May 2 CFTC Report

I've been reading more about the Commitment of Traders Report and how knowing not only non-commercial positions but commercial as well can assist in longer term trades.  For those of you that don't know what the Commitment of Traders report is, let me tell you.

Some of this information was provided with assistance from Alexander Elder's book, "Entries and Exits"

First, the report is really the only way for private traders to get an idea of the volume for each currency pair.  Each week (Wednesday), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission releases the number of open positions, short positions and long positions in a given commodity.  These positions are given for 3 groups of traders, hedgers, big traders, and small traders.   "Savvy COT analysts compare current positions to historical norms and look for situations where hedgers, or the smart money (big traders) and small traders… are dead set against each other.  If one group is heavily short while the other is heavily long, which one would you like to join?  If you find that in a certain market the smart money is overwhelmingly on one side, while the small spec are mobbing the other, it is time to use technical analysis to look for entries on the side of the hedgers."

Currently, I only provide non-commercial positions or small traders.  You can read more about how to use just this information by going to http://www.forexproject.com/forex_volume

In the upcoming weeks, I am going to start providing data and graphs for all 3 groups of traders.  I just have to put my programming hat on and find the time to do it. 

Popularity: 3%

Technical Analysis of the Currency Market

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There is yet another Currency book being released at end of April titled, "Technical Analysis of the Currency Market: Classic Techniques for Profiting from Market Swings and Trader Sentiment" by Boris Schlossberg.  Boris is a currency strategist for FXCM and the release of his book follows his fellow colleague, Kathy Lein's release last year.  The book is described as a comprehensive guide that demonstrates how technical analysis can
generate profit-making strategies in the foreign exchange market.

It's amazing how the Foreign Exchange market continues to explode in popularity.  There is a constant influx of book releases and new brokers seem to be flooding the market.

Popularity: 2%

Inside the Mind of an Elite Currency Trader

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A new book was released last month titled "Warrior Trading : Inside the Mind of an Elite Currency Trader" by Clifford Bennett.  It seems like I've purchased every currency trading book available except this one.  I may go to Barnes and Noble and see if it's available to skim through.  Here is a description of the book:

One of today's leading currency forecasters shows readers how to
develop the focus, attitude, and mental discipline of top traders

Warrior Trading provides traders with a path to trading success by
developing a mentality and emotional framework common to successful
traders. Warrior Trading includes an enhanced discussion of technical
analysis, and an explanation of how global economic forces are changing
and impacting the markets. Filled with in-depth insights and expert
advice, this comprehensive guide explains the importance of
understanding the market's underlying fundamental and technical
reality-letting traders take advantage of those moments when the
perceptions of most traders are at odds with the underlying reality to
score big in the market.

 

Popularity: 2%

There’s a New Kid in Town

There's a new guest trader on fxcmtr.com.  His name is John Putnam and he comes from Putnam Financial. 

This is John's Trade Methodology:

FX Analytics (FXAN) is a blend of quantitative modeling, combined with advanced technical overlays. PFI's trade and forecast models are built around a balanced dollar index providing exceptional insight and liquidity into a large group of US based pairs. FXAN utilizes a mathematical model and scientific grade software to process a large dataset across a distributive grid of computers. This forecast is then triggered into actual trades through a series of overlays where algorithm efficiency, market dynamics and specific risks are modeled and factored in.

HIS ANALYSIS?

Trade Idea:

Long EUR/USD on a bullish candle reversal (1 hour or 2 hour bullish Harami) that fails to sustain a break below 1.2240

Stops below 1.2210

Target 1.2330

Dollar forecast for the next 24hrs: Bearish

Stronger EUR/USD, GBP USD & AUD/USD

Weaker USD/JPY, USD/CHF & USD/CAD

Market Dynamics:

Favored - Cyclical & Regression Models 

At Risk - Trend Models

PFI exited its long EUR/USD trade this morning for 221 pips. For all practical purposes I could have stayed with it given the model bias remains bearish on the dollar.  That said, with a major event risk on the horizon (NFP on Friday) I've decided to stand aside for the balance of the week.

Today's price action will probably look a lot like yesterdays and will remain choppy through the day. This makes the target of the trade idea (1.2330) a tough task in the short term and could push traders into Friday trying to achieve it; which I don't encourage.  1.2240 and 1.2210 are Bollinger Band and ma support levels (different time frames) with 1.2330 bringing in substantial Bollinger Band resistance.

Overall the dollar is finding some support at our lower channel; it would be unusual for the dollar to sustain a push deeper into this region after floating across the top for any length of time. If we don't see a substantial pull-back to a more neutral position tomorrow, I'd almost expect to see NFP come out stronger than expected or an overall muted reaction to poor numbers, which will leave the market in good shape for a technical reversal at the beginning of the week.

 

 

 

 

Popularity: 3%

Steve Shenker’s Trading Corner

It's actually Sam Shenker's Trading Corner and it can be found here:

http://www.forexproject.com/Blog/Investing_and_Trading/Original_Traders_Corner/

Popularity: 2%

Dollar Strength and EUR/USD Channel

I’ve been trading the EUR/USD since yesterday evening and caught the breakdown below 1.1855.  The USD has not been able to push below 1.1827 though and until then the price may remain in a 60 pip channel.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m up a little more than $400 to start the week in realized gains but as of now am only in a short EUR/USD position that I entered on a pullback last night.   There haven’t been any major developments since the Asian trading session set most currency pairs in motion except for the USD/CAD which has broken down nearly 75 pips from yesterday evening.  I was actually long on a USD/CAD position yesterday and decided to get out after hearing that some favorable economic reports were expected from Canada this morning.  This demonstrates some good behavior on my part with an exit of the position with a $100 loss.  I didn’t see the pair doing what I would have expected from my technical analysis and wasn’t aware of the economic reports coming out of Canada when I entered the position.  What good would it have been to stay in the position?

Popularity: 3%