Getting Into the Online Trading Game

To the layman on the street, the foreign exchange market is often referred to as an online trading game. This reference arises given the fact that foreign exchange trading takes place over the internet where orders can be placed with merely a few clicks of the mouse. Unlike what most people think, getting into the online trading game is actually a relatively easy process.

Getting Started In Online Trading Tip #1

The first step to getting into the online trading game would be to search for a credible online broker with which to open your online foreign exchange trading account. As trades often involve large sums of money, it is important to be sure that your broker has a credible reputation.

Typically, the broker should be a registered FCM (Futures Commission Merchant) with the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission). Read online reviews if you're not sure where to start. Also, your online broker should typically be an established firm, with years of experience in the foreign exchange market.

Getting Started In Online Trading Tip #2

The next step would involve determining how much money you would wish to put inside your online foreign exchange trading account. Most online brokers offer a variety of accounts, catering to different needs. A mini account usually requires a few hundred dollars while a standard account could involve amounts between $1,000 and $2,500 or more.

At times, your broker might need you to come to terms with a margin agreement, which allows them to step in should they consider the trade you are making to be too risky. Most brokers also provide the service of linking your bank account to your online trading account, allowing you to top up on your investments from time to time.

Getting Started In Online Trading Tip #3

Now that you have your account, do you begin trading right away? The answer is no.

Doing your market analysis homework is extremely important especially if you are new to the world of trading. Remember, the foreign exchange market is not a Las Vegas casino, and should never be treated as one. Look out for various resources pertaining to foreign exchange trading. The internet is a very good source of such reads. Understand the basics underlying a foreign exchange trade.

It would also be helpful for you to borrow or purchase books covering topics relevant on technical analysis. Foreign exchange traders study a whole list of charts to search for buy-sell signals in guiding their trading decisions. Some of the indicators you might want to look into would include the Moving Average, MACD and the Stochastic Oscillator. Charting software can be easily downloaded from the internet to guide your next trade as you put the methods used in technical analysis to make your next trading decision.

Getting Started In Online Trading Tip #4

Upon completion of your market analysis homework, it is time to put what you've learnt into practice. Most online brokers offer practice accounts, where you use "paper credits" to make real time trades. Take such practice sessions seriously by learning from whatever mistakes which you might have committed along the way, while constantly seeking the advice of well-informed professionals to further refine and hone your investment skills. Developing yourself into a sophisticated, well-informed investor is by no means easy and is often the product of hard work, experience and critical evaluation of past failures.

To round things up, it is easy to get into the online trading game. However, it is necessary to put in hard work and commitment in order for you to succeed at the online trading game and to get the most out of online foreign exchange trading.

By : John J Callingham
John Callingham is an authority on Forex Trading, providing valuable advice on how you can learn about forex currency trading
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