Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Learning to Trade Forex

Forex (foreign exchange) is a specialized form of day trading involving the simultaneous buying and selling of many of the worlds currencies. Forex is not traded at a central exchange, but via interbank, making it an over-the-counter (OTC) transaction. The forex market is traded via telephone or computer (internet), and with centers of trading in New York, London and Tokyo is not only a global market, but a 24-hour one, as well. Forex; however is speculative, and should not be taken lightly. Learning to trade forex is not difficult, but is a necessity before entering the market.

Learning to trade forex is almost as easy, from an accessibility point of view, as signing on the internet. Online courses abound, ranging from simple introductory classes to deeply involved multi-step courses. The prices range from simple to deeply involved as well, costing anywhere from zero to hundreds. On-location courses, classes at actual physical locations around the country are available as well.

Whether the trader chooses a brick and mortar school or a cyber space one, the course should include a detailed syllabus and offer a wide range of topics The classes should also be geared to the traders background: new to forex, new to trading, finance background, no finance background, etc.. Once a course is found that is a good match, learning to trade forex should be straightforward and easy to follow, and should consist of some basic lessons.

First, learning to trade forex should address how the forex market works, what the terms mean and how a trade is conducted. Next, trading platforms and their details, including the functions and advantages of the different features, should be explained and discussed. Reading currency charts, analyzing prices and understanding what spread means are essential. Risk management, handling and possibly preventing losses are also of importance.

Brokers can be a source of learning to trade forex. Though most of them offer classes only after the trader opens an account, the classes are usually free, and sometimes include free demos of simulated trades. For a newbie, this can be a dry run to see if forex trading is the right path, and if the broker fulfills the traders needs.

Professional traders are another source of learning to trade forex. Some traders, like Peter Bain, who has put together a multi-media forex trading course, have insights and knowledge they are willing to share. Other professional traders participate in webinars (seminars on the web) and in interactive online sessions that teach and mentor.

Investing in a quality forex trading course is a good step to being successful in the market. Forex is speculative, enticing traders with possibilities of huge profits. Unfortunately, forex can also produce incredible losses. Forex trading is a pendulum that needs to be understood and monitored. Learning to trade forex may require time and a bit of money, but the knowledge gained is well worth the extra effort. Bottom line: Find the course that works for you, then put it to work for you.

Thomas D. Houser
The key to successful Forex trading is knowledge.
http://www.bestforexcurrencyinfo.com/