Key features of Forex market in 2020

The market is behaving in a rather unusual fashion these days. Below we have gathered the main characteristics of the new trading environment. Check them out in order to be prepared and make good trading decisions.

1. Volatility has increased

If we compare the typical daily range of EUR/USD last year and this year using the Average True Range indicator (ATR), we’ll see an immense spike in volatility. In other words, in 2020 EUR/USD – and other currency pairs – makes bigger daily moves than usual. Overall, this is good news for traders: more pips can give a bigger profit. It’s necessary to keep in mind this new feature of the market while choosing the place for Take Profit and Stop Loss orders.

2. Market reactions have changed

In textbooks about fundamental analysis, you will definitely see a classic example: a central bank cuts interest rate and the exchange rate of this country’s currency goes down. However, when the Federal Reserve made its last rate cut, the USD went up. The greenback strengthened because investors were stressed by the coronavirus and wanted to have it as a safe haven no matter what. The demand for the USD was higher than usual and that led to a shortage of dollars in the global financial system. As a result, the USD strengthened even more. This shows that although a trader has to know the classic economic relations, he/she also needs to adapt to the current situation.

3. Several factors in play at the same time

The current fundamental background is complicated. There are several factors in play, the major ones being the coronavirus and the disagreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia about the volume of oil output. Together, these factors create a negative picture for risk assets, such as commodities and stocks.

4. Technical analysis: record levels here and there

It doesn’t happen very often that different assets get to multiyear (or even record!) highs or lows at the same time. For example, GBP/USD tested the minimal level since 1985. USD/MXN set a record high. The market is playing with big support/resistance levels, that’s why it’s very important to look at large timeframes in order not to miss them.

5. Profit not only from buying but selling

When multiple assets go down, it’s worth remembering that selling is the best strategy during a downtrend and Forex market allows to do that. You can even open sell trades in stocks. As a result, it’s necessary to keep a cool had and look at the market with some detachment, i.e. objectively, in order to see the plentiful opportunities it offers.

6. Playing in the short-term

The current situation is so complicated that there’s no point in making medium-term forecasts. Instead, the best way is to focus on the short-term price swings. Monitor the news, apply the tools of technical analysis and make use of the elevated volatility. Finally, remember about the proper risk management. May the profit be with you!

Elizabeth Belugina