When it comes to investment opportunities in Kenya, Foreign exchange trading It still proves to be one of the most attractive. Thanks to the Capital Market Authority's (CMA) frameworks, traders benefit from strong protections and a level of transparency that is the envy of other parts of the world.
If you are looking to start trading and are looking into the currency market, Forex trading may be worth your time. However, before creating a trading account and engaging in currency trading, you need to stop and think about the pros and cons. Below, we break down what a beginner needs to know about forex trading.
What is forex trading?
In simple terms, forex trading involves buying and selling currencies. Sometimes referred to as Forex trading, it is one of the most accessible ways to make a profit from the currency market. With forex trading, you make your profit based on how the exchange rate fluctuates between currency pairs.
For context, let's take the Kenyan Shilling and the Euro as an example of a pair. If you think the Kenyan shilling will appreciate against the euro, you can buy the shilling and then resell it later, with your profit being the difference between how much you paid and how you sold the currency.
The currency trading market is by far the most thriving on the planet. It is a 24-hour operation, making it ideal for those who want to work outside the confines of time zones. Its decentralized nature makes it more attractive to international investors.
It is also subject to heavy censorship. In Kenya, regulatory responsibility lies with the Capital Markets Authority. For peace of mind and safe trading, it is important to choose a broker that is licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority. One example is a multi-asset broker Exness Which has gained a good reputation as a reliable broker in SSA (Sub-Saharan Africa) and is licensed and regulated to provide services in Kenya. Other popular brokers in the area include Admirals and Easy Markets.
What are the risks involved?
Although this type of currency trading can deliver great returns, Forex is not without risk. One of the most important risk factors to remember is the high volatility of the Forex market. Exchange rates can fluctuate significantly over the course of a day or two. In times of geopolitical turmoil and economic turmoil, the most volatile forex pairs can leave your account in negative equity.
Every investment requires due diligence. However, it is even more important when dealing with something as unpredictable as this market. Before you invest any capital in Forex, make sure you are fully aware of how much money you will gain from successful trading, as well as how much you will lose.
There is also the issue of regulation, and not every broker is regulated. If you want to ensure that your forex trading account is protected, it is essential to choose a regulated broker. In addition, understanding the most volatile forex pairs is crucial to risk management. Although these pairs offer great profit opportunities, they also come with a higher risk of sudden and unexpected movements, making them a pivotal factor to consider for any trader.
Choose a trading broker
Before you can start trading forex, you first need to choose a trading broker. A broker acts as an intermediary between traders and the market itself. Once you register with a trading broker, you will be provided with a trading account that allows you to actually deal with the market. Many brokers offer demo accounts where you can practice trading without risking real money.
If you have no experience in forex trading, choosing the right broker can be a challenge. To make sure the broker is trustworthy, do your homework and search online for reviews from past and current clients. Your research shouldn't start and end with the hand-picked testimonials that get a high profile on a broker's website.
Next, make sure the broker is regulated. A regulated broker will generally offer stronger cybersecurity measures, be more transparent, and provide fair service to clients. Another point to consider is the level of customer support offered. The live chat functionality is very good, but sometimes you need to talk to a human agent to get to the bottom of an issue with your trading account.
Finally, think about the fees that will be incurred when investing in the currency market with a particular broker. The broker may have scored top marks in every other category, but crippling withdrawal fees and commissions can seriously impact your profit margin.
Experiment with different trading strategies
If you want to succeed in forex trading, you will need to use the right strategy. There are many different approaches you can take to forex trading, and all of them have proven to be successful when conditions are right.
Before we delve into more specific strategies, it is worth emphasizing the importance of risk management. One effective way forex traders can reduce risk is by introducing stop loss orders into the equation. With these, trades are closed when the currency reaches a certain price. This means that you will always have an idea of how much you stand to lose.
Technical Analysis
Another popular method used by Forex traders is technical analysis. However, it requires a reasonable degree of market knowledge and experience. Evaluating technical indicators and using charting software is crucial, especially when dealing with the more volatile forex pairs. This approach can give you a clear picture of past price movements, allowing you to make more informed predictions about where future prices are headed. There are many different technical indicators that you can use to make informed decisions, with most traders using a combination of them.
Fundamental analysis
Technical indicators are not the only thing that affects price movements. Economic outlook, geopolitical concerns and other issues can affect currency values. Instead of looking for signs of price movements, fundamental analysis gets to the real reason behind these movements. Identifying these indicators requires a deep understanding of the international economy and taking the pulse on current affairs. However, automated tools can help ease the burden when browsing news sites.
Start trading forex today
Do you feel that Forex trading may be the right investment for you? There is a reason why it is the most popular financial market, although getting a positive result in forex trading depends on partnering with a reliable broker. Choose a broker that offers all the features you need to ensure a better chance of forex trading success. There is no need to feel intimidated if you are new to trading. Some brokers offer educational content, or even better, mentors that you can follow and gain insights from, such as Exness Team Pro traders, where beginners can use tried and tested strategies and benefit from the expertise of more experienced investors.