Should You Use the PC Ratio?

April 15, 2011 · Posted in Future Trading · Comment 

In this article, we’ll review some of the major pros and cons of using the put call ratio to help anticipate market turns and trends. Let’s start with the pros.

Probably the most obvious advantage of using the Put Call Ratio is that it reports something that is often considered one of the primary market drivers, i.e. market sentiment.

Secondly, the data used to calculate the put call ratio is widely available to all investors with access to the internet.

The third supporting point is that, because historical data is rather abundant, the ratio can be charted easily using most major trading platforms or charting packages.

The fourth point in support of the put call ratio is that it is an easy concept to grasp for even the beginner trader or investor.

And the last pro of using the put call ratio is that it helps investors identify oversold and overbought conditions early enough to anticipate and act on new trends.

And now, for balance, the cons.

One of the major cons of using the p/c ratio is its simplicity. The simple calculation doesn’t always reflect a such a complex dynamic as investor psychology.

A second con of using the standard method of calculating the put call ratio is that it only accounts for the volume activity of options traded and not the dollar amount.

Thirdly, the p/c ratio is not a stand-alone indicator and, to be useful, must be applied with other indicators of market sentiment.

Fourthly, to calculate the p/c ratio for an individual stock, there must be options offered on the issue. So, the ratio cannot be calculated for smaller stocks.

The fifth con is that the options must have enough volume to reveal meaningful trends in investor sentiment.

So, those are some of the advantages of using the put call ratio.

So, should you incorporate the put call ratio into your analysis?

The put call ratio is a handy indicator for many investors and traders. But it should always be applied with full the knowledge of its limitations.

Technical Analysis and the Wider Meaning

April 11, 2011 · Posted in Investment Bonds · Comment 

The origins of technical analysis can be traced as far back as the 18th century, to candlestick charts. Frenzied 18th century Japanese rice traders pioneered the future foundations of technical analysis, formulating a basic charting system for trading rice contracts. The founder of the system, Homma Munehisa went on to gain Japanese acclaim as an honorary samurai for his trading prestige. Time has moved on but the efficient, logical art of technical analysis continues in many forms within the modern day stock market. We take a look at just how individuals are embracing the technical mindset as part of their modern day trading activity.

The definition of technical analysis varies but a simple idea pervades most definitions, with the idea of Technical analysis reflecting a method of evaluation taking into account key features pulled from physical charting data including pricing and open interest levels, to speculate on future market trends.

The technical analysis theory tends to co-exist with a fundamental approach. The ability to comprehend fundamental analysis will aid your understanding of technical analysis through this innate difference. Some traders choose to implement both theories and others defiantly only believe in one school of thought. Analysis need not be subjected to this sense of categorization and an understanding of both combined with a willingness to acknowledge that both may have potential positive and negative outcomes demonstrates a good breadth of analytical ability.

Fundamental analysis considers the economic factors influencing possible stock value, whereas technical analysis is based on existing pricing data. The fundamentals take multiple forms encompassing everything from political change through to management structures. Imagine the idea of fundamentals as the concept of looking at a book sitting on a table, you can see the front cover and using the location of the book and who is sitting next to the book, you can theorize the type of book it is and the books future movement. A technical approach will ignore the external environment the book exists in and will read the past chapters in the book to predict the books possible ending.

Whilst we have been quick to categorise analysts as technical there are many different versions of technical analysis with individuals choosing to re-interpret or move forward data analysis. Traditionally known as chartists, chart focused individuals have created labels for pattern types including flag or triangle patterns which occur repeatedly. Conversely JM Hurst has pioneered new research into the interpretation of these specific signals. Technical analysis software provides an outlet for the trader to tailor specific design indicators and signals encouraging a freedom of thought despite the seemingly uniform chartist approach.

Technical analysis invites the trader to build a strategic mindset, as with any strategy, risk is still very much present but a technical focus helps to create direction. The ability to interpret charting data opens the gates to an array of other technical possibilities including fibonnaci and identifying volatility smiles.

An Honest Look At Fap Turbo

July 17, 2010 · Posted in Future Trading · Comment 

With different programs claiming that to be a hundred percent effective, it’s normal for us to raise a brow every time a review gets published. We are all wary about scams and different programs that just under perform.

This is why before we believe what all the websites are saying, I’ve done a little experiment of my own.

FAP Turbo is one of those automated Forex programs that help us trade in the foreign exchange market. By nature, these programs must be able to have an efficient system, provide ease of use, give out consistent results and ultimately lead to profits for the user.

According to their sales page, FAP Turbo will help you start earning huge amounts of money even though you do not have to always be behind the computer because the program works wonderful on autopilot.

It also said that the only real thing you’ll have to do is to install the program and you can start raking in money with just your $500.

These are all amazing claims which were all put to the test. When it came to the efficiency of the software, we can check the efficiency of the program through its background. The FAP Turbo started with the Forex Autopilot system.

This older version worked pretty well and its users were able to earn as much as $3,000 to $6,000. That’s quite decent already but the FAP Turbo triples that amount. After the test trial, I found out that the user can earn as much as $30,000 in 90 days with the FAP Turbo.

FAP Turbo also manages to take the laurels with its ease of use. You only need as little as 5 minutes to install the software through simple to follow instructions. Right after you’re through with that you can start earning as much as $140 in just 3 hours.

If you’re a new trader wanting to get a heads start or a senior trader hoping to get things done simpler, the FAP Turbo is perfect for you.

Finally, FAP Turbo has impressive customer support so that you can go through unforeseen glitches that might pop up. Test queries sent took less than 24 hours to receive a response.

As a final check, you’ll be glad to find out that you can have your money back within 60 days if ever you become dissatisfied with the service.

Iron Condor - Oh Man, I Want My Mommy…

July 16, 2010 · Posted in Investment Bonds · Comment 

The Iron Condor is perhaps the most dangerous option strategy around.

See here’s the deal: when a new fresh faced option trader first hears of this trading strategy - he or she becomes so enamoured with it that they just can’t seem to help but jump right into trading them - risking way too much money - and without much thought of what they are going to do if the trade starts to go wrong.

And unfortunately what always seems to happen to a high percentage of them is that they promptly wind up getting their trading accounts demolished and their heads handed to them on a platter.

Now stop.

Before you start to get the wrong impression, please, let me clarify something here.

I actually LIKE iron condors. I like them ALOT.

I think the iron condor really IS a great trade.

And yes, I absolutely believe all those stories and claims you hear swirling around about iron condors generating ten percent plus monthly returns and providing trades that have the probability of winning somewhere in the range of eighty to ninety percent. In fact, I KNOW those stories are true because I see it happen all the time in my very own trading account.

The problem is - there is something big that is being left out of all those claims and stories - and this something is causing way too many fresh new doe eyed option traders to misunderstand this strategy right from the beginning and blindly jump into them with completely wrong expectations.

Yes it’s true that iron condors and credit spreads can be put on with an eighty to ninety percent probability of winning. And yes it’s true that they can generate returns of over ten percent a month. BUT - they also come with a dangerous risk to reward ratio that can be in the range of ten to one.

10 to 1! That means that in order to try and make just one dollar, you need to be willing to risk ten. Or, put another way - in order to make 100 dollars, you need to risk 1,000 dollars. Or - risk $10,000.00 to hopefully make just $1,000.00!

And as mammy used to say to us kids - ‘that ain’t nothin but a real awful bad egg’.

Because once you do the math you find that even with those glorious monthly returns with 80 to 90 percent probability of winning - all it takes is just one problem month to come along and cause a loss that will completely obliterate the 8 to 9 wins you’ve managed to rack up - as well as potentially the rest of your entire account!

Nevertheless…

There is still hope…

Like I said before, I LOVE the iron condor trade.

Over the last ten years it’s been extremely profitable for me.

So obviously there’s a way around that horrible risk to reward issue and the inevitable problematic losing months.

And there absolutely is.

It’s all in how you manage the trade.

That risk to reward problem quickly becomes a complete non issue as soon as you educate yourself on the proper way to initially set these trades up and how to correctly manage and adjust them.

You just need to take the time BEFORE jumping into the iron condor pool to equip yourself with this little bit of knowledge. A few simple ‘tricks of the trade’ - so when those problem months DO come along (and they WILL believe me) - you will know exactly what you need to do to immediately squash that threat, easily adjust yourself out of the problem, and experience the iron condor for all it’s ‘really’ cracked up to be.

Finding Effective Trading Strategies - Forex Trading Systems

July 4, 2010 · Posted in Currency Trading · Comment 

Discovering the most effective strategies in any given circumstance could stop most of us from falling for our subconscious minds so we can breakdown the situation or better yet ourselves. A question per se pops in my head from the Jungian Personality Test I recently took:

The process of searching for a solution is more important to you than the solution itself

True or False

We might be able to get just what we want if the moves, capable of bringing about the good and helpful to our ventures, were known. In any predicament it helps and not educating yourself fully is one ailing factor that may leave you with an unfortunate outcome not to mention a superficial end result.

A nagging and big “situation” is money and investment. Being unprepared in any market is not a good idea, neither is giving focus only to the money without thinking beforehand if it’s really for you. Forex market is a place that requires the use of effective and helpful maneuvers to succeed with any investment and at the same time be happy with the decision. The internet, counselors in the field, and research can all help you move closer to getting what you want.

How to find effective strategies of the Forex market:

One of the most helpful educational tools you can use is internet research. On Forex, reading reviews and ratings can be great aid as well as searching the in-depth details of Forex. Forums and blogs on Forex can give you the inside scoop. You may also want to try finding outsides sources with free information on the trading strategies in the Forex market. Experts often share trading techniques and tips on the forums.

As you enter into the Forex market it may be a good idea to seek counsel who is reliable. It’s also best to find one who does not intend to profit from you.

3) It is important to review the strategy you wish to use. Then look for unbiased or independent reviews on it. This can come as an advantage in fishing out the good and bad of it, which can help assist in your next step.

When finding the Forex trading strategy that you wish to use it is important to test it. An actual real time trading experiment is best when it comes to you and your success. Experiment with the strategy using a micro or demo account, as this will allow to test your strategy without losing money or your pride.

One Last Bit of Advice:

Planning could honestly be your best friend in this case concerning the forex trading market. A good chunk of the problems that traders face is letting their emotions and stress get the best of them, especially to new traders; planning could be the link to sanity.

Fear and greed also tend to lead traders to a loss. A more successful career can be based on planning and following the trend. Simplicity is the key in all factors of life, so why should trading be any different?

Swing Traders And Swing Trading

July 3, 2010 · Posted in Future Trading · Comment 

Not like day traders which trade selected shares any couple of hours, minutes as well as seconds, swing traders usually tend to keep their particular shares or funds for a bit more time. They’ll keep their buys for a few days or perhaps a few months. Since most market investors maintain their shares, funds as well as other instruments for years (or even ages), swing trading remains to be thought of as high-risk as well as high-maintenance.

Acquire often traded shares. It can be hard to exercise swing trading with a stock or couple of stocks of which does not trade regularly and then in huge sizes. Lacking a great deal of trading, you won’t capitalize on the expectations or pessimism toward the stock, finding and catching it on the upswing and fast selling it on the downswing.

Choose large-cap, successful stocks which have been traded in exceptional quantities, such as Home Depot or General Electric.

Reside atop the economic news. Swing traders know that they need to be the first one to be aware of news in addition to among the first to react to what is the news to benefit from large-scale purchaser or seller response.

Watch your stock while it cycles. Get the hang of it’s moods and in what ways it responds to market indices. Can it track Dow Jones or NASDAQ tracking funds, or will it usually escape the market by moving in response to (in the opposing path of) the market? In the same way a surfer watches the ocean before getting in water to find out the quantity of waves come into the shore just before a break, so, too, does an informed swing trader view the cycles of more than one stocks.

Practice your knowledge of the market in general and your stock especially to get or sell more rapidly when compared with your competitors, and thus building a profit. The ability to learn how and when to work with information is why a little swing traders rich and others too poor to carry on the practice. A little bit of traders use feelings, Indian astrology and / or mathematical formulas including Gann’s Wheel (or Square of Nine) to decide when to trade.

Learn The Basics Of Swing Trading First

June 30, 2010 · Posted in Currency Trading · Comment 

The Swing Trading Strategy of trading for about 10 minutes a day is really successful and great in earning nice money and gains. It will tell you what to do and when to do? You will become really more confident and of course successful with this swing trading strategy. You will just rock the swing market with learning more about this defined strategy and system. Here there is no requirement to find out the charts and watch them for changes for long hours by sitting in front of the computer panel. You have the freedom of work and efforts. You will get what you will put in. you can act in more confident and active way because you will not get tired by working on to the computer systems. Your business will run smooth by working for 10 minutes in the trading market. You just have to understand the right method to trade.

It is well known that swing trading is called as the technical trading market. The aim is to get profit inside the market actions but from the tendency and capacity of the shorter cycles. You must follow up a swing trading strategy which is asking you to apply the right method of course. You can make profit in few days which can extend up to few weeks.

As per this strategy you will make great money and will not just sit ideally and becoming tired by sitting on your personal computer and just looking at the charts whole day. Take help and learn more about this trading from someone who is an expert in this field.

Every one who is into this swing trading filed must be well aware of Mr. Mark Soberman. He is the President of Netpicks. He actually calls himself as “ultimate swing trader”. It is for sure true in all contexts. He will make you successful and fertile in swing trading as a swing trader. His UTS 2.0 course will provide you everything that you need.

Stock Market Training - Making Your First Foray Into The Stock Market

June 26, 2010 · Posted in Forex Investing · Comment 

If you are thinking of investing in the stock market and have no previous experience, you should consider doing some basic stock market training. It is important to know that this is not a “hobby”, but a business opportunity and it should be treated as such.

There are countless books as well as resources that offer stock market training to help you to become knowledgeable in preparation for the countless intricacies of the stock market. There are also certain terms that you should be familiar with as part of your stock market training.

A “Bull Market” is what occurs when the economy is doing extremely well, jobs are easy to find and investors are comfortable to invest in the market. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the “Bear Market” is experienced during a depressed economy, unemployment is high and people are just not investing in the stock market

When you make your first foray into the stock market, it can be an intimidating place. A good investment management software program can assist you with stock market training so that you make sensible investment choices and manage your money. This type of software will keep track of profits, losses, costs of trades and every other cost associated with your investments. As part of your basic stock market training, you should understand the basic principals of accounting, how to read an annual report as well as the history of the stock market. You should also understand asset allocation.

Build a solid foundation of stock market training by reading as much material as you can. Read information that you can find that is about corporate finance, investment theories, economics and the basics of getting started. A really good investment service can be an invaluable tool as well. Some are free, some are paid, but they will keep you up to date on every development of the market.

Why Do People Value Gold?

June 25, 2010 · Posted in Future Trading · Comment 

Certainly, its pretty cool that you may get cash instead of gold through an online site with U.S. Postal Service. But have you ever wondered why gold is so valuable? The next few paragraphs will converse several the causes that gold is extremely valued, even after 1000s of years.

The major reason that gold is so costly is because it is rare. It has been assumed that in case you got the gold of the entire world then lumped all of it together, you’d simply wind up having a one hundred fifty foot cube. Mining for gold is an extremely pricey as well as not easy job. To pull out 1 ounce of gold you need to dig and move through loads of dust or rock. It is a especially manual labor intensive duty moreover can only be done in a few geographic places.

Yet another cause gold is considered for being costly is that it’s static, meaning that it will not relate with supplementary elements. Gold doesn’t rust, corrode or degrade. It mostly lasts forever, which are a few things that cannot truly be said for lots of other resources.

One feature of the gold that contributes to it’s usefulness is that is certainly is very malleable. Which means it could be stretched, pounded as well as twisted without breaking or cracking. This enables people to manipulate gold into numerous varieties including ornaments or design paper-thin gold foil that could wrap things to make them appear as if they are created from gold. Gold can also be a good conductor of the electrical power is utilized in computer circuits as well as several PC and audio wires has “gold plated” contacts.

In olden days, individuals could use gold nuggets or jewelry to directly pay for goods and services. In current times, governments have big stores of gold that may be utilized back the value of currency in type of paper plus coins. Every U.S. dollar is usually like and I.O.U. for a tiny little portion of U.S. gold reserve. You could be familiar with the tale that Fort Knox is spot where the entire of U.S.’s gold is kept back. Although there is a big store of gold here, it will not stand for the complete amount of gold that the U.S. have.

Each one of these criteria add to the valid reason that gold is so worthy - as every person accepts that it is. You’d be hard pushed to discover a man or woman on Planet that might not agree to a large chunk of gold like payment (so long as it can be verified that it was in fact gold). Many hundreds years back individuals appreciated gold for it’s shortage plus natural beauty. Now, those similar factors are valid, however gold is recognized at as more of a “universal currency”. At the time the United States. financial system has difficulty and also dollar dips down in value, the cost of gold typically goes up. It’s a safe investment as traditionally it’s at all times had a top significance.

The conclusion is that gold is so expensive for the reason that a many people recognize that it is usually valuable. The facts that that is uncommon, tricky to get, pretty and straightforward to work out with are every contributing reasons.

An Honest Look At Fap Turbo

June 23, 2010 · Posted in Future Trading · Comment 

With the economy continuing to plummet, a number of people are searching for new ways to get income.

The foreign exchange market used to be the turf of senior traders who spent their entire life on buying and selling different currencies.

But with the promise of huge returns for relatively low investments, people are flocking the foreign exchange market to become new traders. This can be very dangerous though especially in an unpredictable market like the foreign exchange market.

There are a number of questions that are posed when one first enters the foreign exchange market. The foreign exchange market is very unpredictable and volatile. Especially if you are a person without experience and with a very limited background, you will really have a hard time getting accustomed to the art of trading.

If that is so, then what could minimize the risks of trading for those new traders?

Although there’s no substitute for human knowledge, a number of foreign trading software are increasingly becoming available in the market.

There are tons of foreign trading software that you can find just by googling online. But the one that I’d like to focus on is the FAP Turbo. I’m sure that the others are worth trying too, but I have had the privilege of testing the FAP Turbo.

The FAP Turbo is the brainchild of three computer geeks namely Mike, Ulrich and Steve. These three decided to create the FAP Turbo after they were challenged by Marcus Leary, of Forex AutoPilot, to improve his software.

You can always tell a good software from an entire batch of programs from its back tests. The edge that FAP Turbo has stems from its extensive back tests. You cannot be assured that a software is effective just by reading its claims and features but what you can do instead is to review its back tests.

The FAP Turbo has nine years of back tests that all showed favorable results. The implication of that is the FAP Turbo can perform generally well during live trading.

The second thing that I examine is the features. What I find good with FAP Turbo is that the installation process is simple and you get to use it on unlimited trading accounts.

The FAP Turbo also has a 60 day money back guarantee should you not wish to continue using the software.

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