Sep 29 2008

International markets look rosy

Category: News snippets

The present financial situation in the US aggravated by the weakening dollar has left investors there feeling cornered and disillusioned thereby increasing the attraction quotient towards foreign stock markets and currencies. The inflation situation too is no better and the grim situation seems to be moving towards further deterioration owing to low interest rates, a rapid increase in the money supply, easy credit availability, presence of undisciplined underwriting in times when the government is bailing out financial situation which has seriously damaged the country’s banking system. Portfolio’s which have their asset allocations focusing on US companies have been now found to be ill prepared to handle the turbulent conditions prevailing there in the wake of increasing interest rates. One effective way to control this economic angst has is to increase one’s foreign equity exposure and adopting the strategy of shifting to short term government bond holdings dealing in high return yielding foreign currencies.

The weakening US Dollar in comparison to other foreign currencies and commodities has made the investors in the US to search for better result yielding international investment opportunities. I too would like to add here that short term debt instruments denominated in foreign currencies have been found to give good returns and results. Also, the equity markets in certain countries like China, India, Brazil and other fast growing economies have been found to be yielding substantial returns.

The equity opportunities offered by countries like Australia and Norway too have been found to be capable of yielding good returns in comparison to that given by the US market at this point of time. This kind of diversification has also been found to be successful in curtailing major negative impact on your portfolio as a result of rapid changes in the global financial environment.  I would also like to point out that the record spanning the last couple of decades have shown that well managed currencies have consistently outperformed the UD dollar and have proved to be better result oriented options.

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Sep 06 2008

Methods for Forex trading

Category: Forex

Trading in Forex is one exciting opportunity which although being profitable is complex to understand and execute. “On spot” trading is the most important feature of Forex trading which simply means that trading of foreign exchange takes place right then on the spot in the cross currency markets. Before setting foot into the trading scenario one must acquaint themselves with all the details of this trade as it comes with its own share of considerable risks attached with it.  One must understand with proficiency as to how the trading network operates and also keep in mind the risk factors attached with it. Like in any other trade the two most important vices of Forex trading are greed and fear.

Getting rid of these two would ensure a safe sailing in the trading of Forex. Technical analysis and fundamental analysis are the two main methods or techniques used to carry out Forex trading. Technical analysis focuses its attention on price patterns and actions and uses charting to distinguish between them and thereby aid in predicting market patterns. Various indicators are present and can be used to recognize the patterns being followed by the currency of your choice and therefore help you in deciding to carry out the trade. These indicators are freely available on most trading software’s. These software’s also carry out the calculations needed and hence simplify work to a large extent.

Lagging price and  focus being only on the right side of the chart are the two shortcomings of this analysis. The second technique of fundamental analysis considers the price behavior to be a product of political and economical events. Economic data, important political decisions and social maladies affecting the society play a key role in influencing the prices. This method of predicting the economic conditions may sound effective but may not be necessarily accurate. These mentioned methods can only guide you in taking decisions. The rest of the work is done by your judgment. An alert and judgmental mind has the capability of working wonders for you by extracting maximum profits from the world of Forex trading.

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