As the summer nears an end, activity in the markets is expected to rise. Not only are traders returning from vacations, but the busy calendar suggests even more action than usual.
What can traders do to get ready for this change? Here are three things.
The debt crisis in Europe returns, with big hopes but also fears. Details about the ECB’s big bond buying program are highly anticipated as well as the ruling of the German constitutional court regarding the legality of the ESM bailout mechanism. All this relates to the situation in Spain. In addition, the troika delegation is returning to Greece to see if Greece made progress. Add high expectations towards the Fed decision and many other events, and you have an explosive mix.
So, here is what you can do:
What can traders do to get ready for this change? Here are three things.
The debt crisis in Europe returns, with big hopes but also fears. Details about the ECB’s big bond buying program are highly anticipated as well as the ruling of the German constitutional court regarding the legality of the ESM bailout mechanism. All this relates to the situation in Spain. In addition, the troika delegation is returning to Greece to see if Greece made progress. Add high expectations towards the Fed decision and many other events, and you have an explosive mix.
So, here is what you can do:
- Stay up to date: The aforementioned events are the biggest ones. There are many more events scheduled and news breaks out unexpectedly. Stay tuned with what’s going on – the news could be dramatic to trigger big moves, and it’s important to know why and if the moves are expected to be sustained.
- Consider trading crosses: Often, the risk events cause excessive volatility that makes trading quite choppy. If you want to skip the action caused by some US indicators and focus on longer term moves on other currencies, try trading your specific currency against currencies other than the greenback.
- Lower your leverage: The mix of high volatility and high leverage can be lethal to your trading account. Big moves in the right direction are excellent, but even if you got the big move correctly, a sudden swing to the wrong direction may be quite painful, as it may swing away a big chunk of your account. Higher volatility provides more opportunities but more risk. So, lower your leverage and consider smaller positions.
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD makes a U-turn, focus on 1.1900
EUR/USD’s recovery picks up further pace, prompting the pair to retarget the key 1.1900 barrier amid further loss of momentum in the US Dollar on Wednesday. Moving forward, investors are expected to remain focused on upcoming labour market figures and the always relevant US CPI prints on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
GBP/USD sticks to the bullish tone near 1.3660
GBP/USD maintains its solid performance on Wednesday, hovering around the 1.3660 zone as the Greenback surrenders its post-NFP bounce. Cable, in the meantime, should now shift its attention to key UK data due on Thursday, including preliminary GDP gauges.
USD/JPY declines as Yen strengthens after election win, overshadowing US jobs data
The US Dollar rose briefly after stronger-than-expected job creation but gave back gains against a firm Japanese Yen. The Unemployment Rate falls to 4.3% and wages accelerate, reinforcing expectations of a prolonged Fed pause. Sanae Takaichi’s election victory fuels demand for the Japanese Yen, pushing USD/JPY down for the day.
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD makes a U-turn, focus on 1.1900
EUR/USD’s recovery picks up further pace, prompting the pair to retarget the key 1.1900 barrier amid further loss of momentum in the US Dollar on Wednesday. Moving forward, investors are expected to remain focused on upcoming labour market figures and the always relevant US CPI prints on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
GBP/USD sticks to the bullish tone near 1.3660
GBP/USD maintains its solid performance on Wednesday, hovering around the 1.3660 zone as the Greenback surrenders its post-NFP bounce. Cable, in the meantime, should now shift its attention to key UK data due on Thursday, including preliminary GDP gauges.
Gold holds on to higher ground ahead of the next catalyst
Gold keeps the bid tone well in place on Wednesday, retargeting the $5,100 zone per troy ounce on the back of modest losses in the US Dollar and despite firm US Treasury yields across the curve. Moving forward, the yellow metal’s next test will come from the release of US CPI figures on Friday.
Ripple Price Forecast: XRP sell-side pressure intensifies despite surge in addresses transacting on-chain
Ripple (XRP) is edging lower around $1.36 at the time of writing on Wednesday, weighed down by low retail interest and macroeconomic uncertainty, which is accelerating risk-off sentiment.
US jobs data surprises to the upside, boosts stocks but pushes back Fed rate cut expectations
This was an unusual payrolls report for two reasons. Firstly, because it was released on Wednesday, and secondly, because it included the 2025 revisions alongside the January NFP figure.
RECOMMENDED LESSONS
Making money in forex is easy if you know how the bankers trade!
I’m often mystified in my educational forex articles why so many traders struggle to make consistent money out of forex trading. The answer has more to do with what they don’t know than what they do know. After working in investment banks for 20 years many of which were as a Chief trader its second knowledge how to extract cash out of the market.
5 Forex News Events You Need To Know
In the fast moving world of currency markets where huge moves can seemingly come from nowhere, it is extremely important for new traders to learn about the various economic indicators and forex news events and releases that shape the markets. Indeed, quickly getting a handle on which data to look out for, what it means, and how to trade it can see new traders quickly become far more profitable and sets up the road to long term success.
Top 10 Chart Patterns Every Trader Should Know
Chart patterns are one of the most effective trading tools for a trader. They are pure price-action, and form on the basis of underlying buying and selling pressure. Chart patterns have a proven track-record, and traders use them to identify continuation or reversal signals, to open positions and identify price targets.
7 Ways to Avoid Forex Scams
The forex industry is recently seeing more and more scams. Here are 7 ways to avoid losing your money in such scams: Forex scams are becoming frequent. Michael Greenberg reports on luxurious expenses, including a submarine bought from the money taken from forex traders. Here’s another report of a forex fraud. So, how can we avoid falling in such forex scams?
What Are the 10 Fatal Mistakes Traders Make
Trading is exciting. Trading is hard. Trading is extremely hard. Some say that it takes more than 10,000 hours to master. Others believe that trading is the way to quick riches. They might be both wrong. What is important to know that no matter how experienced you are, mistakes will be part of the trading process.
The challenge: Timing the market and trader psychology
Successful trading often comes down to timing – entering and exiting trades at the right moments. Yet timing the market is notoriously difficult, largely because human psychology can derail even the best plans. Two powerful emotions in particular – fear and greed – tend to drive trading decisions off course.