preceded by a period of rotational or compressed price action. It can arise from fundamental or technical factors and may provide exceedingly profitable trading opportunities. The Breakout StrategyĪ breakout is a sudden, significant, directional move in price. Scalpers view a reduction of systemic risk as being a key element of the strategy's aggressive risk management framework. Systemic risk is defined as the chance of an entire market collapse occurring. Scalpers aim to enter and exit positions as quickly as possible to minimise their exposure to broader systemic risk. Perhaps the single greatest calling card of the scalping trading strategy are short trade durations. In this way, forex traders can buy and sell currencies on a reduced scale while maintaining viable risk vs reward ratios. This means that although profit targets may only be a few pips, each trade's stop loss is equally tight. Accordingly, risk and reward must be aligned to produce profits over time. No matter how short the time frame may be, the forex scalping strategy aspires to have a long-term positive expectation. Using such compressed time frames, it's not uncommon for an FX scalper to execute dozens of buys and sells each trading session. To do so, many focus on FX charts with small durations such as the one-minute chart to scrutinise micro price fluctuations in real-time. Scalpers are required to execute a large number of trades in order to sustain profitability. The scalping trading style has a collection of objectives that makes it a unique way of approaching CFDs, shares and the forex market. Essentially, scalping is predicated upon executing a significant number of trades each session in an attempt to benefit from small foreign exchange price movements. It is a forex trading strategy that aims to make small profits quickly and repeatedly in the live market. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a scalper is: "A speculator who buys and sells rapidly, with small profits or losses, holding positions for only a short time during a trading session." Ĭurrency scalping is not much different from the CFTC's definition. What Is Forex Scalping?Īccording to the U.S. But what is scalping? In this article, we will address the strategy and take a deep dive into how successful forex scalpers make a living in the world's currency marketplace. Legions of forex traders choose the scalping trading strategy as their primary means of conducting business. For those with a limited risk tolerance, a scalping strategy may be a viable means by which to profit. From forex day trading to long-term investment, there's a style for everyone. Each has a collection of necessary inputs, defined rules and objectives. Within the realm of active currency trading, there are numerous strategies.
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