Dow Futures (Part II)

By Ahmad Hassam

Stock index futures like the Dow Futures or the S&P 500 Futures are traded for speculation as well as hedging purposes. Stock-index futures are by far the largest category of futures contracts traded as a percentage of the total number of futures contracts traded. The dominance of index futures clearly speaks of the major role that stock-index futures play in risk management for the entire stock market.

There are many advantages of trading stock index futures like the Dow Futures. Stock index futures like the Dow futures are a better option than trading individual stocks. Some of these advantages are gains in the futures markets are taxed at a lower rate than the stock market capital gains.

However, future traders don't have the same amount of time to make decisions as someone who is only trading stocks. Globex is a 24 hour electronic trading system for a wide variety of futures contract. If something happens on the stock market overnight when it is closed and you want to hedge your risk, you can trade Dow Futures or the S&P 500 Futures on Globex. Many futures brokerages offer lower commission rates as compared to stocks.

When you trade stock index futures like the Dow Futures, you are betting on the direction of the contract value, in this case DJIA and not on the individual stocks that make up the index.

When you are trading index futures, you are blocking out a good deal of the noise that is often associated with the daily gyrations in the prices of the individual stocks. In trading stock index futures like the Dow Futures, you focus on the value and the general trend of the 30 blue chip stocks as a group when you trade the Dow Futures. Similarly when you trade S&P 500 futures contract, you are focusing on the 500 stocks included in the S&P 500 index as a group not as individual stocks.

Aside from hedging, you can simply speculate with the futures contract like the Dow Futures just by using technical and fundamental analysis. Stock index futures like the Dow Futures are guaranteed to move in response to the economic indicators. You can setup positions with both futures and options as you wait for the news to hit the wire.

Stock indexes move when economic news of fundamental nature is released. For the past many years, the monthly NFP employment report which is issued the first Friday of every month at 8:30 AM EST has been an excellent mover for stock index futures like the Dow Futures.

You just need to find one or two stock index futures with which you're comfortable -the ones that enable you to implement your strategies. You don't need to trade every major index futures contract in the world to be successful. Just focus on one stock index futures contract and become its specialist or expert. You can become a successful futures trader in sometime with this approach.

The more you know about a particular type of a contract, the better off you are. So the best way to trade futures contracts is to become a specialist in one type of the contract like the Dow Futures or the S&P 500 Futures or NASDAQ-100 Futures.

Figure out how many days the Dow Futures contract tends to spend rising or falling along a Bollinger Band. You can get an idea when the Dow Futures contract is likely to turn around. This way you can become a Dow Futures swing trader. Every time profiting from a turn in the DJIA! So by becoming a specialist in trading Dow Futures you can make a lot of profit daily from the daily movements in DJIA. - 23204

About the Author:

Mr. Ahmad Hassam has done Masters from Harvard University. He is interested in day trading stocks and currencies. Trade Dow Futures. Learn Swing Trading!

CFD Trading Strategy - Symmetrical Triangles Downside Breakout

By Jeff Cartridge

Symmetrical triangles have been very popular with traders over the years trading the chart pattern when it breaks out in either direction. A symmetrical triangle is defined by two lines, one on the upper boundary of the price movement which slopes down and one on the lower side which slopes up. The lines have almost the same angle, hence the name symmetrical.

Symmetrical Triangles Can Be Traded Short

Symmetrical triangles provide no clear breakout direction, but 45% break out to the downside making it possible to trade on the short side. Just 44% of these breakouts are profitable and on average the profit per trade is only 0.33% over a period of 9 days. The symmetrical triangle is not one of the best chart patterns when it breaks to the downside, but applying some filters can make this pattern more attractive to trade.

Refine Your Entries

Short breakouts from symmetrical triangles work better in falling markets which is clear from the historical results that were achieved. The market, sector and the stock should be in a down trend or consolidating for the best results when trading symmetrical triangles short.

Symmetrical triangles that breakout early in the pattern, which is not many, produce inferior results to those that breakout later. The best results are achieved when the stock climbs up from the lower boundary and collapses back before reaching the upper boundary of the pattern.

If volume supports a symmetrical triangle breakout then the profitability of the trades improves. For volume to support the breakout, volume when the stock is going down should be greater than volume when the stock is going up. A close lower than the previous day, before the breakout, results in better trades.

Symmetrical Triangles Can Be Profitable

Incorporating these simple changes when selecting symmetrical triangles to trade short, dramatically improves the results. With an average return per trade of 1.58% in 9 days and a hit rate of 47% it is possible for symmetrical triangles to be traded short successfully.

Statistics for this article have been provided by Patterns Trader after analyzing over 60,000 chart patterns on the Australian market from 2000 - 2008. - 23204

About the Author:

Jeff Cartridge is a private trader and created the website LearnCFDs.com A Simple Timeless Method for Huge Gains

Why Child's Play is Synonymous with Forex Software System Trading

By Henry Hepner

Believe it, the profit or loss on any specific trade is not the focal point of the successful traders of today. But as an alternative the focus has turned to magnifying procedures that continue to work again and again. It can be understood that the Forex software system trading will analyze the trade signals with the accuracy and the speed to give you the knowledge and skill to make sound trading decisions, making it child play.

Analyzing the market is how the new robotic systems perform, along with placing the buy and sell orders to your Forex broker. This software is also designed to permit you to visually picture back testing for your trades. You can see them on a historical data chart, where you can validate that your trading strategies are running productively.

This system is unmatched by human efforts in producing a desired effect. Your expertise is not a requirement making the child like idea a reality. Like anything else, once you are familiar trading will become systematic. The trading software will demonstrate that complexity is not necessary to make successful trades.

Automatic Systems Disadvantages

To be sure it is a demanding process to research a given currency or to chart proceedings to function for trades. We are reminded there is a 24 hour marketplace that is not constant. But as I glance at the thought that not having some system in place to help with my trading, would mean the rest of the matters of my life will have to be decided on which is more important. Getting ahead with my trades, meaning the hindrance without an automatic software or my obligations that must be taken care of, both are a priority.

Advantages of Automation

The first thing that comes to mind is an automatic trading software is just that, its automated. It is an awesome thing and marvelous of what this software is really doing for me, as far as its complexity and obscurity and time conservation. This is the wave of our future events to get ahead of the game and many are trading Forex markets with greater self-assurance. Yes there will be some work, but your experience is not requirement to establish short term or long term trades.

A good number of automated software are grappling for superiority that are accessible today. Taking the hard work out of strategically maneuvering to placing trades, the Forex software system trading of today are very impressive. Doing your trades by totally electronic means and then going about your business is a move, more and more traders are doing.

The purpose is simply to merely apply the rules and approach the system step-by-step. The automatic Forex system trading has worked really well for me and that is a great thing to ponder. Just to say the least, my eyes have been opened to the possibilities that have been delivered and it is impressive to see a system available to me, with the aptitude it has.

The system is just about entirely hands free and has succeeded in producing money making trades over 85% of the time for me. There is also with the stability of making between 12-18 currency trades per week, not bad.

For the purpose of purchase and sell of foreign currencies, allow me to share this thought, whether early retirement, living life after retirement, planing for our children, to ease your situation, or just getting ahead, the Forex trader wants to profit from the efforts put forth plain and simple. The greatest distinguishing trait or quality is the ease and the steady performance of the Forex software system trading, to adhere to and produce for your aspirations, dreams and goals. The plans we make for ourselves and family is why we look for a greater tomorrow and to take at least one obstacle out of our way. - 23204

About the Author:

One of the best roads to travel and become skilled and grow is O.P.E, Other Peoples Experience. The author Henry Hephner, has a number of years of experience with forex trading. prior to the calculator came along, performing trigonometry was a giant undertaking. Examine more info about the Forex software system trading and its unique robots. Receive a free ebook called Insider's Guide to Forex Trading click links.

GTA Neighbourhoods - Real Estate Properties - Up And Coming GTA Neighbourhoods

By Paul Beauchamp

The Toronto Real Estate Market - 2009 / 2010

Versatile real estate agents always keep their customers interests upfront in their minds. Monica I, a great real estate agent from West end Toronto every day explores the GTA marketplace daily online. She remarks, presale Toronto property undertakings are well underway, including some high-end condominium hotels and high-rise tower residences that will transform the Toronto horizon forever.

Monica points out a great recent online article from CMHC. CMHC Canada states that "The decline in housing starts in 2009 are because of a several factors, including the current economic climate, increased competition from the existing home market, and the impact of strong house price growth from 2002. This info will help you determine an up and coming neighbourhood in your area, or the GTA.

Toronto, for many years was one of the hottest of the hot real estate markets in North America, with an % appreciation in your properties value in the double digits. When the real estate market is superb, one of the things you must keep in mind is to get a home inspection done. And remember even if a market is hot, and you want to get into the action, always remember to go with a real estate agent whose total marketing presentation and rapport makes sense to you.

Look for Rezoning too is important in new up and coming neighbourhoods. If a generally commercial community is shifting into a highly residential region, it's a great sign the area is taking a turn for the best. Also, check for developers building highrises and, in turn, more suites and homes. After that, the region will explode - the more residential households, the area starts to look stronger and more preferable amenities move in like cafes and shops, having the area more liveable and community oriented.

Every since her first day in real estate, Monica strives to help Toronto home buyers and sellers make better informed decisions by providing them with informative articles and up to date MLS listings, all related to the property they wish to sell or purchase. She is a wealth of neighbourhood knowledge.

Versatile real estate agents always keep their customers interests in the forefront of their mind, as Monica constintly explores the GTA market place daily online. She remarks as a heads up, pre-sale Toronto property undertakings are also well underway, including some high-end condominium hotels and high-rise tower residences that will transform the Toronto horizon forever.

And for seasoned homes in the GTA area, Monica states to add value, update the master suite, kitchen and bathroom to produce agood return on the investment if it is time to sell. So folks, if you are ready to get into the real estate market in Toronto, then congratulations, there are great bargains out there, especially with the interest rate at a low low rate of what 2.25% prime, if not less.

In todays marketplace, you need a good real estate agent. And from I have seen, she prides herself on a level of customer service that is unparalleled by any other Toronto real estate agent. Talk to one of her past clients, you will see what I mean. Referrals are the ultimate compliment for a job well done, and almost every week, she gets a voicemail, a new referral.

So folks, from among the many Toronto real estate agents out there in the market, please verify first that you like the agent that you choose. If you can not see eye to eye, or you dont feel a "in-touch with your needs" chemistry bond with them, it may not work.

Every since her first day in real estate, Monica strives to help Toronto home buyers and sellers make better informed decisions by providing them with informative articles and up to date MLS listings, all related to the property they wish to sell or purchase. She is a wealth of neighbourhood knowledge.

Public Transportation is one thing to look for. If a subway, streetcar or bus makes up residence in the area, jump on and savour the ride. The presentation of public transportation can modify a community quite alot, particularly for monumental more populated areas.

That is why I highly recommend Monica as one of the best Toronto real estate agents that can work with. You truly get your money's worth. Monica knows the marketplace, so you may be able to catch the next up and coming neighbourhood boom in Toronto before it happens. Call her. - 23204

About the Author:

For a great Toronto realtor, and superb knowledge property investment opportunities in the GTA area CLICK HERE

Here's The Way Real People Are Making Good Money Trading Forex

By Steve Halladay

These days, it can be a lot easier to make money with a small business because of the Internet. You can do a lot of different things to make money with your own business. You can set up an online store, or even sell on eBay. However, there is one thing you can do with that doesn't involve setting up any type of store. One great way to earn money online is to engage in Forex trading.

Forex trading means that you engage in buying and selling currency pairs so as to make a profit. If you want to make money doing so, you'll need to be able to predict how one particular currency in a currency pair is going to do against the other. This isn't easy to do if you're new to it, but it can be quite easy to learn.

One of the ways you can learn about Forex trading is to read about it. This can take a lot of time, but you should do this as efficiently as you can so that you don't waste much time. Let's talk about two reasons why currencies might fluctuate in value to each other.

One of the things that helps predict a particular currency's value is what that country's interest rate is and how it has changed. For example, if the US raises interest rates, this can make US bonds more attractive to investors globally. This means that the US dollar is more in demand, which in turn means that the dollar goes up in value.

Another example of a reason for a currency's change in value is that a country's key exports can rise or fall in value. One example of that is Canada. Canada is a major oil exporter. When oil prices go up, the Canadian dollar rises in value because of Canada's oil exporting capabilities. This was true recently as oil prices rose markedly. Now, oil prices are going down, so that the Canadian dollar, too, is also going down in value when compared to some other currencies.

These are just two examples as to why currencies can change in value. This is a topic that can be quite complex.

It's fortunate that you don't have to know all of the markets intricacies before you can make money doing so. Many Forex trading software programs can help you do just this. Professional traders have developed these, and they can help you spot trends and signals so that you can find profitable trades. Install the software on a computer and if you have an Internet connection, the program can use real-time market data to help you generate trades.

These types of programs are a good idea if you're just beginning in Forex trading because they let you make money while you're learning about currency trading. As you become better and more knowledgeable about Forex trading, you can begin to make trades based on what the software's telling you and on what your own intuition and skill tells you, too.

When you begin to scope out these programs, be cautious about the high-priced ones. Many of these programs ask for literally thousands of dollars. You don't need to pay that kind of money for good quality software. Instead, look for software that you can get for about $100. This will give you a reliable, proven program that will help you make money in Forex trading.

Also, make sure the company offers a moneyback guarantee. If the program works, there's no reason why they won't back it up with a guarantee. It's some added piece of security for you.

If you haven't taken a serious look at foreign exchange trading in the past, it can be a lucrative business to consider. If you start trading, you can begin to generate some pretty decent money with it right away. In addition, Forex trading can also be a lot of fun! Best of luck in your Forex ventures! - 23204

About the Author:

Click Here to learn more about real everyday people who are earning cash trading forex online. You can also read reviews on the most successful Forex Robots.