10 Tips For Better Bollinger Band Trading Decissions
By · CommentsThere are many rules to consider when trading with Bollinger Bands. The indicator appears difficult to understand on paper, but when the rules are followed, trading with Bollinger Bands can be both rewarding and easy to understand.
20 and 2 are just the default values – These periods are just a starting point. Yes they are effective, but adjustments will need to be made as you change timeframes. Your period (20) and standard deviation (2) will need to be smoothed or not directly related to the timeframe you are trading. For highly volatile markets consider making an adjustment to your period (20).
Bollinger bands do not work alone. – This is what most people would have you believe, but I’m here to tell that an effective Bollinger band strategy can trade with the bands exclusively with incredible results. I do use other indicators but only as confirmation tools and tools for perspective. Bollinger bands work well alone provided you understand how to read them correctly.
Stick with the trend. – It goes without saying that you ought to wait for a signal ands trigger in favor of the trend. Trading opposite the trend should be left to expert traders only. Use pivots and support and resistance to identify trend and direction, and take the triggers in favor of the trend.
Following the bands. – Yes, rather than revert to the mean price will often gravitate to either band and head in that direction aggressively. This is one of the huge profit potential zones Bollinger bands offers. For clues on whether price will reverse or follow the bands with the band reaction as price approaches.
Bollinger bands are an excellent tool when used with other forms of technical analysis. If you are looking at other chart patterns or formations use Bollinger bands and the reversion to the mean in conjunction with the pattern for better accuracy. For example a bullish patterns penetrating the lower band(s) can together give you near perfect entry.
If you are already familiar with trend lines and support and resistance, then adding Bollinger bands to this type of trading is an excellent combination. Bollinger bands will help to identify high probability zones when combined with a trend line / support and resistance style of trading.
Bollinger bands has just 2 values to set. The first is the N value, the second, K value is the standard deviation. 2 standard deviations is pretty common and works rather well in all timeframes. I like to set-up a 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 standard deviation one on top of the other. As far as the N value 10 is the absolute minimum. This is the look-back period and anything less than 10 is just noise.
Bollinger bands are not necessarily perfect for short trend and high volatility. Bollinger bands does measure and display high volatility it is not as effective on a 1to 5 minute chart as it is on say a 15 minute or hourly chart. Shorter term charts can experience volatility spikes that Bollinger bands may not signal.
It’s true that Bollinger bands is a lagging indicator. It’s also true that the Bands move after price and not before. One thing that most people don’t understand is that a close look at how the bands respond to price as it approaches is the key to making a killing with Bollinger bands.
Bollinger Band width is important too – Often forgotten, the width of the Bollinger Band does serve some importance to trading, especially in the realm of reversals and changes in direction. Mixing candlestick analysis with contractions in the Band width is a great way to trade reversals.
Elements of a Forex Trading Strategy
By · CommentsYears ago, the forex market was available only to long-term investors, banks and people who had great capitals. The trading transactions were made through an agent or voice broker who kept the clients informed on what was happening. Later on, this method was replaced by computerized automated systems. This was the early form of a forex trading strategy.
A forex trading strategy has two main elements:
1) Technical Analysis.
The technical analysis is based on charts and it observes the market movements using a mathematical formula. The traders learn about announcements and news on economics that may impact the forex markets. Its fundamental side is helpful in proper identification of what should be done and what should not.
The technical analysis is helpful in determining the areas of resistance and support due to its use of chart indicators. It reveals where the price reverses, where it stops or where it has no change. A preferred method to calculate the levels of resistance and support due to its accuracy is Fibonacci, which is a sequential number form and its proportions are found in nature such as sunflower seeds, and pineapple rinds.
If the Fibonacci numbers are put next to each other, the percentage ratios are obtained and they can be plotted on the chart. The good news is that the charting forex software is able to do the Fibonacci sequence for you. As you move along the charts, the key areas of resistance and support are potentially revealed to you. The Fibonacci sequence combined with proper indicators can show the strength and momentum of the latest market condition and it helps you create a strategy that can be profitable to you. And since history repeats itself, what has happened before in the forex market can still happen in the future.
2) Fundamental Analysis.
There are figures every day that are disseminated to reveal some economic circumstances of a particular country. These events can have unpredictable effects on the forex market. The impact will depend on the previous data and the figures implications. A very good advice for beginners and even for veterans is to stay away from the market when certain announcements and events take place.
Forex trading profits are being made almost similar to a traditional business. The procedure is very simple. You are going to buy something at a lower price then sell it at a higher price. The only difference is that in forex trading this can be reversible.
It is a simple process. A trade is being placed either in the sell or buy categories. Then the base currency will automatically buy or sell its opposite currency in pairs. The price will lively change every second. For instance, you purchase the GBP/USD pair. It means that you have purchased the pound currency and sold the dollar currency. You want a rise on the pounds value which will later on have a higher price when you resell it in the forex market. That would make a profit on the value difference.
If the brokers allow you to have 200:1 capital leverage, then you can possibly control a lot of money than what you really have. This is because you have bought one currency and sold the other. This way your capital can stay unmoved. The only crucial part which should be considered are the proportions which can be either gained or lost whenever changes in currency pair values occurs.
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Cash In On Bailouts With Index Trading
By · CommentsPresident Bush has been on the TV a lot lately. Too late for him to go down in history as a good president, but we will give him credit for trying. The Pres. has assured us all that we can grow our economy by spending more money. He even sent us each a few hundred to help us do that. One has to wonder if that was a set up for what was to come.
Next came the BIG bailouts for the banks and boys on Wall Street. Hey, where do we apply for some of that 700 Billion dollar pie? Well, don’t hold your breath on that one (in a moment we will show you how to cash in on the bail out actions with simple mini-dow index trading)!
Let’s see, if you are already in debt up to your ears – like the US government is, how is sending out free money going to stimulate the economy? And, how is that going to help the US government?
OH, don’t forget our friends over at the FED. The Reserve! The agency that is owned by the bankers. That masquerades around like they are part of the government. What many folks still don’t know is that they all pulled a fast one on us by sticking that word Federal in front of their name. The same thing the guy at Federal Express did when starting his company.
Frederick W. Smith founded FedEx. I clearly remember years ago when he was on 60 Minutes, he said that by the time folks figured out that he was not part of the government his company was already well on it’s way to success! Can’t blame his reasoning? What a PLAN! IT WORKED for the FED why not FedEx too?
Let’s quote right from the FedEx web site:
“Federal Express was so-named due to the patriotic meaning associated with the word “Federal,” which suggested an interest in nationwide economic activity. At that time, Smith hoped to obtain a contract with the Federal Reserve Bank and, although the proposal was denied, he believed the name was a particularly good one for attracting public attention and maintaining name recognition.”
I’m sure Smith did want a relationship with the Federal Reserve – who wouldn’t! These guys have the legalized right to print money! Think about it. It does not matter if it is a $1 bill or a $100 bill, it cost them about the same to make it (a few cents each). Then they “LOAN” that money at full face value to the US government. Full face value PLUS INTEREST! So now you know where the national debt comes from. We now owe that money – Plus Interest – to the FED. A private corporation controlled by international bankers.
So if you are thinking that Bush’s plan to grow the economy by handing out $100 bills won’t cost anything – Think Again! Where is that money going to come from? That’s right – the good ol boys at the FED. These mystical folks seem to be able to pull money out of thin air! Just think, with today’s high-tech world, the FED can just punch a button on a computer somewhere and release new funds to the world. Most of which never represents new bills being printed, but just credit in some bank or financial institutions account. Electronic numbers moving through nanoseconds of time and space.
Not only does the FED create money, they also have the ability to set their own interest rate!
- The Fed’s Open Market Committee (FOMC), announces their interest rate decisions. This is NOT the interest rate that you and I can get money for, (why don’t we all meet at the Fed Discount Window – wherever that is) but what the BIG boys who keep the whole world flowing receive. They in turn pump up the volume and pass the savings on to you and me right – WRONG! It could take weeks or even MONTHS after a cut to see any savings at the consumer level. So why do the markets get so active after an FOMC announcement?
The BIG boys are the ones who really move the market right (and they CAN line up at the FED window for a bailout). We just want a small slice of it. That’s all. Remember that when you are trading (or practicing the FED move trade -after an FOMC announcement).
So how do you cash in on the bailouts without getting a slice of the pie? Index trading! With all these bailout moves, the FED buying stock and giving away billions of dollars, it has caused some GREAT moves in the market. Not so good for stock traders, but Wonderful for those of us that just trade and follow the overall index.
No matter what happens, we can all do well with Simple Mini-Dow Index Trading. I look for GREAT times ahead for Index traders. We might have to pay more for the things we need, (because of the FED printing out bailout money like candy these days) but at least we can stay home and earn the money to get them!
Remember those FOMC announcements mentioned earlier? Many times after an announcement, the market moves and moves BIG. Much like the market moves we have all been seeing here lately with the bailout manipulation of the markets. The FED won’t give you a partnership deal like FedEx was looking for, but you can capitalize on their dealings.
Just follow an index and stay away from stock!
Finance Resources – Investment Style
By · CommentsWhile there are many different types of investments that one can make, there are really only three specific investment styles – and those three styles tie in with your risk tolerance. The three investment styles are conservative, moderate, and aggressive. Knowing what your risk tolerance and investment style are will help you choose investments more wisely.
Naturally, if you find that you have a low tolerance for risk, your investment style will most likely be conservative or moderate at best. If you have a high tolerance for risk, you will most likely be a moderate or aggressive investor. At the same time, your financial goals will also determine what style of investing you use.
If you are saving for retirement in your early twenties, you should use a conservative or moderate style of investing – but if you are trying to get together the funds to buy a home in the next year or two, you would want to use an aggressive style.
Conservative investors want to maintain their initial investment. In other words, if they invest $5000 they want to be sure that they will get their initial $5000 back.
Many moderate investors invest 50% of their investment funds in safe or conservative investments, and invest the remainder in riskier investments. A moderate investor usually invests much like a conservative investor, but will use a portion of their investment funds for higher risk investments.
An aggressive investor is willing to take risks that other investors won’t take. They invest higher amounts of money in riskier ventures in the hopes of achieving larger returns – either over time or in a short amount of time. Aggressive investors often have all or most of their investment funds tied up in the stock market.
Again, determining what style of investing you will use will be determined by your financial goals and your risk tolerance. No matter what type of investing you do, however, you should carefully research that investment.
Tips on How To Get The Best Penny Stock Deal
By · CommentsThe penny stock market is a roller coaster. One moment your up and the next thing you’re down. And the best part is that the excitement doesn’t stop. That is if that’s how you prefer to see it. Despite the risks being warned by many, you can still end the day with the best penny stock deal in the market. Because the best deal require knowing the best options. There will always be a way around it.
Before you jump into the penny stock bandwagon, it is important to prepare yourself. This is an investment you are dealing with. There will always be risks and loopholes. Mistakes will be made. The price to get the best penny stock deal may not come easy. But there are easy reminders to keep you on track. Here goes.
- Maintain a positive view. You bring your money into the challenge and this can be disturbing. Especially when you sense that your stocks are falling. Stay light with your views and stay alert. Your positive attitude can always help you make better decisions for your penny shares in the end.
- Learn the loops of the trade. This is very basic and elementary. There are secrets in stock buying. But opening your mind to learning can be one of your best weapons. A best penny stock deal doesn’t come in a silver platter. You have to work for it. Understand the trends and the companies. Keep track of those who are consistent in the list. Most of all, learn the pricing changes.
- Don’t be afraid to consult others. There are many avenues to do this. In the internet alone, there are penny stock forums, message boards, and blogs that you can get insights from. If you can afford to subscribe to small caps newsletters, then do it. The best penny stock tomorrow may just be in the list. These are paid subscriptions so it safe to assume that it could be worth your money.
- Understand what you are getting into. Another way of saying it is to calculate your risks. Don’t invest too much of what you have. A sound advice would be to keep it to a maximum of ten percent of your basic funds. If you have extra, the better. Just don’t over invest. You may lose all of them.
- Learn about the key players and their language. Aside from the basic buy-and-sell stock exchange concept, there are other stuffs to know. The role players are the stock broker, day traders, SEC, NYSE, NASDAQ, and more. Then there are some terms. There’s the bull and the bear. There’s the pump-and-dump. Learn and understand them.
- Experience will be your best mentor. Just like a roller coaster, the first ride is scary. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll understand the highs and lows. Later on, you will know how, when, and what to anticipate. The key to winning the best penny stock is to never stop learning. Broaden your knowledge of the business. Keep a wise buy scheme always. The truth is, the penny stock business is not as easy as you think. Just keep your reminders easy to remember. Your last reminder must be to always learn from experience.