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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Understanding Discretionary and Mechanical Forex Trading Systems

By John Eather

There are two basic types of Forex trading systems, termed mechanical and discretionary systems. Mechanical systems provide trading signals that are based on systematic data analysis and other technical analyses. Discretionary systems, on the other hand, use factors that are harder to quantify, like trader experience, and gut feelings about entries and exits. Which one brings better results? And, more importantly, which one best fits your trading style? Let's begin by evaluating the pros and cons of each system.

Advantages A mechanical system is able to be totally automatic and backtested for efficaciousness. It employs firm rules and information. Mechanical traders are inclined to concentrate less on intuition than discretionary traders.

Disadvantages Most traders backtest Forex trading systems incorrectly. In order to get accurate results, tick data is required. But, the Forex market is constantly in flux and has some measure of unpredictability. Market conditions might seem similar to a backtest scenario, but they're never identical. A trading strategy that worked last year isn't guaranteed to be profitable this year.

Advantages Discretionary systems are able to easily accommodate to fresh and ever-changing market circumstances. Trading conclusions are supported by experience, and traders exercise their background knowledge to ascertain which trading signals afford greater probability of winning.

Disadvantages Discretionary systems don't allow backtesting or automation, as making a decision asks for a real person to canvas the market conditions. Time is compulsory to lay down the experience level essential to attain success entering trades reliably. This has a propensity to be precarious in the beginning.

Consequently, which system is better for Forex traders? The most advantageous system is the system which conciliates your preferences. If you've had problems abiding by your instinct, then you could be served better with a mechanical system. This ought to extinguish the requirement to apply your judgement; you simply assume the trades suggested by the mechanical system.

Likewise, if you are paralyzed by the doubts and emotions that plague many traders, you will also fare better with mechanical systems, since you can simply follow what the system indicates without being overcome by your own mental roadblocks. There will be no more mental anguish over whether to go short, go long, close or open a trade " the mechanical system will indicate this for you.

However, if you've enough self discipline, it'd be better for you to employ a discretionary system. This will allow the most flexibility in adapting to market conditions, and you will be able to easily adjust your trading strategies as the market develops. For instance, if you've a goal of 50 pips on a long trade but the market starts to quickly move up, you have the option to set your strategy to take profit at 90 pips.

Before deciding whether a discretionary or mechanical trading system is right for you, there are some important things to consider. You will want to make sure that the type of Forex trading system you use matches your personality, or you'll constantly be second guessing your chosen system.

You'll need to establish a few trading rules, and more significantly, deliver the discipline to adhere them. Be ready to formulate the most effective system for yourself. This demands time and commitment, but if you do it the right way, this will compensate you over time in a positive way. - 23211

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