Forex Strategy Outlook: Momentum Trading Signals Remain Attractive

Published March 23rd, 2009 - 06:29 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Our forex trading signals remain attractive on the recent US Dollar trends, but real risks of a USD rebound threaten the viability of key trades. We see that our trend-based strategies have done very well on the breakdown in the US currency. Typically these momentum trading signals catch big moves in their infancy, but they are susceptible to periods of underperformance through low-volatility range trading environments. We remain on the lookout for a US Dollar pullback, but risk-reward arguably favors playing the USD to the short side through the near-term.




Forex Trading Automated Systems Outlook

DailyFX+ System Trading Signals – Momentum2 trading signals have clearly outperformed through recent weeks-catching major moves in the Euro, British Pound, and other key currencies. A continuation of ongoing trends would clearly favor said strategies, but we are mindful that any given trading technique cannot outperform forever. That being said, we're taking somewhat of a cautious stance rolling forward. Though key Momentum2 trades look attractive, we will keep risk relatively tight and avoid squandering recent profits.

It will be important to monitor US Dollar pairs through the near term and manage our trading biases accordingly. For the moment, we favor Momentum1 and Momentum2 trading signals. Yet this could easily change if we see signs of rangebound markets, and we will update our Forex Trading Strategy Outlook accordingly.

DailyFX+ Forex Market Conditions Outlook


NOTE: Data has once again been changed. Due to the ineffectiveness of the 30-day horizon, we are returning to the original 90-day time horizon.

Definitions

Volatility Percentile – The higher the number, the more likely we are to see strong movements in price. This number tells us where current implied volatility levels stand in relation to the past 30 days of trading. We have found that implied volatilities tend to remain very high or very low for extended periods of time. As such, it is helpful to know where the current implied volatility level stands in relation to its medium-term range. 

Trend – This indicator measures trend intensity by telling us where price stands in relation to its 30 trading-day range. A very low number tells us that price is currently at or near monthly lows, while a higher number tells us that we are near the highs. A value at or near 50 percent tells us that we are at the middle of the currency pair’s monthly range.

Range High –  90-day closing high.

Range Low  –  90-day closing low.

Last – Current market price.

Strategy – Based on the above criteria, we assign the more likely profitable strategy for any given currency pair. A highly volatile currency pair (Volatility Percentile very high) suggests that we should look to use Breakout strategies. More moderate volatility levels and strong Trend values make Momentum trades more attractive, while the lowest Vol Percentile and Trend indicator figures make Range Trading the more attractive strategy.

The information contained herein is derived from sources we believe to be reliable, but of which we have not independently verified. FOREX CAPITAL MARKETS, L.L.C.® assumes no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions in these materials, nor shall it be liable for damages arising out of any person’s reliance upon this information. FOREX CAPITAL MARKETS, L.L.C.® does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these materials. FOREX CAPITAL MARKETS, L.L.C.® shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including without limitation losses, lost revenues, or lost profits that may result from these materials. Opinions and estimates constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.