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Forex signals and technical indicators are popular tools that can help you trade forex pairs. Forex signals are generated either by an automated programme or by a trader, and identify when to enter or exit a trade.
They’re often based on specified times and prices, using technical or fundamental analysis to determine the specific level. It’s then the trader’s decision whether or not to act on the signal.
Understanding when to open or close a trade is key to successful forex trading and is a crucial part of learning how to trade currency pairs. Professional traders have years of experience analysing chart patterns (known as technical analysis) and scrutinising current events and news announcements (known as fundamental analysis) to help them assess when to open or close a forex position. Technical analysts will look for signals which guide them on when to enter and exit trades.
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A forex signal is a service which suggests possible trades on currency pairs, often for a fee. For traders with less experience, a signal provider can offer a service whereby they recommend which currency pair to trade, the price at which to enter the market, as well as the point at which to execute the trade. Signal providers usually use the technical analysis of an experienced trading professional, or specialised software to automatically seek out chart patterns.
Some traders rely on trading robots or Expert Advisors (EAs) for their forex signals. An EA is simply a set of rules or an algorithm that places trades when a specific set of criteria are met. EAs can be created by anyone with enough technical knowledge and are often sold online. Find out about automated trading with the MT4 platform.
Generally the source of forex signals falls into one of two camps:
Technical analysis is the most popular source for forex signals and is based on spotting technical indicators that can appear in price charts. Technical analysis involves assessing historical price action, a complex form of analysis focusing on previous prices and historical support and resistance levels. This is more appropriate for identifying shorter-term price trends, so traders who prefer a trading strategy such as a forex scalping strategy, for instance, will often favour technical analysis.
Fundamental analysis is suitable for longer-term investments based on the underlying economic health of countries, measured by regular announcements such as inflation data, manufacturing output and unemployment figures. Arguably the month’s key release is the US non-farm payrolls data, which is normally reported on the first Friday of every month. It gives the total number of paid US employees, excluding farm, general government, not-for-profit and private household workers.
While there are a number of services available to forex traders for providing signals, there are few, if any, shortcuts.
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Disclaimer: CMC Markets is an execution-only service provider. The material (whether or not it states any opinions) is for general information purposes only, and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by CMC Markets or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.
