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Trading Glossary

Take a look at our list of the financial terms associated with trading and the markets. From beginners starting their trading journey to experts with decades of experience, all traders need to clearly understand a huge number of terms.

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Trading Charts

How do you read trading charts?

Trading charts are used to display historical price data for a security or financial instrument. They typically include a time frame on the x-axis, and the price of the security or instrument on the y-axis. Candlestick charts, bar charts and line charts are the most common types of charts used in trading. Candlestick charts are the most popular and provide a visual representation of the opening price, closing price, highest and lowest price of the security in a given period of time. It also shows the direction of the price movement, whether it went up or down. Traders use different technical analysis tools like trendlines, moving averages, and indicators to interpret the charts and make trading decisions. There is a great deal of nuance in reading charts and doing it correctly will require experience and an understanding of how your chart of choice is presenting information to you.

How do you predict if a stock will go up or down?
Traders use different technical analysis tools and techniques to predict if a stock will go up or down using trading charts. These include: 

Trendlines: By connecting price highs or lows over a period of time, traders can identify the direction of the trend and predict future price movements. 

Moving averages: By plotting the average price over a period of time, traders can identify trends and potential buying or selling opportunities. 

Indicators: Technical indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), are mathematical calculations that are plotted on charts to help traders identify trends, momentum and potential buy or sell signals. 

Chart patterns: Traders also use chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double bottoms, and triangles to identify potential reversal points in the market and make predictions about future price movements. 

It's important to note that technical analysis is not an exact science and it's not a guarantee of future results. Traders should always use technical analysis in conjunction with fundamental analysis, which looks at a company's financial and economic conditions, to make informed trading decisions.

How do you know if a chart is bullish?
A chart is considered bullish if it is showing an upward trend or pattern, indicating that the price of a security or financial instrument is likely to rise. Bullish chart patterns include upward trending lines, ascending triangles, and bullish candlestick patterns such as the hammer or the bullish engulfing pattern. Traders often consider a stock to be bullish when it's trading above the moving average, especially when the moving average is trending upward.




 

Heikin Ashi Candlestick Chart

What is a Heikin Ashi Candlestick chart?

The Heikin Ashi chart is a type of chart pattern used in technical analysis. Heikin Ashi charts are similar to a candlestick charts, but the main difference is that a Heikin Ashi chart uses the daily price averages to show the median price movement of an asset.

How do you use a Heikin-Ashi chart? 
Heikin-Ashi charts resemble candlestick charts, yet have a smoother appearance as they track a range of price movements, instead of tracking every price movement the way candlestick charts do. As with the standard candlestick charts, a Heikin-Ashi candle has a body and a wick. Yet , these candles do not have the same purpose as on a candlestick chart. The last price of a Heikin-Ashi candle is calculated by the average price of the current bar or timeframe.

Is it better to use Heikin-Ashi or candlestick?
Heikin-Ashi averages out price data to create a smoother, easier-to-read chart, while traditional candlestick charts provide more detailed price information. It ultimately depends on the investor's preferences and trading strategy which chart type is better.

Are Heikin-Ashi candles accurate?
Heikin-Ashi candles can be an accurate tool for gauging market trends, although they are often regarded to be less accurate than standard candlestick charts.
 

Trends

What are Trends in trading?

Trading trends refer to the overall direction of a security or market, often revealed through chart patterns or indicators. Traders use these trends to identify potential entry and exit points, as well as possible trading opportunities. Analyzing the financial markets in order to identify trends is an essential skill for successful traders. With knowledge of historical trends, investors can spot emerging ones and plan accordingly.

How do you identify a trend in trading?
Analyzing past market movements, changes in asset prices and economic data can be used to identify short-term and long-term trends. Using technical indicators such as moving averages, MACD, and stochastics can also help you spot potential trading opportunities and take advantage of prevailing market trends.

What are the 3 types of trends?
When analyzing the stock market, there are three primary trends that can be observed: short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term. Short-term trends generally last within one to three weeks, intermediate-term trends can range from one to four months, and long-term trends last more than a year. Being able to identify these different trend patterns will help investors maximize their potential returns. 

MetaTrader

What is a MetaTrader?

A MetaTrader is an electronic trading platform widely used by online retail traders. The MetaTrader application consists of both a client and server component. The server component is run by the broker and the client software is provided to the broker’s customers, who use it to see live streaming prices and charts, to place orders, and to manage their accounts.The platform works on Microsoft Windows-based applications as well as on Andriod and Mac OS applications.

Marktets.com supports the use of both the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 trading platforms with its traders. 

Metatrader 4 is still one of the most popular and easy-to-use trading platforms. With Expert Advisors, micro-lots, hedging and one-click trading.
Metatrader 5 is a powerful upgrade and the most advanced online trading platform It is a multi-asset derivatives platform for trading on CFDs and enables traders to perform hedging and netting, and delivers more technical indicators as well as more insight with market depth and a wider number of timeframes.


Can I trade on MetaTrader without a broker?
While you can download and use the MetaTrader software without a broker, it is not possible to trade without one. In order to execute trades on MetaTrader, you will need to open an account with a broker that offers the platform and deposit funds into that account.
 

Bearish Markets

What is a Bearish Market?

A bearish market is a condition in the stock market where prices are on a downward trend, characterized by widespread pessimism and investor fear. This often results in a decline in the value of securities, leading to a decline in the overall market.

How long do bear markets last?
The duration of a bear market can vary and can last anywhere from a few months to several years. It depends on a number of factors, including the underlying cause of the market downturn, the state of the overall economy, and government or central bank interventions.

How do you know if a market is bearish?
A market is considered bearish if there is a persistent downward trend in the prices of securities, typically accompanied by increased selling pressure and declining market indices such as the S&P 500. This can be indicated by technical analysis, such as chart patterns showing lower highs and lower lows, or by broader economic indicators such as declining gross domestic product (GDP) and rising unemployment.

What is the longest bear market in history?
The longest bear market in history is the Great Depression, which lasted from 1929 to 1939. During this time, the stock market experienced a severe decline, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 89% of its value. The Great Depression was a global economic downturn that had far-reaching impacts and was marked by high levels of unemployment, homelessness, and economic hardship.

Rally

What is a Rally?

What is a Rally in Trading?
A rally in trading refers to a period of time when the price of an asset, such as a stock or commodity, rises significantly. A rally is often characterized by an increase in buying activity and positive investor sentiment, which drives the price upward. Rallies can be short-lived or last for an extended period, depending on the underlying factors driving the market.

How long does a stock rally last?
Rallies can be short-term or long-term depending on factors like market sentiment and the performance of underlying stocks. On average, stock rallies can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months. The length of any given rally is impossible to predict and it’s up to individual investors to do their research and make their own decisions on whether they want to invest during a stock rally.

How do you identify a stock rally?
Rallies can be identified by several factors including an increase in price, strong trading volume, positive news stories and upbeat investor sentiment. To accurately determine if there is a stock rally, look at the index chart of the overall market, specific sectors or individual stocks. Additionally, keep an eye on economic indicators such as gross domestic product, employment data and consumer confidence to assess if conditions are conducive for a rally. Doing research and regularly monitoring the stock market can help investors identify potential opportunities during a rally.

 

Technical Analysis

What is Technical Analysis?

Technical analysis is a type of financial analysis that looks at historical price movements and trading volumes to predict future price movements in the market. It involves studying trends, chart patterns, momentum indicators, and other factors to make informed decisions about trading. Technical analysis can help traders and investors gain insight into market sentiment, timing their trades for optimal returns.

Why is technical analysis important?  
Technical analysis is a critical component of successful financial and trading strategies. It helps investors understand the past performance of a security, identify current trends and anticipate future price movements. Technical analysis relies on mathematical calculations and charting techniques to evaluate securities, which can be an invaluable tool for traders to optimize returns and manage risk.

Which tool is best for technical analysis?  
There are many tools that can be used for technical analysis, and different traders may have different preferences. Some commonly used tools include:

  • Candlestick charts: These charts provide a visual representation of price movements and can be used to identify patterns and trends.
  • Moving averages: These indicators can be used to smooth out price movements and identify trends.
  • Relative strength index (RSI): This indicator compares the magnitude of recent gains to recent losses and can be used to identify overbought and oversold conditions.
  • Bollinger Bands: These indicators are used to measure volatility and identify potential buy and sell signals.

Ultimately, the best tool for technical analysis will depend on the individual trader's preferences and the market conditions they are trading in. it's important to use multiple tools and indicators to validate the signals and make better decisions.

Range

What is a Range?

A range refers to the difference between the highest and lowest prices a stock may reach during a specific time frame. This range gives investors an indication of how volatile a particular asset might be in terms of its price movements, as well as what opportunities they might have to make money. By analyzing historical data and keeping up-to-date with market news, investors can develop strategies to capitalize on different ranges.

How do you use ranges in trading?
Range trading is a popular trading strategy in finance, particularly for traders looking to limit their risk and profit from a given market movement. When using ranges, traders identify support and resistance levels for a security or asset, and look to take profits when prices reach either level. By using a range-trading strategy, traders can limit the amount of capital they are willing to risk per trade, as well as capitalize on both long-term and short-term movements in the market. 

What is trend in trading?
A trend in trading is the general direction of a security's price over a period of time. Trend analysis helps traders make predictions about future market movements, allowing them to enter and exit positions at optimal times. Trends can be either upward or downward and often take weeks, months or even years to develop. To identify trends, technical analysis tools such as support and resistance levels, trend lines, and chart patterns are used by traders to detect buying and selling opportunities in the markets. Fundamental analysis also plays a role in recognizing potential profitable trading opportunities since underlying economic conditions may influence a security’s price.

 

MACD

What is MACD (moving average convergence/divergence) or X indicator?

Moving Average Convergence/Divergence, also known as MACD , is an analytical trading indicator. Its function is to show changes in the strength, direction, momentum, and duration of a trend in a share’s price. The MACD indicator is comprised of three time series charts based on historical price data. For example, closing price.

How can you tell if MACD is bullish?
If the MACD line (the blue line) is above the signal line (the red line), it is considered to be bullish and suggests that the security's price is likely to rise. This is because the MACD line is calculated by subtracting the 26-day exponential moving average (EMA) from the 12-day EMA, and when the 12-day EMA is above the 26-day EMA, it indicates that short-term momentum is bullish and the stock is likely to rise.

Is MACD a good indicator?
MACD is a widely used technical indicator that can be a useful tool for identifying trends and potential buy or sell signals in the market. However, like any indicator, it has its limitations and should be used in conjunction with other technical analysis tools and fundamental analysis to make informed trading decisions.

Which is better MACD or RSI?
Both the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) are popular technical indicators used in trading. They are both useful tools for identifying trends and potential buy or sell signals, but they are based on different calculations and are used for different purposes. 

The MACD is a momentum indicator that is calculated by subtracting the 26-day exponential moving average (EMA) from the 12-day EMA. It is used to identify bullish or bearish trends and potential changes in momentum. 

The RSI, on the other hand, is a momentum oscillator that compares the magnitude of recent gains to recent losses in an attempt to determine overbought and oversold conditions of an asset. 

Both indicators can be useful, but they can also give different signals, so once again, it's important to use them in conjunction with other indicators and analysis techniques to make informed trading decisions.

MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

The iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. companies that have positive environmental, social and governance characteristics as identified by the index provider.

MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

The iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. companies that have positive environmental, social and governance characteristics as identified by the index provider.

Trading Commission

What is Trading Commission?

A Trading Commission is a service fee paid to a broker for services in facilitating or completing a trade.

How does a trade commission work?
Trade Commissions can be structured as a flat fee, or as a percentage of the revenue, gross margin or profit generated by the trade. At markets.com we do not charge our traders any commission fees on their trades and positions.

Overnight Index Swap

What is an Overnight Index Swap?

An Overnight Index Swap (Swap Fee) is a process where the settlement of a deal is rolled forward to another value date, and a charge is levied based on the difference in the interest rates of the two currencies. Every day at 21:00 GMT, open positions are rolled over to the next day and the positions gain or lose interest based on the interest differential between the bought and sold currencies.

What is OIS compound?
The index rate is typically the rate for overnight lending between banks, either non-secured or secured. The fixed rate of OIS is typically an interest rate considered less risky than the corresponding interbank rate (LIBOR) because there is limited counterparty risk.

The LIBOR–OIS spread is the difference between IRS rates, based on the LIBOR, and OIS rates, based on overnight rates, for the same term.
 

Litecoin

Just like many of the other cryptocurrencies, Litecoin was created to improve on some of the perceived failings of Bitcoin - primarily a higher number of tokens and a much faster processing speeds.

Litecoin (LTC) is priced in USD per coin and reached a peak of $341 in December 2017. It was launched in April 2013 by Charlie Lee, a former Google software engineer.

Lee was central to a change in attitude about Bitcoin, helping it gain approval from big names. He wanted to position Litecoin as silver to Bitcoin's gold, and knew that the success of all cryptocurrencies would be tied to stalwart Bitcoin.

Litecoin uses blockchain in a similar way to Bitcoin, but has very low transaction fees and has adopted ‘Segregated Witess (SegWit) - a process by which the size of blocks in a blockchain is reduced by removing data.

Silver

Silver (XAG) has long-been synonymous with money, indeed, in some languages the two words are the same. The white metal has been used for investment and jewellery for thousands of years, and its distinctive characteristics ensure it continues to be in high-demand.

Silver is priced in USD per troy ounce. Its price peaked at $49.45 in January 1980, and reached an all-time low of $3.55 in February 1991.

The majority (85%) of silver production comes from mining, with the remainder sourced from scrap and stockpiles. While silver can be recycled, it is less economical to do so than with other precious metals. The top producers of silver are Mexico, Peru and China.

Silver is widely used in photographic, industrial, medical and telecommunications technology. It is also highly sought after for investment purposes. Its price is influenced by industrial demand, demand for jewellery, coins, medals and silverware, as well as the price of gold and the strength of the US Dollar.

Guaranteed Stop Order (GSLO)

What is a Guaranteed Stop Order?

A Guaranteed stop order provides traders with a form of protection for their positions. They can have a guaranteed exit at the exact price they specify. This can be used regardless of market volatility. This is different from “standard” stop-loss orders, which may be filled at worse price levels than were requested due to “slippage”. A guaranteed stop loss order (GSLOs) will incur a fee / premium which will only be charged if it was triggered.

How does guaranteed stop work?
A guaranteed stop loss works in the same way as a standard one does, via instructions provided to the broker to close a position at a specific level, thereby reducing the risk should the market move against the trader.

Should I use guaranteed stop-loss?
Guaranteed stop-loss automatically exits you from the market at a certain predetermined price level in order to limit potential losses if the market goes against you. As such, especially for less experienced traders, it is a recommended strategy to mitigate losses.

Bullish Market

What is a Bullish Market?

A bullish market is a financial market condition where prices are rising or are expected to rise, characterized by optimism and investor confidence. It is the opposite of a bearish market, where prices are falling or expected to fall.

How long do bull markets last?
Bull markets can last anywhere from a few months to several years. The average bull market lasts about 3 years. However, the length of a bull market can vary greatly depending on various economic, political, and market factors.

How do you know if a market is bullish?
A market is considered bullish if stock prices are rising and investors are optimistic about future market performance. This is typically indicated by a sustained increase in market indexes such as the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average over a period of time. Additionally, high trading volume and strong investor confidence can also be indicators of a bullish market.

What is the longest bull market in history?
The longest bull market in history was the 1990-2000 bull market, which lasted for 113 months.

Amortization

What is Amortization?

Amortization is the process of charging the cost of an asset to expense over a specific timeframe. Amortization also defines the practice of spreading the repayment of a loan. This shifts the asset from the balance sheet to the income statement.

Amortization reflects the consumption of an intangible asset over what is considered a useful timeframe. It is used for the gradual write-down of the cost of those intangible assets that have a specific useful life. It is common to charge interest which is calculated based on the duration and other variables.

Amortization should not be confused with Depreciation. The difference between them is that amortization is about charging “Intangible Assets” to expense over time. While depreciation is about charging “Tangible Assets” to expense over time.

How to calculate amortization?
As we do not provide economic or trading advice we can only include here what is considered to be a generally agreed upon explanation. As stated, generally an Amortization can be calculated by using a straight-line formula such as: (book value - residual value) / useful life.

Federal Reserve

What is the Federal Reserve?

The Federal Reserve bank, or the ‘Fed’ for short, is the central bank in charge of monetary and financial stability in the United States. It is part of a wider system – known as the Federal Reserve system – with 12 regional central banks located in major cities across the US.

What does the Federal Reserve do?
The Federal Reserve performs five main functions to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy and, more generally, the public 
interest. It:
• Conducts the nation’s monetary policy
• Promotes the stability of the financial system 
• Promotes the safety and soundness of individual financial institutions 
• Fosters payment and settlement system safety and efficiency 
• Promotes consumer protection and community development

Who Controls Federal Reserve?
The Federal Reserve is governed by a Board of Governors in Washington, DC, and 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks located throughout the country. The Board of Governors is an independent government agency appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Chairman of the Board of Governors also serves as Chair of the Federal Open Market Committee, which sets monetary policy.

Currency Pair

What is a Currency Pair?

A Currency Pair is a term used in the Foreign Exchange, or Forex, domain. Currency pairs compare the value of one currency to another — the base currency versus a second comparative or 'quote' currency. A currency pair shows how much of a currency is required to buy a single unit of the currency it is being compared to. It is also known as an exchange rate and is used for all currencies traded in FX markets

What is a foreign currency?
A foreign currency is, very simply, any currency used in a country that isn't your own.

What is the structure of a foreign exchange market?
The foreign exchange market is a decentralized market where global currencies are traded. In this market, participants buy, sell, exchange and speculate on currencies. It operates through a global network of banks, corporations, and individual traders, who buy and sell currencies for both hedging and speculative purposes. The market is open 24 hours a day and it is considered the largest and most liquid financial market in the world.

What are the most commonly traded currency pairs?
The most commonly traded currency pairs are USD/CAD, EUR/JPY, GBP/USD and AUD/CAD.

What is an ISO code?
Each currency is identified by an ISO code. An ISO code is a three-character abbreviated name that is standardised and internationally recognised. For example, the ISO code for the United States Dollar is USD. 

Interest Rate

What is an Interest Rate?

An interest rate is the percentage of a loan or deposit that a lender charges a borrower for the use of their money, or the percentage paid on a deposit account. It is used as a way to compensate the lender for the opportunity cost of not using their money elsewhere. The interest rate can be fixed or variable, and it is typically expressed as an annual percentage. The interest rate is used to calculate the amount of interest due on a loan or deposit over a certain period of time.

What are the 3 types of interest?
The three main types of interest are:

Simple interest: Interest calculated only on the original principal amount of a loan or deposit.
Compound interest: Interest calculated not only on the original principal but also on accumulated interest from previous periods.
Nominal interest: Interest rate stated on a loan or deposit, does not take into account the effect of compounding.

However, there are a few other types of interest as well. 

How do I calculate interest rate?
Interest rate is calculated as the cost of debt for the borrower and the rate of return for the lender. This makes the total sum to be repaid to be more than the borrowed amount since lenders require compensation for the loss of use of the money during the loan period. Although many make use of the various online “interest calculators”.
 

Market Makers

What are Market Makers?

Market Makers are financial institutions or investors that provide liquidity to the markets by placing buy and sell orders at specific prices. They are incentivized to do this in order to make profits from the bid-ask spread.

What is the difference between dealer and market maker?
A dealer and a market maker are both intermediaries in the securities market that provide liquidity and help facilitate trades. However, they have some key differences. A dealer is a person or entity that buys and sells securities for their own account and risk. They hold inventory of securities and make a profit by buying at a lower price and selling at a higher price.A market maker is a firm or individual that provides liquidity to the market by continuously buying and selling a security at publicly quoted prices. They are also called liquidity providers, and they make money by charging a bid-ask spread, the difference between the prices they are willing to buy and sell a security. They do not hold inventory of securities like dealers do.

Do market makers manipulate price?
Market makers are allowed to buy and sell securities at their own discretion, and they may adjust the prices they are willing to buy and sell a security in order to make a profit. However, they are also subject to regulatory oversight, and they must act in a fair and transparent manner. They are not allowed to manipulate prices, and any illegal activities such as insider trading, wash trading or any other form of market manipulation are strictly prohibited.
 

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Bearish Markets

What is a Bearish Market?

A bearish market is a condition in the stock market where prices are on a downward trend, characterized by widespread pessimism and investor fear. This often results in a decline in the value of securities, leading to a decline in the overall market.

How long do bear markets last?
The duration of a bear market can vary and can last anywhere from a few months to several years. It depends on a number of factors, including the underlying cause of the market downturn, the state of the overall economy, and government or central bank interventions.

How do you know if a market is bearish?
A market is considered bearish if there is a persistent downward trend in the prices of securities, typically accompanied by increased selling pressure and declining market indices such as the S&P 500. This can be indicated by technical analysis, such as chart patterns showing lower highs and lower lows, or by broader economic indicators such as declining gross domestic product (GDP) and rising unemployment.

What is the longest bear market in history?
The longest bear market in history is the Great Depression, which lasted from 1929 to 1939. During this time, the stock market experienced a severe decline, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 89% of its value. The Great Depression was a global economic downturn that had far-reaching impacts and was marked by high levels of unemployment, homelessness, and economic hardship.

Bullish Market

What is a Bullish Market?

A bullish market is a financial market condition where prices are rising or are expected to rise, characterized by optimism and investor confidence. It is the opposite of a bearish market, where prices are falling or expected to fall.

How long do bull markets last?
Bull markets can last anywhere from a few months to several years. The average bull market lasts about 3 years. However, the length of a bull market can vary greatly depending on various economic, political, and market factors.

How do you know if a market is bullish?
A market is considered bullish if stock prices are rising and investors are optimistic about future market performance. This is typically indicated by a sustained increase in market indexes such as the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average over a period of time. Additionally, high trading volume and strong investor confidence can also be indicators of a bullish market.

What is the longest bull market in history?
The longest bull market in history was the 1990-2000 bull market, which lasted for 113 months.

Amortization

What is Amortization?

Amortization is the process of charging the cost of an asset to expense over a specific timeframe. Amortization also defines the practice of spreading the repayment of a loan. This shifts the asset from the balance sheet to the income statement.

Amortization reflects the consumption of an intangible asset over what is considered a useful timeframe. It is used for the gradual write-down of the cost of those intangible assets that have a specific useful life. It is common to charge interest which is calculated based on the duration and other variables.

Amortization should not be confused with Depreciation. The difference between them is that amortization is about charging “Intangible Assets” to expense over time. While depreciation is about charging “Tangible Assets” to expense over time.

How to calculate amortization?
As we do not provide economic or trading advice we can only include here what is considered to be a generally agreed upon explanation. As stated, generally an Amortization can be calculated by using a straight-line formula such as: (book value - residual value) / useful life.

Currency Pair

What is a Currency Pair?

A Currency Pair is a term used in the Foreign Exchange, or Forex, domain. Currency pairs compare the value of one currency to another — the base currency versus a second comparative or 'quote' currency. A currency pair shows how much of a currency is required to buy a single unit of the currency it is being compared to. It is also known as an exchange rate and is used for all currencies traded in FX markets

What is a foreign currency?
A foreign currency is, very simply, any currency used in a country that isn't your own.

What is the structure of a foreign exchange market?
The foreign exchange market is a decentralized market where global currencies are traded. In this market, participants buy, sell, exchange and speculate on currencies. It operates through a global network of banks, corporations, and individual traders, who buy and sell currencies for both hedging and speculative purposes. The market is open 24 hours a day and it is considered the largest and most liquid financial market in the world.

What are the most commonly traded currency pairs?
The most commonly traded currency pairs are USD/CAD, EUR/JPY, GBP/USD and AUD/CAD.

What is an ISO code?
Each currency is identified by an ISO code. An ISO code is a three-character abbreviated name that is standardised and internationally recognised. For example, the ISO code for the United States Dollar is USD. 

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Heikin Ashi Candlestick Chart

What is a Heikin Ashi Candlestick chart?

The Heikin Ashi chart is a type of chart pattern used in technical analysis. Heikin Ashi charts are similar to a candlestick charts, but the main difference is that a Heikin Ashi chart uses the daily price averages to show the median price movement of an asset.

How do you use a Heikin-Ashi chart? 
Heikin-Ashi charts resemble candlestick charts, yet have a smoother appearance as they track a range of price movements, instead of tracking every price movement the way candlestick charts do. As with the standard candlestick charts, a Heikin-Ashi candle has a body and a wick. Yet , these candles do not have the same purpose as on a candlestick chart. The last price of a Heikin-Ashi candle is calculated by the average price of the current bar or timeframe.

Is it better to use Heikin-Ashi or candlestick?
Heikin-Ashi averages out price data to create a smoother, easier-to-read chart, while traditional candlestick charts provide more detailed price information. It ultimately depends on the investor's preferences and trading strategy which chart type is better.

Are Heikin-Ashi candles accurate?
Heikin-Ashi candles can be an accurate tool for gauging market trends, although they are often regarded to be less accurate than standard candlestick charts.
 

Guaranteed Stop Order (GSLO)

What is a Guaranteed Stop Order?

A Guaranteed stop order provides traders with a form of protection for their positions. They can have a guaranteed exit at the exact price they specify. This can be used regardless of market volatility. This is different from “standard” stop-loss orders, which may be filled at worse price levels than were requested due to “slippage”. A guaranteed stop loss order (GSLOs) will incur a fee / premium which will only be charged if it was triggered.

How does guaranteed stop work?
A guaranteed stop loss works in the same way as a standard one does, via instructions provided to the broker to close a position at a specific level, thereby reducing the risk should the market move against the trader.

Should I use guaranteed stop-loss?
Guaranteed stop-loss automatically exits you from the market at a certain predetermined price level in order to limit potential losses if the market goes against you. As such, especially for less experienced traders, it is a recommended strategy to mitigate losses.

Federal Reserve

What is the Federal Reserve?

The Federal Reserve bank, or the ‘Fed’ for short, is the central bank in charge of monetary and financial stability in the United States. It is part of a wider system – known as the Federal Reserve system – with 12 regional central banks located in major cities across the US.

What does the Federal Reserve do?
The Federal Reserve performs five main functions to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy and, more generally, the public 
interest. It:
• Conducts the nation’s monetary policy
• Promotes the stability of the financial system 
• Promotes the safety and soundness of individual financial institutions 
• Fosters payment and settlement system safety and efficiency 
• Promotes consumer protection and community development

Who Controls Federal Reserve?
The Federal Reserve is governed by a Board of Governors in Washington, DC, and 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks located throughout the country. The Board of Governors is an independent government agency appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Chairman of the Board of Governors also serves as Chair of the Federal Open Market Committee, which sets monetary policy.

I-L

Litecoin

Just like many of the other cryptocurrencies, Litecoin was created to improve on some of the perceived failings of Bitcoin - primarily a higher number of tokens and a much faster processing speeds.

Litecoin (LTC) is priced in USD per coin and reached a peak of $341 in December 2017. It was launched in April 2013 by Charlie Lee, a former Google software engineer.

Lee was central to a change in attitude about Bitcoin, helping it gain approval from big names. He wanted to position Litecoin as silver to Bitcoin's gold, and knew that the success of all cryptocurrencies would be tied to stalwart Bitcoin.

Litecoin uses blockchain in a similar way to Bitcoin, but has very low transaction fees and has adopted ‘Segregated Witess (SegWit) - a process by which the size of blocks in a blockchain is reduced by removing data.

Interest Rate

What is an Interest Rate?

An interest rate is the percentage of a loan or deposit that a lender charges a borrower for the use of their money, or the percentage paid on a deposit account. It is used as a way to compensate the lender for the opportunity cost of not using their money elsewhere. The interest rate can be fixed or variable, and it is typically expressed as an annual percentage. The interest rate is used to calculate the amount of interest due on a loan or deposit over a certain period of time.

What are the 3 types of interest?
The three main types of interest are:

Simple interest: Interest calculated only on the original principal amount of a loan or deposit.
Compound interest: Interest calculated not only on the original principal but also on accumulated interest from previous periods.
Nominal interest: Interest rate stated on a loan or deposit, does not take into account the effect of compounding.

However, there are a few other types of interest as well. 

How do I calculate interest rate?
Interest rate is calculated as the cost of debt for the borrower and the rate of return for the lender. This makes the total sum to be repaid to be more than the borrowed amount since lenders require compensation for the loss of use of the money during the loan period. Although many make use of the various online “interest calculators”.
 

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MetaTrader

What is a MetaTrader?

A MetaTrader is an electronic trading platform widely used by online retail traders. The MetaTrader application consists of both a client and server component. The server component is run by the broker and the client software is provided to the broker’s customers, who use it to see live streaming prices and charts, to place orders, and to manage their accounts.The platform works on Microsoft Windows-based applications as well as on Andriod and Mac OS applications.

Marktets.com supports the use of both the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 trading platforms with its traders. 

Metatrader 4 is still one of the most popular and easy-to-use trading platforms. With Expert Advisors, micro-lots, hedging and one-click trading.
Metatrader 5 is a powerful upgrade and the most advanced online trading platform It is a multi-asset derivatives platform for trading on CFDs and enables traders to perform hedging and netting, and delivers more technical indicators as well as more insight with market depth and a wider number of timeframes.


Can I trade on MetaTrader without a broker?
While you can download and use the MetaTrader software without a broker, it is not possible to trade without one. In order to execute trades on MetaTrader, you will need to open an account with a broker that offers the platform and deposit funds into that account.
 

MACD

What is MACD (moving average convergence/divergence) or X indicator?

Moving Average Convergence/Divergence, also known as MACD , is an analytical trading indicator. Its function is to show changes in the strength, direction, momentum, and duration of a trend in a share’s price. The MACD indicator is comprised of three time series charts based on historical price data. For example, closing price.

How can you tell if MACD is bullish?
If the MACD line (the blue line) is above the signal line (the red line), it is considered to be bullish and suggests that the security's price is likely to rise. This is because the MACD line is calculated by subtracting the 26-day exponential moving average (EMA) from the 12-day EMA, and when the 12-day EMA is above the 26-day EMA, it indicates that short-term momentum is bullish and the stock is likely to rise.

Is MACD a good indicator?
MACD is a widely used technical indicator that can be a useful tool for identifying trends and potential buy or sell signals in the market. However, like any indicator, it has its limitations and should be used in conjunction with other technical analysis tools and fundamental analysis to make informed trading decisions.

Which is better MACD or RSI?
Both the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) are popular technical indicators used in trading. They are both useful tools for identifying trends and potential buy or sell signals, but they are based on different calculations and are used for different purposes. 

The MACD is a momentum indicator that is calculated by subtracting the 26-day exponential moving average (EMA) from the 12-day EMA. It is used to identify bullish or bearish trends and potential changes in momentum. 

The RSI, on the other hand, is a momentum oscillator that compares the magnitude of recent gains to recent losses in an attempt to determine overbought and oversold conditions of an asset. 

Both indicators can be useful, but they can also give different signals, so once again, it's important to use them in conjunction with other indicators and analysis techniques to make informed trading decisions.

MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

The iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. companies that have positive environmental, social and governance characteristics as identified by the index provider.

MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

The iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. companies that have positive environmental, social and governance characteristics as identified by the index provider.

Overnight Index Swap

What is an Overnight Index Swap?

An Overnight Index Swap (Swap Fee) is a process where the settlement of a deal is rolled forward to another value date, and a charge is levied based on the difference in the interest rates of the two currencies. Every day at 21:00 GMT, open positions are rolled over to the next day and the positions gain or lose interest based on the interest differential between the bought and sold currencies.

What is OIS compound?
The index rate is typically the rate for overnight lending between banks, either non-secured or secured. The fixed rate of OIS is typically an interest rate considered less risky than the corresponding interbank rate (LIBOR) because there is limited counterparty risk.

The LIBOR–OIS spread is the difference between IRS rates, based on the LIBOR, and OIS rates, based on overnight rates, for the same term.
 

Market Makers

What are Market Makers?

Market Makers are financial institutions or investors that provide liquidity to the markets by placing buy and sell orders at specific prices. They are incentivized to do this in order to make profits from the bid-ask spread.

What is the difference between dealer and market maker?
A dealer and a market maker are both intermediaries in the securities market that provide liquidity and help facilitate trades. However, they have some key differences. A dealer is a person or entity that buys and sells securities for their own account and risk. They hold inventory of securities and make a profit by buying at a lower price and selling at a higher price.A market maker is a firm or individual that provides liquidity to the market by continuously buying and selling a security at publicly quoted prices. They are also called liquidity providers, and they make money by charging a bid-ask spread, the difference between the prices they are willing to buy and sell a security. They do not hold inventory of securities like dealers do.

Do market makers manipulate price?
Market makers are allowed to buy and sell securities at their own discretion, and they may adjust the prices they are willing to buy and sell a security in order to make a profit. However, they are also subject to regulatory oversight, and they must act in a fair and transparent manner. They are not allowed to manipulate prices, and any illegal activities such as insider trading, wash trading or any other form of market manipulation are strictly prohibited.
 

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Trading Charts

How do you read trading charts?

Trading charts are used to display historical price data for a security or financial instrument. They typically include a time frame on the x-axis, and the price of the security or instrument on the y-axis. Candlestick charts, bar charts and line charts are the most common types of charts used in trading. Candlestick charts are the most popular and provide a visual representation of the opening price, closing price, highest and lowest price of the security in a given period of time. It also shows the direction of the price movement, whether it went up or down. Traders use different technical analysis tools like trendlines, moving averages, and indicators to interpret the charts and make trading decisions. There is a great deal of nuance in reading charts and doing it correctly will require experience and an understanding of how your chart of choice is presenting information to you.

How do you predict if a stock will go up or down?
Traders use different technical analysis tools and techniques to predict if a stock will go up or down using trading charts. These include: 

Trendlines: By connecting price highs or lows over a period of time, traders can identify the direction of the trend and predict future price movements. 

Moving averages: By plotting the average price over a period of time, traders can identify trends and potential buying or selling opportunities. 

Indicators: Technical indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), are mathematical calculations that are plotted on charts to help traders identify trends, momentum and potential buy or sell signals. 

Chart patterns: Traders also use chart patterns such as head and shoulders, double bottoms, and triangles to identify potential reversal points in the market and make predictions about future price movements. 

It's important to note that technical analysis is not an exact science and it's not a guarantee of future results. Traders should always use technical analysis in conjunction with fundamental analysis, which looks at a company's financial and economic conditions, to make informed trading decisions.

How do you know if a chart is bullish?
A chart is considered bullish if it is showing an upward trend or pattern, indicating that the price of a security or financial instrument is likely to rise. Bullish chart patterns include upward trending lines, ascending triangles, and bullish candlestick patterns such as the hammer or the bullish engulfing pattern. Traders often consider a stock to be bullish when it's trading above the moving average, especially when the moving average is trending upward.




 

Trends

What are Trends in trading?

Trading trends refer to the overall direction of a security or market, often revealed through chart patterns or indicators. Traders use these trends to identify potential entry and exit points, as well as possible trading opportunities. Analyzing the financial markets in order to identify trends is an essential skill for successful traders. With knowledge of historical trends, investors can spot emerging ones and plan accordingly.

How do you identify a trend in trading?
Analyzing past market movements, changes in asset prices and economic data can be used to identify short-term and long-term trends. Using technical indicators such as moving averages, MACD, and stochastics can also help you spot potential trading opportunities and take advantage of prevailing market trends.

What are the 3 types of trends?
When analyzing the stock market, there are three primary trends that can be observed: short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term. Short-term trends generally last within one to three weeks, intermediate-term trends can range from one to four months, and long-term trends last more than a year. Being able to identify these different trend patterns will help investors maximize their potential returns. 

Rally

What is a Rally?

What is a Rally in Trading?
A rally in trading refers to a period of time when the price of an asset, such as a stock or commodity, rises significantly. A rally is often characterized by an increase in buying activity and positive investor sentiment, which drives the price upward. Rallies can be short-lived or last for an extended period, depending on the underlying factors driving the market.

How long does a stock rally last?
Rallies can be short-term or long-term depending on factors like market sentiment and the performance of underlying stocks. On average, stock rallies can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months. The length of any given rally is impossible to predict and it’s up to individual investors to do their research and make their own decisions on whether they want to invest during a stock rally.

How do you identify a stock rally?
Rallies can be identified by several factors including an increase in price, strong trading volume, positive news stories and upbeat investor sentiment. To accurately determine if there is a stock rally, look at the index chart of the overall market, specific sectors or individual stocks. Additionally, keep an eye on economic indicators such as gross domestic product, employment data and consumer confidence to assess if conditions are conducive for a rally. Doing research and regularly monitoring the stock market can help investors identify potential opportunities during a rally.

 

Technical Analysis

What is Technical Analysis?

Technical analysis is a type of financial analysis that looks at historical price movements and trading volumes to predict future price movements in the market. It involves studying trends, chart patterns, momentum indicators, and other factors to make informed decisions about trading. Technical analysis can help traders and investors gain insight into market sentiment, timing their trades for optimal returns.

Why is technical analysis important?  
Technical analysis is a critical component of successful financial and trading strategies. It helps investors understand the past performance of a security, identify current trends and anticipate future price movements. Technical analysis relies on mathematical calculations and charting techniques to evaluate securities, which can be an invaluable tool for traders to optimize returns and manage risk.

Which tool is best for technical analysis?  
There are many tools that can be used for technical analysis, and different traders may have different preferences. Some commonly used tools include:

  • Candlestick charts: These charts provide a visual representation of price movements and can be used to identify patterns and trends.
  • Moving averages: These indicators can be used to smooth out price movements and identify trends.
  • Relative strength index (RSI): This indicator compares the magnitude of recent gains to recent losses and can be used to identify overbought and oversold conditions.
  • Bollinger Bands: These indicators are used to measure volatility and identify potential buy and sell signals.

Ultimately, the best tool for technical analysis will depend on the individual trader's preferences and the market conditions they are trading in. it's important to use multiple tools and indicators to validate the signals and make better decisions.

Range

What is a Range?

A range refers to the difference between the highest and lowest prices a stock may reach during a specific time frame. This range gives investors an indication of how volatile a particular asset might be in terms of its price movements, as well as what opportunities they might have to make money. By analyzing historical data and keeping up-to-date with market news, investors can develop strategies to capitalize on different ranges.

How do you use ranges in trading?
Range trading is a popular trading strategy in finance, particularly for traders looking to limit their risk and profit from a given market movement. When using ranges, traders identify support and resistance levels for a security or asset, and look to take profits when prices reach either level. By using a range-trading strategy, traders can limit the amount of capital they are willing to risk per trade, as well as capitalize on both long-term and short-term movements in the market. 

What is trend in trading?
A trend in trading is the general direction of a security's price over a period of time. Trend analysis helps traders make predictions about future market movements, allowing them to enter and exit positions at optimal times. Trends can be either upward or downward and often take weeks, months or even years to develop. To identify trends, technical analysis tools such as support and resistance levels, trend lines, and chart patterns are used by traders to detect buying and selling opportunities in the markets. Fundamental analysis also plays a role in recognizing potential profitable trading opportunities since underlying economic conditions may influence a security’s price.

 

Trading Commission

What is Trading Commission?

A Trading Commission is a service fee paid to a broker for services in facilitating or completing a trade.

How does a trade commission work?
Trade Commissions can be structured as a flat fee, or as a percentage of the revenue, gross margin or profit generated by the trade. At markets.com we do not charge our traders any commission fees on their trades and positions.

Silver

Silver (XAG) has long-been synonymous with money, indeed, in some languages the two words are the same. The white metal has been used for investment and jewellery for thousands of years, and its distinctive characteristics ensure it continues to be in high-demand.

Silver is priced in USD per troy ounce. Its price peaked at $49.45 in January 1980, and reached an all-time low of $3.55 in February 1991.

The majority (85%) of silver production comes from mining, with the remainder sourced from scrap and stockpiles. While silver can be recycled, it is less economical to do so than with other precious metals. The top producers of silver are Mexico, Peru and China.

Silver is widely used in photographic, industrial, medical and telecommunications technology. It is also highly sought after for investment purposes. Its price is influenced by industrial demand, demand for jewellery, coins, medals and silverware, as well as the price of gold and the strength of the US Dollar.

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