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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.
 

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.
 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

 

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.

 

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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.

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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.
 

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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.

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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.




 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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