The Most Popular And Efficient Forex Trading Strategies (UPDATED 2023)
Forex trading is all about trading strategies. Forex trading strategies involve the moves that a trader makes to assess the market and analyze the right time to buy and sell the currency pair. Traders apply fundamental and technical analytics to develop forex trading strategies that work and conduct trading and investment in the foreign exchange market. A sound forex trading strategy coupled with robust techniques of risk management will undoubtedly help traders in extracting maximum profits from an exchange market that never sleeps.
The most effective forex trading strategies
To formulate a forex trading strategy, the trading analyst has to consider a combination of factors. One also has to keep his trading objectives and preferences in mind to flourish as an FX specialist. The algorithmic forex broker platforms offer a variety of forex trading strategies to registered traders. The foreign exchange enthusiast needs to weigh different strategies, based on his buying and selling style and suitability, as per the following criteria:
- The requirement of time resource
- The high availability of foreign exchange business opportunities
- The typical distance that is to be targeted for the FX business
Forex analysts and experts have devised the following forex trading strategies based on the criteria above. It is recommended to conduct a demo first before deciding on a final strategy. Dealers also wield a mix of forex trading strategies that work to rake in substantial profits from the market. You can assess the widely accepted and highly successful forex trading strategies given below:
1. Range Trading Strategy
Range trading involves identifying the points of support and resistance so that the individual can place the trade around these key points. This approach is remarkably effective in those markets that do not experience erratic trends or sudden shifts in volatility. The primary tool for the range trading forex strategy is technical analysis.
Length of the trade
For the range approach of buying and selling, the strategy has no fixed length for the trades as the forex trading strategies bound by length are suitable for every time frame. An integral part of this strategy is the management of trading risks as breakouts occur during the trading. To prevent exposure to business risks, the range trader has the power to close any position-bound trades by the current range.
Entry or Exit points
The most popular tools to determine entry and exit points in the foreign exchange business are oscillators. The well-known oscillator tools of foreign exchange business include relative Strength Index (RSI), stochastics, Commodity Channel Index (CCI), and more. Traders often combine the foreign exchange strategies of price action and range methodology and deploy the oscillator tools at the same time for the enhanced validation of breakouts or range-bound signals. The range approach helps to yield pretty profitable ratios, although the FX dealer has to invest a whole lot of time in every session for the plan of action to bear fruit.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the range trading strategy are tabulated below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Range trading opens up a host of trading opportunities for the trader. | The period of time investment is too long and often results in diminishing returns |
| The ratio between risk and reward is highly favorable for the trader. | This strategy requires an accurate and in-depth technical analysis, which is not an easy task for most traders. |
2. Position trading strategy
The strategy of position trading is preferred by traders who like to conduct foreign exchange commerce on a long-term basis. This strategy mainly focuses on rudimentary factors, but it takes technical methods like the Elliott Wave Theory into consideration as well. This strategic approach does not take small price fluctuations and minor market trends into account; these variations are too nominal to have any impact on the bigger picture of the forex market. The position trading strategy is not only effective for foreign exchange trading but also for the stock business.
Length of the trade
With the position trade strategy, the trader can conduct business on a long-term basis that can extend to weeks, months, and years. This course of action is especially preferred by traders who persevere against market odds to rake in considerable profits at the end. To employ the position trading strategy, the FX stockist needs to study the market and conduct a thorough technical analysis to make profits.
Points of entry and exit
The charts of more extended time frames display the key points that present valuable information for the position trader. The FX stockbroker analyses a comprehensive view of the market and decides the entry and exit points based on technical analysis outcomes.
Pros and cons
The pros and cons of position trading are given below:
| Pros | Cons |
| The amount of time the investment requires is low and within reasonable limits. | With position trading, the trader does not get sufficient opportunities for business. |
| The ratio between risk and reward is highly positive and therefore favorable for the forex traders. | Position trading requires a high level of fundamental and technical analysis that is not an easy task. |
3. Price action trading strategy
The formulation of the strategy of price action trading mandates the assessment of the historical prices of currency pairs of the forex market. The strategy of price action trading is a standalone technique that can be employed alone or in association with technical indicators for the most profitable trading. The price action approach of trading hardly involves fundamental analysis, although it does incorporate the analysis of economic events for opening and closing the trade. This trading strategy encompasses various forex trading strategies that work like position, swing, scalping, day, trend, and range methods. These approaches have their own sets of rules and requirements.
Length of the trade:
The interesting fact about the strategy of price action approach of trading is that it can be employed for a variety of time periods whether short, average, or long.
Points or entry and exit
With this forex trading strategy, there are several modes of determining the levels of support and resistance for deciding the point of entry and exit. The entry and exit points, based on support and resistance levels, are determined by a Fibonacci retracement, oscillators, indicators, trend identification, and candle wicks.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons are tabulated below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Price action trading is suited to the preference of every trader. | It is difficult, at times, for a trader to analyse the market and apply the right strategies of price action trading. |
4. Day trading strategy
The strategy of day trading has been specifically formulated for trading in financial instruments within the same day. Day trading requires the FX stockbroker to open and close the trading position within a day. However, it does not mean that the trader has to conduct only one trading session. He can conduct multiple trading sessions throughout the day, but the employment of this course of action should not exceed 24 hours.
Length of the trade
The trade time ranges from acutely short-term, that is for a few minutes, or so to moderately short-term, that is for a few hours within the same day. The trades have to be opened and closed within the same day of trading.
Points of entry and exit
The point of entry is the time when the price of the currency pair breaks through the EMA of 8 periods, and the time of exit is when the dealer can close the trading position when the ratio between the risk and reward reaches 1:1.
Pros and cons
The pros and cons are tabulated below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Day trading usually yields quick profits and the forex market becomes replete with opportunities for day traders. | The strategy of day trading requires the investment of excessive time. |
| The ratio between the risk and reward is median. | The strategy involves a high level of technical and specialized analysis. |
5. Strategy of swing trading
The strategy of swing trading is speculative in nature and it allows the traders to capitalize on the opportunities that are offered at the trending and range bound forex markets. The traders can open short and long positions of trading by cherry-picking at either “bottoms” or “tops” at the forex market.
Length of the trade
The strategy of swing trading is favorable for those traders who seek to trade over a medium term by holding the trading position from a few hours to a few days. However, some traders even go for the trends of longer terms as these enable them to make the best of the trend at several points along the trend line.
Points of entry and exit
The forex traders employ oscillator tools and a host of technical indicators for the selection of the points of entry and exit positions. The strategy of swing trading can be applied at both range bound and trending forex markets.
Pros and cons
The pros and cons are tabulated below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Swing trading exposes the trader to a world of trading opportunities in markets that witness a variety of trends and shifts. | The amount of time investment required is too extensive and tedious. |
| The ratio between the risk and reward is median in nature. | The swing trading approach entails a high level of technical analysis that is a Herculean task for most traders. |
6. The strategy of forex scalping
Forex scalping is a common and highly efficient strategy of trading that involves the extraction of quick and small profits by trading on a highly frequent basis. The frequency of trading can be achieved by opening and closing several positions of trading throughout the day. The opening and closing of trading positions can be executed manually or on the basis of algorithmic analysis of the FX market that indicates to the FX financier in the form of trading signals regarding the right time to open and close the trading position.
The forex traders prefer to conduct trading in liquid forex pairs as the spreads are too tight. It is more profitable to execute trading with tight spreads over the short-term as FX scalping befits the short-term basis of trading.
Length of the trade
The method of scalping involves short-term foreign exchange trading that yields minimal returns. The length of the trades is denoted by charts of small-time frames that range between a minute to about half an hour.
Points of entry and exit
With FX scalping, the first thing that the FX financier needs to do is the identification of the trends in the market. The traders make use of trading indicators like moving averages and more for the verification of the market trends. By employing the key points of the trend with longer time frames of trading, the FX financier is able to get a view of the overall market pattern of price movements.
The levels help in the creation of support and resistance bands. The traders then attempt at FX scalping within the bands and on a smaller time frame with the help of RSI and other oscillator tools to extract profits. The stops are positioned at least a few pips away for positioning for avoiding large moves against the forex trade. Another tool that is used is the MACD indicator for entering and exiting the trade.
Pros and cons
The pros and cons of forex scalping strategy are tabulated below:
| Pros | Cons |
| The forex scalping strategy enables the trader to conduct trading in different kinds of forex markets. | The time investment required for forex scalping is too long. |
| The ratio between risk and reward is very low. | |
| The requirement of a high level of technical analysis is too unfavorable for the traders who are not so tech savvy. |
7. Strategy of carry trade
The strategy of carry trading involves the borrowing of a currency that is available at a low rate and then making an investment in a currency that bears a higher rate of yielding returns. Such a strategy results in carrying the trade forward along a positive and profitable curve. The strategy of carry trade is one of the most popularly employed moves in the foreign exchange market.
Length of the trade
The strategy of carry trade depends on the fluctuations in the rate of interest between the currencies of the currency pair. Consequently, the length of the trades for carry trading varies between medium and long-term, from a few weeks to even, years.
Points of entry and exit
If the forex market witnesses a bullish trend then the best way to take control of it is to wield the strategy of carry trading. The strategy operates on a lengthy time frame enabling the FX financier to make substantial gains. The first thing that the trader needs to do is study the market and establish the trend. The forex stockbroker has to keep two aspects of foreign exchange business in mind that include interest rate risk and exchange rate risk.
The best time for opening the trading position is when the trade commences. Such a move enables the trader to capitalize on the fluctuation of the exchange rate. As far as the component of the interest rate risk is concerned, the trader shall receive the differential of the interest rate, irrespective of the market trend. The forex trader receives the interest rate differential only if the currency named first has a higher rate of interest than the second currency in the pair.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| The amount of time that needs to be invested is pretty low. | The trader gets very few trading opportunities. |
| The ratio between the risk and reward is median. | The strong appreciation of the FX market is not favorable for the traders. |
8. Strategy of trend trading
The strategy of trend trading is the simplest of the lot, and so, it is especially preferred by forex traders who are new to the world of foreign exchange trading. The objective of the strategy of trend trading is to acquire positive and lucrative returns by the exploitation of the directional momentum of the foreign exchange market.
Length of the trade
The time horizon that is suitable for the strategy of trend trading varies from medium to long-term basis on the basis of trend fluctuations. The time frame makes the trend trading strategy suitable for traders at almost every level of experience. The trend trading strategy is highly suited for trading in multiple time frames.
The points of entry and exit
The points of entry of the forex trades are indicated by the use of oscillator tools like CCI, RSI, and more. The exit points of the forex trade are estimated on the basis of the positive ratio between risk and reward. By employing the technique of stop level distances, the forex trader can either exceed the distance for the maintenance of a positive ratio between risk and reward or can seek to equal the stop level distance while trading. For example, if the stop level is positioned at about 50 pips, then, the level of profit would be fixed at 50 pips or more farther from the point of entry.
Pros and cons
The pros and cons of trend trading strategy are tabulated below:
| Pros | Cons |
| There are a large number of trading opportunities available for the forex trader. | The requisite period of time investment is too long. |
| The ratio between the risk and reward is quite favorable. | The appreciation of technical analysis is too strong for most forex traders. |
How to make sure that the strategies for forex trading actually succeed?
Foreign exchange trading is more than venturing into the market with a handful of intraday trading strategies that work. For the trade forex to be profitable, the forex broker has to take advantage of the following strategic tips of FX trading in mind.
- Formulate your foreign exchange business goals
Know what you need and act on it. If quick profits are your trading goal, then take advantage of day trading. On the other hand, if you want to let your funds appreciate in value over time, then consider opting for the position trading strategy. Adopt the right approach, set your trading objectives straight, and then pick the forex trading strategies to conduct trading in the FX market.
- Make sure that the forex broker and the forex trading platform are reputable
It is of the utmost importance to select regulated UK forex brokers & other brokers and has a reputation in the industry. Do thorough research and conduct demo trading with the platforms that you shortlist based on the broker’s policies and such other factors. Check for the regulatory bodies that supervise the transactions across the platform. Read the user reviews before settling for the right choice.
- Assess the points of entry and exit
An analysis of the market reveals conflicting information that often confuses the traders. Such a confusion usually occurs while assessing the foreign exchange transaction charts that belong to different time horizons. In fact, a signal may seem to be an opportunity for purchasing in a weekly trading chart, but the same signal appears as a selling signal in an intra-day trading chart.
Therefore, if one consults the directions of a weekly chart for basic buy and sell and uses a daily trading chart for opening the trading position, then he needs to sync up the two charts of different time frames for accurate buy and sell kind of trading in currency pairs. For instance, if the weekly trading chart transmits a buying signal, then wait until the daily trading chart confirms the same, thus maintaining time synchronization during the FX trades.
- Estimate the expectancy of foreign exchange trading
The expectancy of foreign exchange trading is the formula for determining the reliability of the whole system. Analyze the trading history and estimate every trade to have an idea of the number of wins and losses. Determine the profitability of the successful trades and assess the ruin wreaked by the trades that were lost.Calculate the expectancy on the basis of the formula given below:
E=[ 1 + (W/L) ] x P – 1, where E is Expectancy, L is Average Losing Trade, W is Average Winning Trade, and P is Percentage Win Ratio.
- Conduct an analysis every weekend
Study the charts of the past week every weekend and identify the news or patterns that can have a potential impact on the forex trade. Plan your strategy accordingly to capitalize on the market pattern of price movements and extract a good profit.
- Maintain a record in printed form
The maintenance of a printed record is an excellent tool for learning. Print out the chart and enlist every reason for taking part in a particular foreign exchange trading session. Note down the fundamental analysis data that influence your strategic decisions. Mark the chart with the points of entry and exit.
Include everything that is relevant, including the emotions that you felt while trading like panic, anxiety, or cool confidence. Taking note of your emotions can help in the objectification of the foreign exchange business and contributes to the development of discipline and mental composure as a foreign exchange trader.
- Work on the creation of positive feedback loops
The creation of a positive feedback loop is the outcome of a well-executed foreign exchange trading session in accordance with the trading strategies forex and plan of action. If the trading session gets executed successfully as per the strategy, then the FX stockbroker is able to establish a pattern of positive feedback.
Success leads to more success that, in turn, instills confidence in the trader and makes the trading session more profitable. Even if the trader incurs a small loss, but according to the plans of the forex trade, then that too will help in the creation of a positive feedback loop.
- Develop a strategic and consistent methodology
Do not venture into the FX market without making a decision about the way to execute the forex trade. Conduct a thorough analysis of the foreign exchange market to develop a foreign exchange business approach. Check out the underlying fundamental aspects of the market’s economy and study the trading charts to determine the right time to open and close the trade. Develop a methodology of FX business as well. Adhere to it and make sure that it is adaptive enough to adjust to the dynamics of the market, to rake in good profits.
Conclusion
Foreign exchange trading is a remarkably lucrative venture, but only when it is done strategically. It does not matter if you have a rich capital or if your foreign exchange broker is driven by AI-based algorithms. The success of the forex trading strategy depends on the approach. Sound strategies can fatten your bank account, whereas a bad one can make you incur heavy losses. Talk with foreign exchange experts to develop a methodology that suits your trading style and preferences. Conduct a demo trading of your plan of action first to test out its profitability before venturing into the real market.
FAQs
1. What is the best strategy for forex trading?
Ans. The approach of day trading is the most suitable for FX brokers of any level of expertise
2. What are the strategies in forex trading?
Ans. The most effective methodologies of FX business include breakout, scalping, momentum, position, range-bound, and other approaches.
3. Which time frame is the best for trading?
Ans. The time frame depends on the style and approach adopted for conducting business in the FX market. Consult the trigger and trend charts to decide the most suitable time frame.
4. How do I succeed in forex trading?
Ans. In order to succeed in FX business, it is imperative to adopt a plan of action, set the stop losses, risk as much money as is affordable, keep calm while buying and selling the FX assets, and avoid taking part in business as a compensation for the losses.