Macro Trading the Carry Trade

By Alizee Spears

If you are a global macro trader you trade anything and everything as long as you can find an exploitable edge. The majority of your trades are across asset classes trading stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies. You are looking for uncorrelated returns from multiple asset classes.

They trade not only different asset classes but multiple strategies within each asset class. For instance in stocks they will trade outright long and short positions, merger arbitrage deals, asset class arbitrage where you trade the equity against debt, and even pairs trading. They do much of the same in commodities and currencies as well. Essentially they are looking for sources of return wherever they can find it.

One area that is particularly suited to the macro trader is that of the currency markets. Yes, they trade currency crosses and build their own cross baskets but macro funds are also known to trade one strategy called the carry trade quite frequently.

To utilize the carry trade you go long a high yielding currency and go short the lower yielding currency. You can make money in one or two of two different ways. If the currencies remain flat you will earn the interest rate differential. You can also make money by being right on the directional part of the trade, that being if they move in your direction.

Using leverage you can really juice your returns in the carry trade. For instance if you are earning a three percent yield from the differential then you can earn thirty by being levered up ten times. If you lever up twenty times you will earn sixty percent. While these gains sound great they do come with great risk. You knew this couldn't be that easy.

No, it is not. Yes, you can get the carry but if there is excess or even normal volatility depending upon the leverage being used you will blow up in traders terms. If this is the case, and it is, then what should a trade be focusing on when they are trying to execute the carry trade? Well the obvious answer is volatility.

There are several ways to measure volatility. Some traders just look at several pairs and use an internal barometer of what is happening but most successful traders use at least some type of quantitative measure. We have the VIX which is used to look at equity volatility but happens to be a decent barometer of all volatility. There are also several newer currency volatility gauges like the JP Morgan currency volatility tools and the other investment banks volatility tools.

If you are trading the carry trade then you should be using a volatility filter to greatly improve your results. If you are not trading the carry trade then you are also missing out on some great uncorrelated and relatively easy returns. And finally if you are not macro trading then you are missing out. You should be taking advantage of all the opportunities in the world and not just in stocks. - 23222

About the Author:

If you need actionable trading ideas then check out The Macro Trader It is a weekly global macro trading advisory publication with frequent intra-week updates for time-critical analysis and actionable trading ideas.

Updates from a Forex Blog

By Bart Icles

As a forex trader, you might well be aware of the importance of being updated with the latest goings-on in the currency market. Indeed, changes happen every minute in the foreign exchange market that it helps to have up-to-date information on the market trends and conditions. Other than news articles on currency issues and updates, you can also learn more about these important details from forex blogs. If you look up a forex blog, you will notice that it contains valuable information for beginners. More often than not, forex blogs will also contain information that both beginners and seasoned traders will find helpful.

One such detail that you can learn more about in a forex blog is the vulnerability of currencies. It is not enough that you are familiar with the different currencies and their valuation. You should also learn more about the different factors that affect their strength in the market.

For example, there has been a noted decline in the power of the US dollar these past few weeks. If you try to check forex blogs, most of them will cover the different reasons why the US currency has weakened. There are those who say that the decline in the dollar rate is brought about by the rising oil prices that has somehow revealed vulnerabilities in the US economy. Pressures from the Federal Reserve also affect the strength fof the US dollar, as well as the growing consensus on whether or not central banks should start or continue to cut interest rates.

Forex blogs do not only feature news and updates on the US currency, it is also normal to see a forex blog highlighting stories on other currencies, such as the British pound and euro, as well as Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand dollars. Many foreign exchange traders are interested in these currencies because they tend to be strong and stable as compared to the US dollar. The British pound and euro are also valued more than the US dollar, although the US currency still remains as a universal trading denomination.

When you are after the latest news and updates regarding the variable forex market trends and conditions, you can either set your eyes on finance news broadcasts or you can look up a reliable forex blog on the internet. Keep in mind that when you are surfing the web for a forex blog, see to it that it is maintained by a reputable forex trader or someone who has advanced knowledge on the market. - 23222

About the Author:

Using free forex signals starts with a desire to learn and a drive to become a great trader. Learning to use a free forex signal is a powerful technique, it takes a good teacher and mentor. But once you learn how to trade using them your life will change and you have options and financial resources you never had before.

How To Choose A Managed Forex Account

By Bart Icles

Managed Forex Accounts involve the handling of a trader/client's investment by a duly licensed company or its designated representative/s to do Forex trading in their behalf. This can be an ideal alternative for any trader who deems it necessary to do Forex trading with defined and limited risks involved. The managing company constantly monitors market activities trends in a 24 hour basis, and then recommends to the client what to do when the need arises. Once the client is informed of the latest updates, they will then decide themselves on what possible actions to take.

Picking the right Forex company to manage your account is crucial to keeping your investments in the money making zone. Only hire a reputable and certified Forex management firm who has a good track record, and genuine references to offer. Before deciding to set yourself up with a Forex account with any company or individual, be sure to cover all the bases first by doing extensive research on them, and by contacting other Forex brokers for any valuable information that might otherwise be hidden or excluded by the firm in question.

Make sure you also understand the cost and fees involved the company charges for setting up an account with them. It pays to read the small print thoroughly before affixing your signature to the contract, otherwise you might end up on the losing side of the deal even just you're still just at the initial period.

Forex accounts offer the advantage of taking out most of the complex and crucial decisions concerning the market conditions and trends from an otherwise inexperienced trader, who would lose their precious investments if left to their own inadequate faculties. Forex management firms are in the know of most important inside information, access to real-time currency exchange rates, and crucial market indicators that can be used to help clients turn a tidy profit.

The downside to investing in a managed Forex account is their rather high investment requirements that may range anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. Some management firms may offer staggered payment schemes or the like to fit some client's allocated budgets, but could still prove to be a disadvantage once the management firm makes bad investment decisions and loses a clients investment.

Forex trading is exciting and profitable once you know how it works and with a good managed Forex account. Invest in one now to see the desired results you've been missing before its too late - 23222

About the Author:

Forex investing starts with a desire to learn and a drive to become a great trader. Learning forex software takes dedication and a good teacher. But once you learn how to trade and do so successfully your life will change and you have options and financial resources you never had before.

Learning All You Can about Forex

By Alex Miller

It really doesn't matter what subject you are talking about, if you feel as if you're in over your head you can be intimidated to the point where you accomplish nothing. One way for you to be able to overcome this intimidation is through the process of taking in knowledge about that subject. It really doesn't matter what subject you are talking about, knowledge is what is going to make you comfortable with that in the long run.

This is especially the case whenever you are talking about trading on the Forex market, something that many of us find intimidating whenever we are first starting out. The learning curve that is necessary for you to get started can be quite steep but it does not necessarily need to be something that is unobtainable to you. Here's one way for you to get started quickly.

Sitting right in front of you is one of the most impressive information driving machines that has ever been created. What I am talking about is the online world, and it is possible for you to research any type of information without ever leaving your desk chair. Here is a little bit about how to find the proper information that you are looking for so that you don't get sidetracked and waste time along the way.

Open up an Internet browser, if you don't already have one open and go to your favorite search engine. If you're unfamiliar with search engines, they can easily be found at Google.com or by searching for Yahoo. Type in the query that you are looking for and you will get results by the bucket load. Try not to be too broad with what it is that you are searching for because the more specific you are, the more specific the information you get in return will be.

Now comes the part whenever you're going to have to scan down through the results that you get and choose the ones that you feel are going to give you the information that you can really trust. Even though there are thousands or perhaps even millions of websites out there that are trying to sell your product, you are looking for the gem that is going to give you the information that you need. There is nothing wrong with selling something on the Internet, just make sure that the resource you are looking at is balanced in this regard.

If there is one thing that I've learned by searching for this type of information on the Internet, it's the fact that article archives are going to give you more information than any other resource. One of the reasons why this is the case is because many of these articles are broken down into smaller bites so it does not take you through too many subjects at one time. Find a decent article archive and you will be able to learn a lot about Forex in a short period of time.

One final word about looking for information like this on the Internet is the fact that you're not always going to find what you want, right out of the starting gate. Be persistent with all of your efforts and make sure that you follow through on anything that you have done. Take in all the knowledge that you possibly can, and you will be successful as a result. - 23222

About the Author:

You can receive all of the Forex training free on our website. Visit us now for more information.

Investing in Stock Picks

By Michael Swanson

Stocks have in past history earned their investors more money than other choices like money markets and bonds. Basically it's like you're buying a part of a business and investing in them. It's the case of you giving them money to do what they do; your payment is partial ownership of a company.

Most people will deal with what is called common stock. These are stocks that have no sort of restrictions to them, anyone can buy them. Be you a young investor or an investor who is older, common stock could well be the choice for you.

You will become what is known as a shareholder in a company. Meaning you own part of the company for the money you have placed into this stock. When the business succeeds and earns more money the price for the stock will increase, and you will earn money.

Yes you will also have a vote about what the business does in the larger decisions. Perhaps even being placed on a board of directors which will do the hiring and firing of key managers in companies. Though it's a lot of responsibility that most investors like to avoid.

It's not all about making money when it comes to the stock market though. You can have times when a company may lose some money, or they could go bankrupt. You can lose all the money you've invested in some cases too.

Different types of stock are available. As an example we will talk about a family owned company. If they may want to bring in extra funds they will create another class of stock. These stocks may only entitle the holder to one vote, while the class of stock the family holds will be worth 10 votes. However, they have found a way in which more money can come into the business. - 23222

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