Technical analysis is considered to be the opposite of fundamental analysis. Technical analysis looks at the past performance and history of an investment. It relies on data showing this history and current trends and patterns to make predictions of future market activity. It ignores the intrinsic value of the investment in favor of its statistical abstract.The Forex market lends itself to technical analysis rather well. The history of the value of currency pairs is a matter of statistical record and can be easily accessed. Its supporters claim it is the only sure way of understanding the market and predicting its future.
This is especially true in the Forex market. Fans of technical analysis say that the economies of modern nations are so very complex that they can not be accurately predicated. It is only in the study of the past history of the currency and the trends that are revealed that a possible glimpse of the future be found.
To better understand the difference between fundamental analysis and technical analysis consider this example. If you were interested in determining what flavor of ice cream was the best to buy, the fundamental analyzer would go into the ice cream store and try several different types. He seeks its intrinsic value. The technical analysis man would sit outside the store and take notes on the flavors others are buying to decide which was the most popular and therefore most likely the best. He does not look at the intrinsic value, but relies on the data he gathers from others to make his decision. Of course, in the end, it is going to be his own preference that settles the question, and this is true of the market. Both fundamental analysis and technical analysis are mere tools that help you make the decisions that in the end only you can make.
Psychology of forex trading or how your emotions can mess you up.
Most sites that offer advice on succeeding in the Forex market are going to point out to you that the biggest enemy you face is not the market itself, but rather your own emotions. This is true in just about any activity that involves financial risk. It is really not all that different from playing poker. If you go into it afraid of losing, then most likely you are going to lose. It is pretty much accepted that most human beings have an innate desire to prosper. This desire is what makes failure so frightening.
Regardless of how you make your decisions you need to proceed with confidence tempered with caution. Whether you use technical analysis or fundamental analysis or flip a coin, it really doesn't matter as much as developing your own investment strategy, and proceeding with it until you are sure it is working or failing. Do not take council of your fears, and bounce around with no pattern, overreacting to every setback. Nor should you grow overconfident and let a small temporary success lead you into foolishness. Remain constant and stick with your plan.
The Forex market has some peculiar emotional landmines that you need to be aware of, and need to avoid. You are dealing with the currency of foreign countries and how they are going to be valued against the currency of other countries, one of which is your own country. It is important to keep things in perspective. If you find yourself rooting for the USA and booing Japan like they are your alma mater's football team and its biggest rival, then you should not be investing in this market, but saving for tickets to the next Olympic Games. Investment of any kind takes self control, and emotional stability, and Forex is no exception.
