Technical Analysis: Does it Work in Forex?

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Technical analysis attempts to predict the future direction and value of a currency pair through analyzing history. This methodology involves the study of previous market data, such as chart patterns and indicators that show changes in price over time.

We must first note that one significant difference between traditional and forex markets is that there are no gaps in pricing on daily charts. Therefore, setting stop losses based on gaps does not work with a tight enough stop. This is advantageous to traders in some cases, making it harder for moves to be exaggerated when there are no gaps in pricing available to take advantage of.

The second important note about technical analysis in Forex markets is that the COT data (Commitment Of Traders), which can be used by traders trying to figure out if prominent players are betting on the market moving up or down, come once per month and may be delayed by several days. 

How to use technical analysis in forex

Technical analysis works far better on weekly and monthly charts than on daily ones, which can feel like using a sledgehammer to kill a fly by some traders. Because of this, many people prefer to use weekly charts to get more of an idea of what is taking place within the market. This is because technical indicators look at big picture ideas rather than specific instances, making them less sensitive to noise in smaller time frames like daily or even hourly.

Another effective way traders use technical indicators is by finding areas where they are overbought or oversold and waiting for them to correct before initiating positions based on the previous price movement. This can be particularly helpful when predicting the direction of more significant moves, which is why it works well with weekly and monthly charts.

Advantages of using technical analysis in forex

Technical analysis can be very advantageous for traders if they are aware of its limits. It is essential for traders always to remember that technical indicators cannot tell them everything about the market they are trading; however, used correctly, they can certainly help put probabilities in your favor. 

All things considered, no system will ever yield 100% accuracy rates most of the time; however, finding ways to make your trades more profitable by decreasing losses and increasing gains is what many traders strive for daily. Utilizing the right tools like technical analysis may allow you to accomplish this goal more effectively.

Risks of using technical analysis in forex

It is essential to understand that technical analysis is not based on the future; but instead, it looks back in time and helps traders make decisions using charts of past data. While technical analysis can be used to determine the general direction of the market, it cannot predict how prices will move with absolute certainty.

What you see isn’t always what it seems. Many novice traders fall into the trap of believing that they can rely on technical analysis to make their trading decisions. Remember that these are not guarantees or absolute data but instead guidelines for making an informed decision. As a trader, it is still your job to predict how market dynamics will affect these charts and where the price may go.

Finally

The use of Technical Analysis is prevalent in many financial markets. Non-professionals often do it to get an understanding of the market dynamics. As with any method of trading Forex, there are risks associated with this approach that you must understand before implementing it into your strategy. 

A safe way to approach technical analysis is to use it in conjunction with fundamental analysis. Doing so will help you understand the market deeper and give you more context when making your trading decisions. Contact a reputable online broker from Saxo Bank here https://www.home.saxo/en-sg/products/forex.