Learn the Basic of Forex Charts

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Learning how to read a forex chart is considered to be somewhat of a science. They look complicated at first glance. Forex charts can look drastically different depending on what options you want to use. Charts usually have settings for the display style of the price and the time frame that you want to view. Time frames can be anywhere from 1 second to 10 years, depending on the charting system. Price can usually be displayed as a candlestick, a line, or bar. 

Key Takeaways

  • Forex charts can be complicated to understand and look drastically different, depending on what options you want to use.
  • Candlestick charts are the most commonly used display method for indicating the price on a forex chart.
  • Technical analysis relies on the price that is on the chart you are using. Most charting systems will allow you to add technical analysis tools as overlays on your chart.
  • Remember that the chart isn't so much about telling the future as it is managing risk effectively.

Chart Types

Charts typically have several different display modes for displaying the price. One method that price can be shown is called Japanese candlesticks. Candlestick charts are the most commonly used display method for indicating the price on a forex chart. There are theories about using candlestick patterns to predict the price. Candlestick analysis is said to provide a nearly instant sentiment read on the market. 

Price can also be displayed as a line. Line charts are a good way to simplify the display of the price. The line chart will show you the closing price for each period. Another way to display the price is by using a bar chart. The bar chart is similar to the candlestick chart. A bar chart will show you where the price opened, the high and low, and where the price closed.

Technical Analysis

One of the best reasons to learn how to read a chart correctly is so you can apply technical analysis. Not every trader believes in using technical analysis, but it can be useful, even if it is not your primary method of trading. Technical analysis relies on the price that is on the chart you are using. Most charting systems will allow you to add technical analysis tools as overlays on your chart.

Be on the Lookout for Overcomplicating Matters

Unfortunately, technical analysts can get carried away in a hurry. The quickest way to recognize a technical analyst gone awry is when you have a hard time finding the price in the chart. It's often best to keep it simple and remember that the chart isn't so much about telling the future as it is managing risk effectively. Traders get into a lot of troubles when they feel that they can divine the future by looking at a current pattern on the chart that resembles a past pattern. Please remember that different traders were in the market looking at different data points when the historical patterns developed in a similar manner as the potentially current patterns.

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