Check out the OFX list of the biggest forex myths, so you can steer clear of the hype and make an informed decision.
Myth #1: Forex Is a Short Term Strategy
The factors that underpin forex movements are macroeconomic factors, and most of the time, those factors don’t change that fast. So while the day to day news cycle can cause volatile swings, there are still long term trends that exist in many currency relationships.
Myth #2: You Can Make Money In Many Currency Pairs
There’s a lot to learn about the factors that influence exchange rates. From milk in New Zealand to the travertine trade in Turkey, most professionals make the most money from focusing on specialised pairs and gaining a solid understanding of those key relationships.
Myth #3: Your Forecast Is The Way To Win
Predictions and forecasts can cause you to lose sight of what’s really happening in the market due to cognitive bias. Behavioral economics has shown us that when you’re predicting, you’ll most likely end up seeing only what you want to see instead of adapting to what’s happening in real time in the market. That said, having a forecast or a level in mind is not a bad idea, it’s just that many people become too emotional and don’t stick to their plans. A common saying in trading is to “plan the trade and trade the plan”.
In order for your forecast to work, you need to detach from emotions, constantly reassess your strategy and be prepared to walk away if it’s not working.
Myth #4: The Forex Market Is Really Risky
Many people are under the false impression that the forex market is actually a riskier option than other markets. The reality is that any market, any investment, and any trade needs to be assessed, and the risks need to be contained in order to achieve the best results. More growth usually means accepting more risk whether you’re trading currencies, stocks, bonds or investing in real estate.
Myth #5: The Trend Is Your Friend
Many newcomers to forex look at historical data and long term relative exchange rates to evaluate currencies. Professionals in forex understand that the fundamental relationships, like the commodities that drive the value of the AUD, will generally hold true over the long term. That said, forex is also heavily influenced by what’s going on right now.
New governments and trade policies, political and military turmoil, populist sentiment and current economic conditions will always trump historical valuations when it comes to pricing currencies in real time.
Trade wisely with the help of facts, not myths
Overall, using forex as a component on your overall investment portfolio can be a strategic way to diversify your assets, but staying informed is critical.
Check out the Currency Zone on this site for the latest AUD and GBP values and register with OFX to get the best forex transfer rates for sending money abroad.
