Education

"What Time Does the Forex Market Open?" – Navigating the Global Currency Trading Hours

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 10, 2023
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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: The Allure of the Forex Market's 24/7 Landscape
  2. A Detailed Guide to Forex Trading Hours Around the World
  3. Session Overlaps: The Prime Time for Forex Trading Strategies
  4. Importance of Forex News and Its Timing
  5. Strategies Aligned with Forex Trading Hours
  6. Why Understanding Forex Trading Times is Crucial for Success
  7. The Importance of Choosing a Top Forex Broker: Introducing LonghornFX
  8. Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Forex Market Hours

1. Introduction: The Allure of the Forex Market's 24/7 Landscape

The foreign exchange market (forex or FX) is a behemoth in the financial landscape. Its round-the-clock operation, decentralized nature, and vast global reach make it a magnet for investors. From major corporations to individual traders, the forex market draws participants from all corners, seeking to capitalize on currency price fluctuations.

2. A Detailed Guide to Forex Trading Hours Around the World

Forex operates in cycles dictated by major financial hubs:

Sydney Session: It initiates the global cycle. The Australian dollar, often a lead indicator of Asian Pacific trends, finds its most active hours here.

Tokyo Session: The Asian giant steps in, introducing the yen – a key currency. This session often defines the trend for the day, with other markets reacting to its movements.

London Session: European markets come alive, introducing a plethora of currencies into the mix. The GBP, EUR, and CHF often see significant movements.

New York Session: The U.S. market's opening often brings in a surge of liquidity, with USD movements dominating the scene.

3. Session Overlaps: The Prime Time for Forex Trading Strategies

Overlap periods are the pinnacle of forex trading. They present traders with enhanced liquidity and volatility:

Tokyo-London Overlap: Though brief, this period offers early insights into potential European market reactions to Asian trends.

London-New York Overlap: A hotspot for action, as two of the world's financial giants operate simultaneously. This period is ripe for major forex news releases and sees the most voluminous trading activities.

4. Importance of Forex News and Its Timing

Forex news, from economic indicators to geopolitical events, plays a pivotal role. Scheduled announcements, such as interest rate decisions or employment figures, can lead to substantial market swings. Staying updated with a forex calendar can help traders anticipate these moves.

5. Strategies Aligned with Forex Trading Hours

Different sessions call for varying strategies:

Asian Scalping: Focuses on small price gaps resulting from the Sydney-Tokyo overlap.

London Breakout Strategy: Targets the first few hours of the London session, capitalizing on the trend set by Asia.

New York Fade: Exploits the closing hours of New York, leveraging possible reversals from the day's main movements.

6. Why Understanding Forex Trading Times is Crucial for Success

Market hours dictate three main things:

Liquidity: Higher trading volumes often lead to tighter spreads.

Volatility: Essential for traders looking for price swings.

Market Sentiment: The start of each session often sets the day's sentiment, bullish or bearish.

7. The Importance of Choosing a Top Forex Broker: Introducing LonghornFX

In the volatile realm of forex trading, having a robust broker is half the battle won. LonghornFX, with its state-of-the-art platform, offers traders rapid execution, in-depth analysis tools, and educational resources, ensuring they remain ahead of the curve.

8. Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Forex Market Hours

A deep comprehension of forex market hours, combined with strategic planning and a dependable broker, forms the foundation for successful forex trading. With these tools, traders can confidently navigate the vast ocean of forex, capitalizing on its ceaseless opportunities.


Education

How Does the Dow Jones Affect Forex Trading? Unveiling the Connection

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 1, 2023
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In the intricate world of finance, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the forex market might seem to inhabit separate spheres. However, a closer examination reveals a profound interconnection between these two seemingly distinct entities. This article embarks on an exploration of the nuanced relationship between the Dow Jones and forex trading, delving into how fluctuations in this iconic index wield a substantial impact on forex trading strategies.

Table of Contents:

  1. Understanding Sentiment Shifts
  2. The Haven Amid Turmoil
  3. Navigating Cross-Market Analysis
  4. The Data Effect
  5. Balancing Correlations and Complexity
  6. Exploring the Role of Brokers: LonghornFX
  7. Conclusion

Understanding Sentiment Shifts

Market sentiment serves as an influential driving force in the realm of forex trading, and the Dow Jones occupies a pivotal position in shaping this sentiment. The correlation between the Dow's positive movements and an upsurge in investor confidence regarding the health of the U.S. economy is undeniable. This optimistic outlook often cascades into the forex market, prompting traders to gravitate towards currencies associated with increased risk, such as the Australian dollar or the British pound.

However, it's crucial to note that market sentiment is a delicate balance influenced by various factors. Global events, economic indicators, and geopolitical tensions can all sway sentiment in unpredictable ways. Therefore, while the Dow Jones plays a substantial role in shaping market sentiment, it's essential for forex traders to maintain a keen eye on a diverse range of influences to make well-informed trading decisions.

The Haven Amid Turmoil

On the flip side, when the Dow Jones experiences downward trends, investors tend to seek refuge in safer assets to shield their portfolios. This flight to safety often results in an augmented demand for safe-haven currencies like the U.S. dollar, Japanese yen, and Swiss franc. These currencies typically appreciate during periods of market uncertainty, functioning as a shield against the inherent risks of more volatile investments.

As a forex trader, understanding the ebb and flow of these safe-haven currencies is crucial for capitalizing on market movements. However, it's important to recognize that while these currencies are considered safe havens, their strength can also be influenced by factors specific to their respective economies. Monitoring economic indicators, central bank policies, and geopolitical events in these countries can provide valuable insights into the potential trajectory of safe-haven currencies.

Navigating Cross-Market Analysis

Forex traders adept in cross-market analysis recognize the indispensable role played by the Dow Jones in their research endeavors. The Dow's trajectory offers valuable insights into the broader financial landscape, serving as a compass to guide decision-making within the forex market. A robust Dow can signify a thriving economy with heightened consumer spending, subsequently fostering a positive outlook for currencies linked to countries tightly intertwined with the U.S. economy.

Cross-market analysis, however, is a nuanced practice that requires a comprehensive understanding of global economic dynamics. It's essential to consider not only the Dow Jones but also other stock indices, bond yields, and commodity prices when evaluating potential impacts on forex markets. Geopolitical events, trade agreements, and central bank decisions can further complicate this analysis. To excel in cross-market analysis, forex traders should stay well-informed about both economic indicators and global developments that could influence various financial markets.

The Data Effect

Economic data releases exercise a significant influence over both the Dow Jones and the forex market. The impact of such releases, ranging from non-farm payrolls to GDP figures, extends to both sectors, triggering shifts in sentiment. Positive economic data often bolsters the U.S. dollar due to the anticipation of impending interest rate hikes. Conversely, the revelation of negative data can weaken the dollar. As a forex trader, an understanding of these correlations empowers one to predict potential currency movements following critical economic announcements.

However, it's essential to consider the broader context when interpreting economic data. A single data point may not be sufficient to form a comprehensive view of an economy's health. Forex traders should analyze trends over time and compare data releases to market expectations. Additionally, central bank statements and other policy decisions can significantly influence how markets react to economic indicators. A well-rounded approach to data analysis can provide a more accurate understanding of potential currency movements.

Balancing Correlations and Complexity

The Dow Jones, despite its informative prowess, does not exist in isolation. The forex market is a confluence of numerous factors, including geopolitical events, central bank policies, and global economic conditions. While the Dow offers valuable insights, it's essential to maintain a holistic approach to analysis and strategy development. Appreciating the intricate interplay of these multifaceted components is fundamental for informed decision-making.

To navigate this complexity effectively, forex traders should consider using advanced analytical tools and platforms. Modern trading platforms offer access to real-time data, technical indicators, and charting tools that can aid in comprehending market trends and correlations. Additionally, staying updated with financial news and analysis from reputable sources can provide valuable insights into emerging trends and potential market-moving events.

Exploring the Role of Brokers: LonghornFX

In the realm of forex trading, selecting a reliable and reputable broker stands as a pivotal decision. Among the notable choices is LonghornFX (visit their website here). LonghornFX provides traders with an array of features and tools designed to cater to individuals across all experience levels. With a user-friendly interface, competitive spreads, and an extensive range of trading instruments, LonghornFX establishes itself as a valuable ally in the forex trading journey.

When choosing a broker, several factors come into play, including regulatory compliance, trading fees, available trading platforms, customer support, and the range of tradable instruments. LonghornFX's platform caters to both novice and experienced traders, offering a seamless user experience and a variety of trading options, including forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and more. Its competitive spreads and leverage options can provide traders with flexibility in implementing their strategies.

Conclusion

The exploration into the correlation between the Dow Jones and forex trading underscores a dynamic and intricate relationship. Mastery of the Dow's influence on market sentiment, its role as a safe haven, cross-market dynamics, and economic data correlations enables forex traders to craft strategies grounded in insightful analysis. Within the complex arena of currency trading, comprehending the synergy between the Dow Jones and forex markets provides a distinct edge, a synergy amplified by partnering with reputable brokers such as LonghornFX. As you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of forex trading, remember that understanding this connection can be the key to informed decision-making and successful outcomes. Harness the power of comprehensive analysis, advanced tools, and reliable brokers to chart a course towards forex trading success.


Education

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Forex Trading

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 1, 2023
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The world of finance is replete with opportunities, and one domain stands out both in volume and accessibility: Forex. But, what is Forex, and why has it garnered such immense global attention?

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Forex: The Global Marketplace
  2. Delving Deeper: Mechanics of Forex Trading
  3. Historical Roots: The Evolution of Forex
  4. The Attractions: Why Opt for Forex Trading?
  5. Selecting the Right Tools: Forex Brokers and Platforms
  6. Potential Pitfalls in Forex Trading
  7. Forex Trading Strategies
  8. Conclusion: Embracing the Forex Wave

1. Introduction to Forex: The Global Marketplace

Forex, short for "Foreign Exchange," is the global arena where national currencies are traded against one another. It’s a vast market, boasting a daily trading volume exceeding $6 trillion, dwarfing other financial markets. Unlike stock exchanges, the Forex market operates 24 hours a day, accommodating different time zones and ensuring continuous trade from Tokyo to New York.

2. Delving Deeper: Mechanics of Forex Trading

In Forex trading, currencies are always traded in pairs. One currency is bought, and another is sold simultaneously. This is because the value of one currency is relative to another, leading to pairings like EUR/USD (Euro/US Dollar) or USD/JPY (US Dollar/Japanese Yen).

Major Pairs: These involve the most frequently traded currencies and include EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, and USD/CHF.

Minor Pairs: These exclude the US Dollar but involve major currencies like the EUR/GBP or the EUR/AUD.

Exotic Pairs: These are currencies from emerging economies paired with a major currency, like USD/TRY or USD/SGD.

3. Historical Roots: The Evolution of Forex

Forex trading isn't a modern invention. Since ancient times, nations have traded currencies. However, the system we recognize today began in the 1970s when countries transitioned to floating exchange rates from the fixed rates set by the Bretton Woods agreement.

4. The Attractions: Why Opt for Forex Trading?

Liquidity: Forex's colossal size ensures high liquidity. Large volumes can be traded without significantly affecting prices.

Flexibility: With 24-hour operations, traders can respond instantly to global news and events.

Leverage: Forex brokers often provide leverage, allowing traders to control large positions with limited capital. However, it’s essential to note that while leverage can amplify profits, it can also magnify losses.

Diversification: The multitude of currency pairs available offers traders diverse opportunities and ways to hedge their portfolios.

5. Selecting the Right Tools: Forex Brokers and Platforms

An essential step in a trader’s journey is choosing a reliable Forex broker. A good broker should provide a robust trading platform, tight spreads, and strong customer support. Among the industry leaders is LonghornFX, offering user-friendly tools and an excellent environment for both novice and experienced traders.

Additionally, practicing with demo accounts before diving into real trades can build confidence and skill without financial risk.

6. Potential Pitfalls in Forex Trading

Forex trading isn’t without its challenges:

Market Volatility: Although it can offer opportunities, sudden market shifts can lead to significant losses.

Overleveraging: While leverage can amplify returns, it can also magnify losses.

Emotional Trading: Decisions driven by emotions rather than analysis can be detrimental.

7. Forex Trading Strategies

To navigate Forex's tumultuous waters, traders employ various strategies:

Day Trading: Holding positions within a single trading day, aiming to profit from short-term price movements.

Swing Trading: Positions are held for several days, capitalizing on expected upward or downward market swings.

Position Trading: Based on long-term price movements, positions can be held for weeks to months.

Scalping: This strategy aims to profit from tiny price changes, with trades lasting minutes to hours.

Understanding and mastering a strategy that aligns with one’s trading style, risk tolerance, and goals can significantly impact trading success.

8. Conclusion: Embracing the Forex Wave

Forex trading, with its vast potential and global reach, continues to attract a growing number of participants. While the opportunities are significant, so are the risks. As with all investments, education, due diligence, and a well-thought-out strategy are the keys to success in the dynamic world of Forex.


Education

Cryptocurrency: What it is and how it works

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 1, 2023
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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction:
  2. Defining Cryptocurrency in the Modern World
  3. How Does Cryptocurrency Work?:
  4. Key Advantages of Cryptocurrencies:
  5. Commonly Used Cryptocurrencies:
  6. The Flip Side: Potential Challenges of Crypto:
  7. Crypto's Broader Implications:
  8. Final Thoughts:

1. Introduction

The dawn of the 21st century has been marked by rapid technological advancements. From the rise of the internet to the proliferation of smartphones, change has been constant. Amidst this technological renaissance, one term has consistently made headlines: cryptocurrency, or "crypto". But what is it?

2. The Basic Concept of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a groundbreaking financial innovation. At its essence, it's a digital or virtual form of currency utilizing cryptography for heightened security. Unlike traditional currencies regulated and issued by governments and central banks, cryptocurrencies operate on a technology called blockchain—a decentralized, digital ledger.

Traditional banking systems have centralized models, where a singular entity, like a bank or government, controls the process. Cryptocurrencies defy this model. They are, by design, decentralized. This independence from traditional systems often sparks debates on topics from regulation to potential societal impacts.

3. How Does Cryptocurrency Work?

Blockchain Technology: Envision a digital ledger that records transactions not in one place, but duplicated across thousands of computers globally. This is blockchain—a transparent, immutable system. When a transaction occurs, it's placed into a block. Once the block reaches a certain number of approved transactions, it's chained to the previous block, forming a "blockchain."

Decentralization: The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies means that no central authority, institution, or government has control over the currency or its monetary policy. Instead, transactions occur directly between users and are verified by network nodes through cryptography.

Cryptography: A pillar of cryptocurrency's security, cryptography is the art of writing or solving codes. In the crypto realm, it’s used to secure transactions and control the creation of new coins.

3. Key Advantages of Cryptocurrencies

Transparency: Every finalized transaction is recorded on the blockchain, visible to anyone who wishes to view it. While personal identities aren't directly tied to transaction and wallet addresses, the open-source nature of the technology ensures complete transparency.

Reduced Transaction Fees: Traditional online money transfers usually involve fees and exchange costs. Cryptocurrencies may minimize these costs, offering potential savings.

Accessibility: Over two billion people globally have access to the internet but not traditional banking systems. Cryptocurrency can serve these unbanked populations, offering them new ways to participate in the global economy.

Security: Enhanced by cryptographic techniques, crypto transactions provide a higher level of security against fraud and unauthorized access compared to traditional payment systems.

4. Commonly Used Cryptocurrencies

While there are over 5,000 cryptocurrencies in circulation, a few have risen to prominence:

Bitcoin (BTC): Launched in 2009, Bitcoin is the pioneer, the original cryptocurrency. Designed as a decentralized currency, it sought to operate outside of traditional banking systems.

Ethereum (ETH): While Bitcoin introduced blockchain technology, Ethereum expanded its applications, allowing developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) on its platform.

Ripple (XRP): Distinct from many cryptocurrencies, Ripple doesn't operate on a blockchain. Instead, it uses a distributed consensus ledger.

Litecoin (LTC): Often viewed as the silver to Bitcoin's gold, Litecoin offers faster transaction times and a different hashing algorithm.

5. The Flip Side: Potential Challenges

Scalability Issues: As adoption rates grow, networks can become congested, slowing transaction times and increasing fees.

Regulatory Concerns: Decentralization means cryptocurrencies operate in a regulatory gray area, leading to concerns about legality, tax evasion, and potential misuse.

Volatility: With prices capable of significant fluctuations within hours, the crypto market's volatility can pose considerable risks to investors.

Public Perception: Scandals, misconceptions, and a lack of understanding can influence public opinion, potentially hindering mainstream adoption.

6. Crypto's Broader Implications

Beyond mere transactions, crypto is reshaping sectors:

Smart Contracts: Self-executing contracts where terms are written directly into lines of code. They hold promise in legal, real estate, and entertainment sectors.

Supply Chain and Logistics: With blockchain's transparent and immutable ledger, product sourcing and tracking become more transparent.

Digital Identity: Cryptographic security can provide more secure methods of managing digital identities, critical in our internet-dominated age.

Banking the Unbanked: In regions without accessible banking, crypto offers a chance for financial inclusion.

7. Final Thoughts

Cryptocurrency, backed by its blockchain foundation, stands as a testament to the power of innovation. Like all revolutions, it’s surrounded by both enthusiasm and skepticism. As the technology matures and becomes more integrated into society, understanding its intricacies becomes paramount. In this age of digitization, cryptocurrency is not just a financial tool—it's a cultural phenomenon, reshaping our understanding of money.


Education

How Can I get Crypto to Appear in MetaTrader 4?

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 11, 2020
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Trading Cryptocurrencies on MT4 Platform

At LongHornFX we pride ourselves on offering traders a wide variety of tradable assets including Cryptocurrencies.

Digital assets are gaining more popularity by the day as the future of finance looks to shift towards a digital infrastructure.

This has created a feeding frenzy for more and more people purchasing and holding digital assets. With increased popularity comes increased liquidity which makes Cryptocurrencies an exciting CFD trade!

Enjoy up to 1:100 leverage on top Crypto pairs including BTC/USD, ETH/USD, DASH/USD and much more.

To get Cryptocurrencies to appear in MT4

1 Right-click anywhere on the ‘Market Watch’

2 Click ‘Symbols’

3 Click ‘Cryptos’

4 Then you will see all available Crypto pairs

5 Select ‘Show’ or ‘Hide’ to add and remove from your Market Watch


Education

A guide to understanding Leverage

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 11, 2020
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Leverage Meaning and Examples

Leverage allows traders to open larger positions with less capital. Trading with leverage is considered to be one of the main benefits associated with CFD trading to maximise earning potential. 

This provides traders with the opportunity to generate greater profits from even the slightest market movements. In the Forex market, for example, price movements are often quite small, so forex traders may use leverage to amplify their profits from changes in currency pairs. 

With LonghornFX, traders can open positions on a large variety of assets, using the following leverage ratios:

  • Forex -  1:500

  • Metals - 1:500

  • Indices - 1:200

  • Energy - 1:100

  • Crypto -  1:100

  • Stocks -  1:20

What is a Margin?

The Margin is the amount of money needed to open a position with leverage. A 1:500 leverage setting means that for every $1 that the trader inputs, the position size is amplified to $500. So, if a trader wants to open a position of $10,000 on the GBP/USD currency pair using leverage 1:500, the required margin will be $20.


Education

Spread - Bid/Ask Price

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 10, 2020
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How to Calculate Forex Spread

In CFD Trading, the spread is the difference between the ‘bid’ and ‘ask’ price of an asset. 

In the Forex market, the spread is measured in PIPS. When trading other assets such as Stocks or Commodities, the spread is simply calculated as the difference between the ‘buy’ and ‘sell’ price of the underlying asset. 

In this example, we will look at the EUR/USD currency pair.

1.18364 is the price at which you can buy the Euro

1.18356 is the price at which you can sell the Euro

To calculate the spread, subtract the bid price from the ask price. In this case, the spread is 0.00008 (1.18364 - 1.18356).

Factors that Influence the Spread

The two main factors that can impact the spread are Liquidity and Market Volatility. As a rule, spreads are usually affected in this way:

  • Higher volatility means higher spreads 

  • Higher liquidity means lower spreads

It’s important to bear in mind that the spread is constantly changing due to these two factors, and spreads vary depending on the asset and market being traded on.

Forex is considered to be the largest and most liquid global market, carrying higher leverage options up to 1:500. The highly volatile Crypto Market, on the other hand, has a leverage cap of 1:100. Read more about leverage here.


Education

Understanding lots and pips

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 10, 2020
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Understanding Lots in CFD Trading

When trading CFDs, position sizes are based on ‘lots’. A ‘lot’ is the standard number of units of the underlying asset which is being traded. Lots vary depending on the markets that a trader wishes to be involved in.

The value of a lot is set out by the broker and is the minimum number of units that you can buy of any given financial instrument.

You can check the number of units within MT4 by:

  • Right clicking on the instrument within the ‘Market Watch’

  • Go to ‘Specification’

  • See ‘Contract Size’

A lot refers to any financial instrument or tradeable asset on the xxxxx platform, however, the ultimate size and value of a lot will vary between markets.

Micro lot trading allows traders on LonghornFX to trade with a fraction of the contract size also known as micro lots which start at 0.01.  The maximum lot size at xxxx is 1,000.

The standard contract size for assets in units:

  • Forex    100,000

  • Metals   5,000

  • Oil         1,000

  • Stocks   100 

  • Crypto   10

What is 1 Lot in Forex and how does leverage impact its calculation? 

If we use AUD/USD currency pair as a case study, this instrument would contain a contract size of 100,000 units. 

1 lot would be equal to $100,000

By using a leverage setting of 1:500 a trader would need $200 in their account to open a position. This is calculated as follows:

100,000 contract size  / 500 leverage = $200 required balance to trade 1 lot

If we were to lower the leverage setting to 1:100 for the same pair AUD/USD the calculation would change:

100,000 / 100 = $1,000 required balance to trade 1 lot

Lot Size

Units of
Base Currency

Volume

Pip Value
(base: USD)

1 Standard Lot

100,000 units

1.1

1 pip = $10

1 Mini Lot

10,000 units

0.1

1 pip = $1

1 Micro Lot

1,000 units

0.01

1 pip = $0.10

1 Nano Lot

100 units

0.001

1 pip = $0.01


Education

Understanding Bitcoin and other denominations

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 10, 2020
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BITs and Satoshi: What’s the Difference?

BITs and Satoshi are two denominations of the popular Cryptocurrency Bitcoin (BTC). Just as fiat currencies are broken down into whole units and subunits, such as Euros and Cents, Bitcoin can be distinguished as BITs and Satoshi. The value of BITs and Satoshi are as follows:

  • 1 BIT (or Microbit) =  BIT = 0.000001 BTC - 1 millionth of a Bitcoin

  • 1 Satoshi = SAT = 0.00000001 BTC = 1 hundred-millionth of a Bitcoin

A Microbitcoin, or ‘BIT’ is one-millionth of a Bitcoin. These can be referred to as BITS or through the symbol μBTC. Satoshi is the smallest denomination of Bitcoin (one-hundred millionth of 1 BTC), named after the pseudonymous creator/s of Bitcoin.

Why do we use BITs?

BITs are often used to display funds in online trading accounts. If you open an account using Bitcoin as a currency, displaying your funds in BITs will make it easier and simpler to view. This is because BITs usually show less decimal numbers than Bitcoin. 

For example, if you deposit 0.00085 BTC in your account, this will be displayed as 850 BITs in your wallet.

Other Denominations of Bitcoin

There are other denominations of Bitcoin, although these are less commonly used and will not appear on your trading account. These include 

  • Millibits (0.001 BTC) 
  • Centibits (0.01 BTC) 
  • Decibits (0.1 BTC)
  • DecaBit (10 BTC)
  • Hectobit (100 BTC)
  • Kilobit (1000 BTC)
  • Megabit (1000000BTC)

Education

Forex Pips Explained

By LonghornFX Technical Analysis
Aug 10, 2020
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PIP Definition and Examples

A Percentage in Point, usually called a ‘PIP’ in trading, represents the price movement in a currency exchange rate. A PIP is a very small measure of change in a given currency pair, and is measured and presented as a quote. 

Most currencies are quoted to the 4th number after the decimal point, and a PIP represents the last of those numbers. Therefore 1 PIP = 0.0001 of a currency. In an exception to the rule, all Forex pairs containing JPY are only quoted to the second decimal number. So in USD/JPY, 1 PIP = 0.01 of the given currency. 

Why are PIPs Important?

Even though PIPs represent a very small movement in price, a slight change can result in large price swings when trading Forex with high-leverage. Since PIPs are small in value, Forex is traded using micro lots, mini lots or lots, representing 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000 units of the currency being traded respectively.

There are three things that determine the value of a PIP:

  • The currency pair being traded

  • The size of the trade

  • The exchange rate of the currency pair

For example: GBP/USD

If the current market price of GDP/USD is 1.30000 and you have opened a micro lot trade with 1000 units of the currency, the value of one PIP will be calculated as follows:

(1 PIP/exchange rate) x lot = PIP value

(0.0001/1.30000) x 1000 = 0.0769

Therefore, for each movement of 1 PIP, the trader would earn or lose 0.0769 Pounds.

Fractional PIP Pricing

To make price quotes more accurate, LonghornFX also includes a 5th decimal place in Forex currency pair prices. This is called a ‘Fractional PIP Price’, which is valued at 0.00001 of the quoted currency. Fractional PIPs are used to provide traders with more precise quotes for price fluctuations.