The Realm of Automated Trading Systems: ForexTrading
December 17th, 2009
Just how important is an automated system to the Forex trading system?
Before we answer that question, let us first find out how big Forex market is. From there, you can get to know the importance of automated systems for the Forex market.
It is real that Forex is the most extensive market around the world not just in terms of average daily turnover and average revenue per trader. It is also the largest market in terms of participants.
You name it, we’ve got it. Take a look at the following:
BANKS- they are not just for saving money and lending capital to enterprisers, but they are also one of the greater players in Forex market. Banks cater both to large quantity of speculative trading and daily commercial turnover. Well-established banks can trade billion worth of foreign currencies everyday. Some of the trades are accepted on behalf of their clients, but most are through proprietary desks.
COMMERCIAL COMPANIES- these commercial companies trade small amounts of foreign currencies compared to larger banks and their trades produce small and short-term effect on the market rates. However, the trade flows from transactions made by commercial companies are vital factors with regards to the long-term direction of the exchange rate of a certain currency.
CENTRAL BANKS- central banks play an important role in the Forex market. They have the control over the supply of different currency, inflation, and interest rate. Additionally, they have also official target rates for the currencies that they are handling. They are responsible for stabilizing the Forex market by using foreign exchange reserves. Their intervention in the market is enough to stabilize a specific currency.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRMS- these firms commonly manage huge accounts on behalf of their clients such as endowments and pension funds. They are using the Forex market to promote transactions, specifically in foreign securities. For example, an investment manager bearing an international equity portfolio needs to purchase and sell several pairs of foreign currencies to pay for foreign securities purchases.
RETAIL FX BROKERS- they manage a fraction of the total volume of Forex market. A single retail Forex broker estimates retail volume of between 25 to 50 billion dollars each day, which is presumably at 2% of the total market volume.
SPECULATORS- these are individuals who purchase and sell foreign currencies and profit through variations on its price as opposed to popular methods such as interest and dividends. They play the important role of transferring the risk to individuals who do not wish to bear it.
Only in Forex market, there are already six major players partaking on the $1.8 trillion worth of daily turnover. With a large number of Forex players, it is becoming a real need to switch from manual to automated Forex trading system.
Among the major Forex players mentioned above, the automated trading system is of great advantage to the speculators. Since they focus on the price fluctuations of several foreign currencies in order to profit, the real time data analysis will help them identify trades that will give advantage to them.
There are several automated Forex trading systems available in the market. There are also automated Forex systems that are offered for free or as part of their trading account acquired from their Forex brokers or agents. That kind of complimentary system packages are typically elementary trading system. Thus, if you are looking for more functions, you can avail of it through additional payments.
There are two kinds of automated Forex trading system. These are discussed in the following:
Desktop-based system- all Forex-related data are stored on your desktop’s hard drive. The system is unpopular to Forex traders due to the susceptibility of all data to computer virus and other security problems. Worse, when the computer malfunctions, all vital information might be lost and cannot be retrieved (unless you have some back-up files of your own). However, it is little expensive compared to the other types of automated trading system.
Web-based system- the security of your Forex account and other data are supplied by your web-based provider. These are hosted on secured servers. It is also convenient considering that there will be no software required and it is universally compatible with your Internet browser.
You may also try different automated trading system demos first so that you will be able to opt for the automated system that suits your personal preference and needs.
Even if you are just a small-time Forex player, it will be an advantage for you to use an automated Forex trading system for your future trades.
If you would like to have more information please click here: The Forex Market