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BENEFITS OF FOREX TRADING

There are many benefits of trading forex, which include convenient market hours, high liquidity, and the ability to trade on margin. When traders choose which market to trade, they are looking for optimal trading conditions and the best chance of taking a profit. There are many reasons why millions of traders across the world think that the forex market fits these criteria, but we are going to focus on the top eight benefits of forex trading:

GBP/CAD PRICE ANALYSIS: POUND HITS 1.7700 VS CAD ON STRONG UK DATA

Discover why GBP/CAD is at historic highs, driven by recent economic data and political elections. Understand the factors behind the Canadian dollar's weakness and potential future movements.

WHAT IS LEVERAGE IN FOREX?

Leverage is a facility that enables you to get a much larger exposure to the market you’re trading than the amount you deposited to open the trade. Leveraged products, such as forex trading, magnify your potential profit but also increase your potential loss.

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR IS GETTING STRONGER. HERE'S WHY.

Explore the rise of the Australian dollar, now up 4% since April. Discover factors like Australia's high interest rates and inflation trends boosting AUD strength and potential high trade levels with China.

Understanding the Bid-Ask Spread: A Cost to Your Trading

One of the main costs to trading forex is the difference between the buy and sell prices, which can be significant when scaling trades. Learn how the spread is calculated, what influences its size and how to mitigate your costs.

A trader’s guide to currency pair correlations in the forex market

Currency pair correlations show whether there is a relationship between the value of two separate forex pairs. Here, we explain what a currency correlation is and how to trade forex correlations with some worked examples.

Mexican peso tumbles 4% after Mexico's historic election

Written by: Glen Frybarger | Content Strategist, US - Reviewed by: Frank Kaberna | Senior Content Strategist, Following Mexico's pivotal election, the peso saw a sharp 4% drop as markets reacted to the prospect of a new administration and potential reforms. The currency's future direction may hinge upon coming policy decisions.

USD/JPY hits all-time high amid probable BoJ intervention

USD/JPY surged to an unprecedented 160.00 in a volatile session, then swiftly retracted, hinting at likely BoJ intervention. As the JPY swings, market watchers speculate on future moves and the chance of additional BoJ actions.

British pound falls to new lows on Bank of England rate cut speculation

GBP/USD dips below 1.2300 amid BoE rate cut rumors. With UK inflation at its lowest since 2021 and central banks' diverging paths, the pound faces volatility against the dollar and euro, hinting at possible further declines.

US dollar, Treasury yields trade higher on strong Retail Sales

March's stronger-than-expected Retail Sales boost the US dollar to new heights and propel Treasury yields upwards, signaling vibrant consumer spending and market optimism. Find out what this could mean for the Federal Reserve.

Crude oil hits new highs above $85 as US dollar pulls back

Explore how geopolitical tensions and demand surges push crude oil prices past $85 and how shifting USD dynamics affect the market. Understand the delicate balance of commodity trading amidst these factors.

EUR/USD crashes below 1.0800 as ECB signals rate cuts before FED

EUR/USD falls below 1.0800 after ECB hints at spring rate cuts, diverging from the Fed's cautious stance. This shift reflects responses to inflation and economic forecasts, impacting forex markets and central bank strategies.

Gold smashes $2,200, all-time highs. What does it mean for US dollar?

Gold hits $2,200 after a dovish Fed meeting, setting new records. Combined with a dollar bounce back, does this surge hint at a changing relationship between gold and USD?

High unemployment sends US dollar lower as traders flock to gold

February data reveals US unemployment peak, driving the dollar down as investors turn to gold amidst rate cut speculations and awaiting crucial US inflation data.

US dollar falls, gold prices rise as high inflation fears quelled

Learn how markets reacted to PCE inflation data and what could come next for US rates and US dollar.

Dollar falls, gold rallies on Retail Sales miss

A larger-than-expected move in US retail sales MoM sent dollar lower and gold higher. Find out how the miss affected interest rate expectations.

USD/JPY price analysis: yen rallies as US yields and dollar collapse

Japanese yen fought back midweek against US dollar as Treasury yields fell. Find out what assets are correlated to bond moves and why yen is particularly sensitive to US data.

EUR/USD price analysis: euro falls on ECB meeting

The euro-dollar market is facing a significant decline despite the European Central Bank's decision to maintain interest rates and adopt a hawkish stance. Find out what could be in store for EUR/USD.

IG Strategy & Planning: Managing risk with stop-loss orders

Actively trading markets like forex can create unique opportunities while also posing enhanced risks. Learn how to use stop-loss orders to help manage those risks. It’s impossible to monitor positions for every minute that you have a trade open but stop-loss orders can help to mitigate risk the next time you leave for vacation, lunch, or even just the bathroom. Learn what stop-loss orders are, how they work, and how to use them. What is a stop-loss order? Stop-loss orders aim to limit risk by exiting positions at predetermined distances from your entry price – often measured in tick increments like pips or notional amounts of losses. Traders can attach stop-loss orders to long or short positions at order entry with the goal of closing the position if a certain level is breached. Stop-loss orders trigger a closing market order – sell at the best available price for long positions or buy at the best available price for short positions – when the market has moved a set distance against you. Stop-loss order example For example, entering a limit order to buy EUR/USD at 1.1025 with a stop-loss order attached 100 pips away would attempt to close the position if the market broke below 1.0925 with a market order triggered at that level. If the closing market order were executed exactly 100 pips away, which is not guaranteed by stop orders, then a 1 lot position would be closed for a $1,000 loss with no further risk of the market falling below 1.0925. Stop-loss risk/reward example It should be noted, however, that stop-loss orders do not guarantee execution at the predetermined level as they simply trigger a market order to close the position that does not account for slippage. How to use a stop-loss order Stop-loss orders can be entered at the same time as order entry often in the form of a percentage, notional amount, or tick increment difference from where the position is entered. For example, a $100 stop-loss order can be attached to a new long or short position that will attempt to close the position if its profit/loss falls to -$100. The individual trader should consider what risk amount fits their account and appetite before entering into a position and choose a stop-loss order distance that makes sense for them. This can help to take surprise and emotion out of day-to-day trade making more time for analysis and new opportunity. Can this new position withstand: * a - $500 loss? * a -3% loss? * a -200 pip loss? Stop-loss order benefits Risk management tools like stop-loss orders seek to measure and reduce large potential losses before they occur. Stop-loss orders attempt to close positions at predetermined levels without a trader having to monitor the market and manually enter the closing order, which can help to reduce potential human errors while creating a more mechanical, strategic process. Benefits of stop-loss orders: Reduced emotions like stubbornness that can lead to large losses the trader did not intend from the position’s start More time spent on new trading, or non-trading, opportunities and strategies Set mechanics and strategy based on consistent, predetermined profit and loss amounts from trade to trade What is a trailing stop order? Trailing stop-loss orders incorporate a dynamic aspect to the normal stop-loss order whereby the distance set at order entry moves with the position as it becomes more profitable. Trailing stop orders on long positions, for instance, bring the stop-loss order attached to the position higher if the market moves higher and thus in the trader’s direction. Trailing stop order example For example, entering a market order to buy EUR/USD at 1.1020 with a stop-loss order attached 100 pips away and a trailing step of 10 pips would attempt to close the position if the market broke below 1.0920 if the market moved lower immediately; however, the stop-loss level would rise by 10 pips every 10 pips that the position gained in profits. If the market moved to 1.1030, then the stop-loss level would effectively move to 1.0930, and so on. How to trade forex with stop-loss orders - Choose the forex market you’d like to trade - Open an account to get started, or practice on a demo account - Choose your forex trading platform - Open positions with stop-loss orders Trading forex markets using stop-loss orders requires an account with a forex provider like IG and a strategy. Most strategies applicable to trading in other markets can be used to trade forex as well, including technical and fundamental analysis. You can also develop your forex trading strategies using resources like IG’s Trading Academy. Once your strategy is developed, you can follow the above steps to opening an account and getting started trading forex. Your profit or loss is calculated according to your full position size. Leverage will magnify both your profits and losses. It’s important to manage your risks carefully as losses can exceed your deposit. Ensure you understand the risks and benefits associated with trading leveraged products before you start trading with them. Trade using money you’re comfortable losing.
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