Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Forex Risk Management



Forex risk management strategies are vital whether you are a novice or a veteran forex trader. There is no better way to become successful over the long term than recognizing forex risk management techniques as your best trading tool. Regrettably, most traders fail to think about risk management when they first begin trading and this inevitably leads to despair and a blown bankroll. Wise and highly experienced traders know that there are at least five risk types linked with forex trading, and market risk is only one of them.

This article provides information about five different risk types you’ll deal with when you trade forex and outlines strategies to reduce or totally eradicate them:

1. Brokers
Brokers are generally large and sound financial institutions, however, keep in mind that there is always a small possibility that your broker will lose money and go bankrupt. One of the most respected and largest brokerage companies may just meet their demise suddenly. Therefore, you must exercise extra diligence and make sure you choose a good quality broker.

2. Technology
Since you are generally trading over the Internet, you are at risk of experiencing problems relating to your computer and your internet connection. Any problems using these things could negatively impact on your ability to trade and your overall trading performance. Because some trades call for precise timing as to when to be sold or bought, you should have a plan B for if something unexpected takes place. This may include a regular backup of your PC and even off-site storage of your vital data. If you are a serious trader, and you have a huge portfolio, you should invest in fail-safe systems for back-up as well as surge protectors and power generators. You might think that these steps are too much for you at this time but keep them in mind as it is worth planning for any contingency.

3. The Market
Many traders believe that this is the only segment of trading that they should integrate into forex risk management plan. As a trader, you must analyze how daily values of currency fluctuations impact and how this might affect your position in the market. One of the most efficient ways to avoid market risk is to only trade with the use of a highly approved and tested trading system that incorporates risk management methods at a fundamental level. This calls for having definite points for entries and exits, stop losses, and profit targets.

4. Economy and Politics
A nation’s currency value is highly affected by political law, policy changes, economic crisis, and the performance of the existing governing regime. You obviously can't control some of these risks but you can plan to control their impact by utilizing a trading plan that recognizes all types of eventualities.

5. Specific Country Risks
You should also be aware of risks that may arise due to a country’s failure to adhere to its financial commitments. When this occurs, the outcomes dribble down to various financial platforms in the country and even in many other countries doing business with them. You can prevent this risk if you only trade major currencies in the market and you do not consider currencies of countries with major financial deficits.

Understanding the need and principles of forex risk management are your best chance of achieving continuous trading profits.

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