The technical trader is concerned with studying patterns of price movement on the chart in order to predict the direction of current and future trends in the Forex market. The decision to buy, sell, or hedge a current position – or to stay out of the market entirely – is made upon this analysis. Identify recurring patterns and make educated assessments to guide your decisions; should you initiate a trade at the current price, or set your system to open a position at a future price? The goal of the technical analyst is simple: to make profitable Forex trades by identifying past patterns that have historically led to a predictable outcome. However, the potential risk should always be considered. A recurring pattern is not precise and does not guarantee a desirable or expected price movement.

Tools of the Technical Trader

Using various chart types and technical indicators, more accurate predictions can be made from better analysis of the Forex market. Technical indicators use price, volume, volatility, and other factors to create measures of how the market crowd is behaving. Technical indicators can be utilized to help decipher underlying currents that are behind price action. Trend lines, support and resistance levels, reversals, and numerous patterns can also be used to track and identify trends. Once a pattern is recognized (not all are apparent), the Forex trader can decide whether to place a trade, or wait and monitor the price to see if the predictions were accurate.

Chart Patterns

Much of the body of technical analysis and the study of market action have to do with the study of human psychology. Chart patterns, identified over the past century, reflect bearish or bullish market patterns and are based on traders’ psychological reactions to certain supply/demand fluctuations. Assuming that the innate nature of human psychology does not change, patterns that have worked in the past are assumed to be viable forecasting tools for the future.

Concept of Trend

The third and final principle of technical analysis is the concept of trend. Market prices will continue in a trend until the trend reverses. The purpose of charting the price actions of a market is to identify trends in the early stages of their development with the intent of trading in the direction of those trends and continuing to ride these trends until they show signs of reversal.

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It’s important to note that forex trading carries a high level of risk due to the potential for significant leverage and market volatility. Traders should have a good understanding of the market, risk management techniques, and a solid trading strategy before participating in forex trading.