Candlestick Charts For Currency Traders - Fundamentals About The Most Vital Technical Analysis Tool In Forex Trading

by Chris on February 15, 2010


Among the lot of kinds of technical analysis accessible to forex traders, the single most useful and popular are probably candlestick charts. These were initially developed in Japan during the 18th century by a respected commodity trader who applied them to chart the alternations in the price of rice. Because of this reason they are often known as Japanese candlestick charts, and many of the patterns that they form have Japanese names.

Simplistic line graphs plotting the price of a commodity at standard periods in time had been used for ages, but traders required something that could plot more variables within a two dimensional graph. The bar chart showing the opening, high, low and closing prices of a commodity was useful and aided traders to predict future price movements in a more accurate way than line charts, but candlestick charts were even more sophisticated.

They were introduced to the American equities market and from there to the worldwide financial markets by Charles Dow at the beginning of the 20th century. Dow was the founder of the Wall Street Journal and co-founder of the Dow Jones company.

Candlestick Formation

The graph is made up of a series of 'candlesticks' which typically have a chunky body with vertical lines stretching up from the top (the upper shadow or wick) and bottom (the lower shadow or wick). The various points measure the differential in prices over a specific time range, which might be 5 minutes, 15 minutes or longer, up to one month.

The top of the wick is the highest point reached during the time interval and the lowest point of the lower tail is the low. The top and bottom of the body are the opening and closing prices. If price rose during the period the body will be white (or green or blue if colored). The bottom of the body marks the opening price and its top marks the close. If the price fell during the period the prices are the other way around and to show this at a glance the body will be black (or red if colored).

How To Use Candlestick Charts In Currency Trading

A chart showing 5 or 15 minute candles over an interval of several hours can provide the currency trader with numerous formations on which he can base a system for determining when a trend is developing. For example, when the candle body is white or green and higher than the previous candles, it indicates that market participants are very bullish. When it is black or red and lower than the previous candles, it signals that market players are very bearish.

Being able to see these implications at a glance is vital in the fast moving forex markets where trading decisions frequently need to be made in a split second. So candlestick graphs are one of the most valuable visual tools for any foreign exchange trader.

It may take several years to master the art of candlestick chart reading. If you want to cut the learning curve and start making profits right away, find a reliable forex signal provider. A forex signal is a market forecast and trading recommendation. Using such forex signals would help you to understand candlestick charts and provide you with the opportunity of making profits from the very beginning of your venture in the currency markets.

Practicing In The Currency Markets - Wisdom Of Starting With A Virtual Trading Account
You will open an online 'account' using the simulation system. You will then be able to read the news, find and compare markets, and you will be able to make 'fake' trades so you can watch your money build or be eaten away by losses

What Is Currency Trading And How Can A Novice Trader Get Involved In It?
Many people already have some experience of exchanging currencies when they are going to an other country for business or on vacation. You probably realize as well that the banks are constantly changing money for businesses who have an import from or export to foreign countries.

Forex Trading Software - Why Are They Vital And How To Select The Right One?
Be wise in choosing the appropriate software program that you will use in forex trading. Trading in a very complex market is not as easy as you think and you need to be prepared for everything with the help of the trading software.

Foreign Exchange Margin Trading: Make More Profits With Less Using Your Broker's Capital
Trading on margins can lead to big profits if you are successful, but it can also mean big losses if not. In general, the more leverage you use, the more risky your trading is.

Forex Trading Online - The Real Opportunity For Independent Traders To Get Engaged In The Most Important Financial Market Of The World
The forex market is alive twenty four hours each day and so you can do your transactions at any time. If you have an internet connection at home, you can monitor the forex market trends and other vital info.

Avoid Characteristics Which Will Make You Lose Your Trading Capital
The world of forex is one of big money and high risks. Everybody is seeing this market as an opportunity to be rich. Nevertheless, seasoned analysts and traders alike have paid the price by being disciplined and knowledgeable.They know that certain ways of thinking will only help them lose money.

Currency Trading Systems - How To Get The Most Profitable One, How To Analyze It, How To Use It
You can find lots of websites online which offer advice on the newest and the best trading systems that you can use in the forex market. New traders are often fooled into purchasing these trading systems in the hope of earning more profits. Don't make the same mistake.