Position trading in forex is a popular strategy used by traders in Singapore. It involves holding onto a trade for an extended period, ranging from weeks to months. This type of trading takes advantage of long-term trends and market fluctuations rather than short-term price movements.
Position trading is suitable for individuals who prefer a more hands-off approach, as it requires less time and effort than other strategies. However, it does require a significant amount of patience, discipline and a thorough understanding of market analysis. This article will discuss how to do position forex trading in Singapore.
How to do position trading
Position trading can be an effective way to make profits in the forex market. It allows traders to take advantage of long-term trends and minimise the impact of short-term market fluctuations. It is important to note that this strategy may not be suitable for everyone, and traders should carefully consider their risk tolerance and financial goals before implementing it.
Choose a currency pair
The first step in position trading is to choose a currency pair to trade. This decision should be based on thorough market analysis and considering economic events that may impact the currencies involved. In Singapore, popular currency pairs for position trading include USD/SGD, EUR/SGD, and JPY/SGD.
Traders should also consider the volatility of the chosen currency pair, as this can affect the holding period and potential profits. For example, a highly volatile currency pair may require a more extended holding period to capitalise on trends fully.
It is also essential to consider any transaction costs associated with trading the chosen currency pair. These costs can affect profits and should be factored into the overall strategy.
Open a forex trading demo account
Before diving into live trading, it is recommended to open a forex trading demo account. It will allow traders to practice their position trading strategy without risking real money. Demo accounts provide a simulated trading environment, providing traders with valuable experience and insights.
When choosing a demo account, it is essential to ensure it offers features similar to a live account. It includes access to real-time market data and charting tools for technical analysis. Some platforms also provide virtual funds for traders in their demo trades.
Traders can use their demo account to test various strategies, analyse market trends and get comfortable with the platform before transitioning to live trading.
Conduct market analysis
Forex analysis is crucial in position trading, as it helps traders identify potential trends and make informed trade decisions. There are two main types of analysis: fundamental and technical.
Fundamental analysis entails evaluating economic factors that could influence the market, including interest rates, employment data, and political events. This type of analysis is significant for position traders as it focuses on long-term trends.
Technical analysis involves studying charts and using indicators to identify potential market movements. Traders can use various charting tools, such as moving averages, Bollinger bands, and stochastic oscillators, to analyse market trends.
Set entry and exit points
Once the market analysis has been conducted, traders can set their entry and exit points for a trade. It involves identifying support and resistance levels on the chart and setting stop-loss and take-profit orders accordingly.
Stop-loss orders limit possible losses by automatically closing a trade if the price reaches a fixed level. In contrast, take-profit orders serve the purpose of securing profits by automatically closing a trade when the price attains a predetermined level.
It is crucial for traders to regularly monitor their positions and adjust these orders as needed based on market conditions.
Monitor and manage trades
Position trading requires patience and discipline, but traders need to monitor their open trades regularly. It includes keeping up with market news and events that may impact the chosen currency pair.
Traders should also be prepared to make adjustments to their positions if necessary. It could include closing a trade early if market conditions change or adjusting stop-loss and take-profit orders based on evolving trends.
It is also vital for traders to periodically review their overall strategy and make any necessary adjustments to optimise their trades.
Close positions and analyse the results
Traders need to know when to close their positions, which could be based on hitting the take-profit target, reaching a predetermined time frame, or if market conditions change significantly. Traders should evaluate their results and analyse their performance to identify areas for improvement.
It is also vital to manage profits and losses effectively. Therefore, taking profits when reached, but also being prepared to cut losses if the trade does not go as planned. It is important to remain disciplined and follow the chosen strategy, even taking small profits or losses.