Currency Pairs, What Forex Traders Should Know

It is impossible to explain forex trading without mentioning currency pairs. Term “Currency pair” refers to two currencies which is traded one against another. It is written in a mixed codes represent both traded currencies codes.

For example, to represent currency trading of British Pound Sterling against US Dollar, we write and or call it GBP/USD or GBP-USD. Below are several basic things related to currency and currency pairs that every trader should knows.

Currency Codes
The common currency codes used recently are based on ISO 4217. It is a list of standard currency names and code elements established by the International Organization for Standardization.

The first two letters of the code are the two letters of ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country codes and the third is usually the initial of the currency itself. This coding model has been widely used in many financial companies and activities. We can see that at least it helps eliminating the problem caused by the names dollar, franc and pound being used in many different countries.

Major Currencies
“Major Currencies” usually refer to seven most liquid or most traded currencies in the market. Those seven are US Dollar (USD), British Pound (GBP), Eurozone Euro (EU), Japanese Yen (JPY), Swish Franc (CHF), Canadian Dollar (CAD) and Australian Dollar (AUD).

Minor Currencies
Simply, “Minor Currencies” refer to all currencies other than those major currencies. Following table shows currency distribution of reported market turnover (in %). I captured this from the pdf document of Triennial Central Bank Survey released on December 2007.
Commodity Currencies
In general financial topic “commodity currencies” points to currencies of countries which rely heavily on commodity exports for a major share of their export income. According to IMF studies there are 58 countries which could be included here. In forex trading discussion “commodity currencies” usually refer to the Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar and New Zealand Dollar

Major Currency Pairs or Major Pairs
Historically, forex is “USD-Centered” by mean that in any currency exchange process the first step had to be a convertion into USD. I’m not sure what the real reason was, it could be related to the world’s economics-reordering after the 2nd World War (which we know has become US-Centered) or probably just for somekind of standardization purpose.

It is probably why in forex trading discussion “currency pairs” often spesifically refers to any pairs which includes the USD. In the opposite, “cross currency” refers to any pairs which doesn’t include the USD.

Then, what is Major Pairs? Some trader use it to refer the seven most liquid pairs: EUR/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF,GBP/USD, AUD/USD, NZD/USD and USD/CAD. Some others say that major pairs are only EUR/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF and GBP/USD and the other three (AUD/USD, NZD/USD and USD/CAD) are commodity pairs. I think both opinions are acceptable.

Commodity Pairs
As I write above, this term refer to three of the seven most liquid currency pairs:AUD/USD, NZD/USD and USD/CAD. Obviously this classification relate to above definition of “commodity currencies”.

Cross Currency
Also has been noted above, this refer to any pairs which doesn’t include the USD. Cross currencies simplify the process of exchanging currency without any need to firslty convert it into USD.

Currency Pairs Nickname
This is the funny part, some currency pairs have their own nickname. Some are as follow:
Cable for GBP/USD
Euro for EUR/USD
Geppy for GBP/JPY
Loonie for USD/CAD
Kiwi for NZD/USD
Swissy for USD/CHF
Gopher for USD/JPY
Beaver for USD/CAD

“Cable” was given to GBP/USD for a reason that in the old time the synchronization of GBP/USD rate between the London and New York markets were transmitted through a cable running beneath Atlantic sea.

Choosing the Right Day for Forex Trading

Choosing the right time to trade can make a differences between successful and hopeless forex trading.

It’s proved and highly recommended not to trade on Weekday, Mondays, when the Forex market has recently opened and is making first steps to form a new trend and on Friday’s afternoon, during the big volume of closing trades. The best days to trade are Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s, So Basically trade between Weekdays.

Happy Forex Trading.

14 Forex Tips For You

TIP 1 Read both the books by Mark Douglas which cover trading psychology BEFORE you read or do anything else. If you don’t, I’ll say I told you so when you hit a failure barrier and don’t know why.


TIP 2 Stop loss policy - you MUST have one and practice, more practice and even more practice at sticking to it. It will not be easy but it is an essential discipline to profitable trading.


TIP 3 Trading plan / system. Again, you MUST have one! Then you must practice sticking to it. Do not try and second guess or trade against your indicators - wait until they give you a concise signal before acting on it.


TIP 4 TRADE WITH THE TREND. DO NOT trade against the hourly trend of the market unless you are VERY certain the market has turned. Check this by watching a long term moving average (say 80 SMA on 15 minute chart)


TIP 5 Learn to sit on your hands and not trade! It’s better to wait for good quality trades than take a mediocre one and loose money. A day of no trades is better than a day with one loosing one. If you don’t like the market, just walk away. It will always be there later.


TIP 6 Don’t set yourself false targets and expectations. Trading is not an EXACT science and if you do you will only become frustrated by your failure to meet them. Take what the market gives and be satisfied. Greed will kill you as a trader, both mentally and monetarily. .


TIP 7 The market is rarely your friend in a trade that goes against you. Cut your losses quickly and accept them as an inherent part of trading. You will not be able to trade without some loosing positions. Manage them well!


TIP 8 Try hard not to get out of profitable trades too early. Try operating a trailing stoploss of say 15 to 20 pips behind the trade (on 5 minute timeframe) and maximise your good trades by letting them run. Be patient!


TIP 9 Ensure you fully understand how to generate and use pivot points and camarilla points on your trading platform. These are crucial decision points for daily trading and you will struggle without them.


TIP 10 DO NOT overtrade your account. Read up on money management in trading to make sure you fully understand why this is important and develop a strategy which fits with your personal trading capital. NEVER risk wiping out your account because believe me, it can happen. I’ve done it twice myself!


TIP 11 Learn about FIBONACCI levels and how to apply them to your charts.


TIP 12 Keep your trading system simple. Do not have too much information on your trading screen. It is unnecessary and will only cause you to be confused and delay you making your trading decisions.


TIP 13 Always think in terms of probabilities. Trading is all about thinking in probabilities NOT certainties. You can make all the “right” decisions and the trade still goes against you. This does not make it a “wrong” trade, just one of the many trades you will take which, through probability, are on the “loosing” side of your trading plan. Don’t expect not to have negative trades - they are a necessary part of the plan and cannot be avoided.


TIP 14 Ensure that the candle is fully formed on the timeframe you are trading BEFORE you enter your trade. Trade what you see, not what you would like to see.

Safe Deposit Boxes

If you think there is not much to using a safe deposit box beyond putting keys in locks, you are in for a surprise. The safe deposit box service may be tucked down in the basement or far corner of your bank, but in its own quiet way it is among the bank's most important offerings-- and among the most misunderstood.


While millions of Americans rent a safe deposit box, few pay attention to questions such as who could or should have access to a safe deposit box (especially in an emergency) and how the contents of the safe deposit box are protected. About the only time people ever consider these issues is when there is a problem, and then it may be too late to prevent a loss.

To help you decide whether to use a safe deposit box, and how to use one wisely, read the following questions and answers. To keep things simple, our references to "banks" are intended to apply broadly to banks, savings institutions and credit unions.


In or Out?

Why should I rent a safe deposit box?
It is a convenient place to store important items that would be difficult or impossible to replace. The safe deposit box also offers privacy (only you know what is inside) and security. Although many people like to keep valuables close by in a closet, safe or file cabinet at home or in the office, these places probably are not as resistant to fire, water or theft. Also, some insurance companies charge lower insurance premiums on valuables kept in a bank's safe deposit box instead of at home.

What items should go into a safe deposit box?
Any personal items that would cause you to say, "If I lose this, I am in deep trouble." Important papers to consider putting into your safe deposit box: originals of your insurance policies; family records such as birth, marriage and death certificates; original deeds, titles, mortgages, leases and other contracts; stocks, bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs). Other valuables worthy of a spot in your safe deposit box include special jewels, medals, rare stamps and other collectibles, negatives for irreplaceable photos, and videos or pictures of your home's contents for insurance purposes (in case of theft or damage).

OK, what should NOT go in a safe deposit box?
Anything you might need in an emergency, in case your bank is closed for the night, the weekend or a holiday. Possible examples: originals of a "power of attorney" (your written authorization for another person to transact business on your behalf), passports (in case of an emergency trip), medical-care directives if you become ill and incapacitated, and funeral or burial instructions you make. Consider giving the originals to your attorney, and making copies to go in your safe deposit box or to give a close friend or relative.

If I have a will, should it go in my safe deposit box?
Whether your will should be at the bank or elsewhere, such as with your attorney, depends on what your State law says about who has access to your safe deposit box when you die. Ideally, the person you name to oversee your financial matters after you die (your "executor" or "personal representative") should have early access to your original will (copies are not valid). Some States make it relatively easy for co-renters, family members or the executor to remove the will and certain other documents (such as life insurance policies and burial instructions) from a deceased person's safe deposit box. In those States, it may be a good idea to leave your will in the safe deposit box. But other States may require a court order or another official action to remove the will, which can take time and money. That is why you should check with a bank official (or your lawyer) to find out what is required under State law and your bank's own policies in the event of your death.




Access by Others

Can I arrange for someone to access my safe deposit box in an emergency?
Yes. You can jointly rent your safe deposit box with a spouse, child or other person who would have unrestricted access to the box. (Warning: In some states your co-renter may face delays in accessing the box if you die. Also, merely giving someone else a key will not be enough to grant access. He or she also must sign the bank's rental contract as a joint-renter.) An alternative is to appoint a "deputy" or "agent" (NOT a power of attorney) who will have access to your safe deposit box. A deputy/agent and a general power of attorney are similar in that you may grant or revoke the authority at any time, and the appointment ends if you become incompetent or die. The main difference is that a deputy or agent is appointed in the presence of the box renters and a bank employee, which gives the bank greater assurance about the validity of the authorization. Many people are surprised to find that a power of attorney does not allow access to a safe deposit box. The bank has no way of knowing if the power of attorney is still in effect or if the renter was competent when the power of attorney was signed.

Can law enforcement authorities access my safe deposit box without my knowledge or permission?
If a local, state or federal law enforcement agency persuades the appropriate court that there is "reasonable cause" to suspect you're hiding something illegal in your safe deposit box (guns, drugs, explosives, stolen cash or money obtained illegally), it can obtain a court order, force the box open and seize the contents. What about non-criminal matters, such as a dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a company, or other people over money they say you owe? The IRS can "freeze" your assets (effectively placing a hold on your bank accounts and safe deposit box) until the dispute is resolved. Private parties also can freeze your assets but doing so involves going before a judge and proving that there is a legitimate dispute over a debt.

Can a safe deposit box be declared "abandoned" and the contents turned over to the government?
Yes, but only if you do not pay your rental fee for a number of years (as determined by State law) and after attempts to notify and locate you prove unsuccessful. In that case, your safe deposit box will be reported as abandoned and the contents will be turned over to the State's unclaimed property office. Often this happens because the renter dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the box or its contents. The good news is that even if the State has sold your unclaimed property, you or your heirs still have the right to claim its value. To contact a State's unclaimed property office (sometimes part of the treasurer's office), check the State government section in your phone book. You may also contact the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.

What happens to my safe deposit box if my bank fails?
When an insured bank or thrift closes, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) usually arranges for another institution to take it over, including branches where you might have a safe deposit box. In those situations, you should be able to conduct business as usual. If the FDIC cannot find a buyer for your bank, it arranges for you to remove the contents of your safe deposit box so you can obtain a box at another institution, if you wish. This is done within a few days after the bank fails.




How Safe?

Are safe deposit boxes protected from fire, flood or other disasters?
The companies that manufacture safe deposit boxes and the vaults that house the boxes make them highly "resistant" to fire, flood, heat, earthquakes, hurricanes, explosions or other disastrous conditions. However, the key word here is "resistant." There is no 100 percent guarantee against damage, and substantial losses sometimes occur.

Are there extra precautions I can take to minimize damage?
Yes. Prevent water damage by sealing items in airtight, zip-lock bags or Tupperware-style containers. Also, put your name on each item, keep a list of the box's contents, make copies of important documents and even take photos of your most prized items left in the safe deposit box. That way, if a disaster occurs, your chances of successfully identifying, claiming or recovering an item would be increased.

Does FDIC insurance cover the contents of safe deposit boxes if they are damaged or stolen?
No. By law, the FDIC only insures deposits in deposit accounts at insured institutions. Although you may be putting valuables, including cash and checks, into an area of the bank that has the word deposit in its name, these are not deposits under the insurance laws that the bank can use, for example, to make loans to other customers. A safe deposit box is strictly a storage space provided by the bank.

Does anyone insure my safe deposit box against damage or theft?
Unless your bank is found to be negligent in the way it handled or protected your safe deposit box, do not expect the bank or its private insurance to reimburse you for any damage or loss. If you are concerned about the safety or replacement of the items in your box, first check whether your own homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy covers your safe deposit box against damage or theft. Many do cover box contents up to a certain dollar amount, even including items lost or damaged when they are out of the box. If your home-related insurance is not sufficient, talk to your insurance agent about additional protection or find out if your bank is among those selling limited insurance coverage on safe deposit boxes. Before buying any extra coverage, carefully review the policy and do some comparison-shopping.

Can thieves rob a safe deposit box?
Yes, it happens, but fortunately not often. Safe deposit boxes are stored in concrete or steel vaults equipped with sophisticated alarms, locks, video cameras, motion sensors, heat detectors and other security devices. Most U.S. banks also have very strict access procedures, among them: verifying signatures, restricting access to the vault, never leaving anyone unattended inside the vault, and requiring two different keys (one being the bank's "guard key") to open a safe deposit box.

Safe Deposit Boxes

If you think there is not much to using a safe deposit box beyond putting keys in locks, you are in for a surprise. The safe deposit box service may be tucked down in the basement or far corner of your bank, but in its own quiet way it is among the bank's most important offerings-- and among the most misunderstood.


While millions of Americans rent a safe deposit box, few pay attention to questions such as who could or should have access to a safe deposit box (especially in an emergency) and how the contents of the safe deposit box are protected. About the only time people ever consider these issues is when there is a problem, and then it may be too late to prevent a loss.

To help you decide whether to use a safe deposit box, and how to use one wisely, read the following questions and answers. To keep things simple, our references to "banks" are intended to apply broadly to banks, savings institutions and credit unions.


In or Out?

Why should I rent a safe deposit box?
It is a convenient place to store important items that would be difficult or impossible to replace. The safe deposit box also offers privacy (only you know what is inside) and security. Although many people like to keep valuables close by in a closet, safe or file cabinet at home or in the office, these places probably are not as resistant to fire, water or theft. Also, some insurance companies charge lower insurance premiums on valuables kept in a bank's safe deposit box instead of at home.

What items should go into a safe deposit box?
Any personal items that would cause you to say, "If I lose this, I am in deep trouble." Important papers to consider putting into your safe deposit box: originals of your insurance policies; family records such as birth, marriage and death certificates; original deeds, titles, mortgages, leases and other contracts; stocks, bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs). Other valuables worthy of a spot in your safe deposit box include special jewels, medals, rare stamps and other collectibles, negatives for irreplaceable photos, and videos or pictures of your home's contents for insurance purposes (in case of theft or damage).

OK, what should NOT go in a safe deposit box?
Anything you might need in an emergency, in case your bank is closed for the night, the weekend or a holiday. Possible examples: originals of a "power of attorney" (your written authorization for another person to transact business on your behalf), passports (in case of an emergency trip), medical-care directives if you become ill and incapacitated, and funeral or burial instructions you make. Consider giving the originals to your attorney, and making copies to go in your safe deposit box or to give a close friend or relative.

If I have a will, should it go in my safe deposit box?
Whether your will should be at the bank or elsewhere, such as with your attorney, depends on what your State law says about who has access to your safe deposit box when you die. Ideally, the person you name to oversee your financial matters after you die (your "executor" or "personal representative") should have early access to your original will (copies are not valid). Some States make it relatively easy for co-renters, family members or the executor to remove the will and certain other documents (such as life insurance policies and burial instructions) from a deceased person's safe deposit box. In those States, it may be a good idea to leave your will in the safe deposit box. But other States may require a court order or another official action to remove the will, which can take time and money. That is why you should check with a bank official (or your lawyer) to find out what is required under State law and your bank's own policies in the event of your death.




Access by Others

Can I arrange for someone to access my safe deposit box in an emergency?
Yes. You can jointly rent your safe deposit box with a spouse, child or other person who would have unrestricted access to the box. (Warning: In some states your co-renter may face delays in accessing the box if you die. Also, merely giving someone else a key will not be enough to grant access. He or she also must sign the bank's rental contract as a joint-renter.) An alternative is to appoint a "deputy" or "agent" (NOT a power of attorney) who will have access to your safe deposit box. A deputy/agent and a general power of attorney are similar in that you may grant or revoke the authority at any time, and the appointment ends if you become incompetent or die. The main difference is that a deputy or agent is appointed in the presence of the box renters and a bank employee, which gives the bank greater assurance about the validity of the authorization. Many people are surprised to find that a power of attorney does not allow access to a safe deposit box. The bank has no way of knowing if the power of attorney is still in effect or if the renter was competent when the power of attorney was signed.

Can law enforcement authorities access my safe deposit box without my knowledge or permission?
If a local, state or federal law enforcement agency persuades the appropriate court that there is "reasonable cause" to suspect you're hiding something illegal in your safe deposit box (guns, drugs, explosives, stolen cash or money obtained illegally), it can obtain a court order, force the box open and seize the contents. What about non-criminal matters, such as a dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a company, or other people over money they say you owe? The IRS can "freeze" your assets (effectively placing a hold on your bank accounts and safe deposit box) until the dispute is resolved. Private parties also can freeze your assets but doing so involves going before a judge and proving that there is a legitimate dispute over a debt.

Can a safe deposit box be declared "abandoned" and the contents turned over to the government?
Yes, but only if you do not pay your rental fee for a number of years (as determined by State law) and after attempts to notify and locate you prove unsuccessful. In that case, your safe deposit box will be reported as abandoned and the contents will be turned over to the State's unclaimed property office. Often this happens because the renter dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the box or its contents. The good news is that even if the State has sold your unclaimed property, you or your heirs still have the right to claim its value. To contact a State's unclaimed property office (sometimes part of the treasurer's office), check the State government section in your phone book. You may also contact the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.

What happens to my safe deposit box if my bank fails?
When an insured bank or thrift closes, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) usually arranges for another institution to take it over, including branches where you might have a safe deposit box. In those situations, you should be able to conduct business as usual. If the FDIC cannot find a buyer for your bank, it arranges for you to remove the contents of your safe deposit box so you can obtain a box at another institution, if you wish. This is done within a few days after the bank fails.




How Safe?

Are safe deposit boxes protected from fire, flood or other disasters?
The companies that manufacture safe deposit boxes and the vaults that house the boxes make them highly "resistant" to fire, flood, heat, earthquakes, hurricanes, explosions or other disastrous conditions. However, the key word here is "resistant." There is no 100 percent guarantee against damage, and substantial losses sometimes occur.

Are there extra precautions I can take to minimize damage?
Yes. Prevent water damage by sealing items in airtight, zip-lock bags or Tupperware-style containers. Also, put your name on each item, keep a list of the box's contents, make copies of important documents and even take photos of your most prized items left in the safe deposit box. That way, if a disaster occurs, your chances of successfully identifying, claiming or recovering an item would be increased.

Does FDIC insurance cover the contents of safe deposit boxes if they are damaged or stolen?
No. By law, the FDIC only insures deposits in deposit accounts at insured institutions. Although you may be putting valuables, including cash and checks, into an area of the bank that has the word deposit in its name, these are not deposits under the insurance laws that the bank can use, for example, to make loans to other customers. A safe deposit box is strictly a storage space provided by the bank.

Does anyone insure my safe deposit box against damage or theft?
Unless your bank is found to be negligent in the way it handled or protected your safe deposit box, do not expect the bank or its private insurance to reimburse you for any damage or loss. If you are concerned about the safety or replacement of the items in your box, first check whether your own homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy covers your safe deposit box against damage or theft. Many do cover box contents up to a certain dollar amount, even including items lost or damaged when they are out of the box. If your home-related insurance is not sufficient, talk to your insurance agent about additional protection or find out if your bank is among those selling limited insurance coverage on safe deposit boxes. Before buying any extra coverage, carefully review the policy and do some comparison-shopping.

Can thieves rob a safe deposit box?
Yes, it happens, but fortunately not often. Safe deposit boxes are stored in concrete or steel vaults equipped with sophisticated alarms, locks, video cameras, motion sensors, heat detectors and other security devices. Most U.S. banks also have very strict access procedures, among them: verifying signatures, restricting access to the vault, never leaving anyone unattended inside the vault, and requiring two different keys (one being the bank's "guard key") to open a safe deposit box.

Smart banking tips

Good deals out there

Credit card providers, every-day e-accounts and even home loans are increasingly offering discount deals and cash-back offers to win customers.

As Effie Zahos reports in the March issue of Money magazine, perhaps the most ground-breaking product in recent times is the salary transaction home loan. It works on the principle that interest is calculated daily, so the more you throw in on day one, the more you can save.

It's linked to a credit card. Borrowers are encouraged to deposit all of their salary into the loan, live off their credit card during the interest-free period and withdraw living expenses once a month.

If followed correctly, at 7% a homeowner with a $160,000 25-year mortgage who has a monthly salary of $3100 and spends around $2000 a month can expect to save one year and three months off their term and over $14,000 in interest payments.

Tiered interest rates

Another favourite boost for your financial bottom line can be found in credit cards that offer tiered interest rates. This can be handy if you know you are going to need more then, say, 55 days to pay off a large purchase.

The Commonwealth Bank, for instance, allows some purchases over $1000 to be paid off at a heavily discounted rate of just 0.99%. The rate applies for three months and there's no interest-free period during that time. Then it's back to the regular interest rate of 15% to 17.65%.

Citibank has a credit card that matches interest rates to spending.

Cash-back credit cards

There's only one so far — National Bank's Visa Mini card — but more are sure to follow if the US example is anything to go by. With National, if you spend $1000 a month on your card, you receive $120 cash back each year. You must repay your charges in full each month. If you apply before May 31, the annual fee of $19 will be waived.

Trendy card users may like the fact that the card, nearly half the size of a standard credit card, comes in five different colours, has a phone hook and a cover.

Cash-back home loans

Non-conforming lender Pepper Homeloans recently launched what's probably the only home loan that hands you cash in return for your loyalty. Other lenders offer discounts or rewards but Pepper is the only one that will actually pay you for banking with them.

Every three years and subject to satisfactory payment history, you get a cash-back of one percent of the outstanding loan balance. The rebate is credited to your savings account, not the home loan.

With all these deals, you need to check all the rules and potential costs before you decide they're for you.

Tips for Dealing with a Bank

You are not married to your bank, but you can enjoy a nicer long-term relationship if you try these tips for obtaining attractive interest rates, low fees and solid service. There is always something you can do differently or better to make you feel more comfortable and more "at home"...and perhaps save some time and money, too.


1. Ask yourself, and your bank, if you're getting the best deal - About once a year, talk to a customer services representative at your bank to make sure you're signed up for the right programs to meet your needs. Maybe a simple adjustment to your banking practices - such as having your paycheck automatically deposited into your checking account - can get you a higher interest rate or reduce or eliminate certain service charges. Perhaps a change in your banking habits will help cut your fees. Maybe your good track record at the bank will qualify you for a lower interest rate on a loan or credit card. Or maybe there is just a new or better bank account that you did not know about. I asked at my bank how I could get a better deal on my checking account because I was paying a minimum balance fee and receiving no interest. I was told that because I had additional funds in a money market account I was now eligible for an interest-earning, no-minimum balance checking account. That is a good deal, but I was not aware of it until I raised the question.

Every three or four years (if not more often), comparison-shop to see if you could do significantly better at another bank. Start by listing the products and services you really use—most likely checking, ATMs and one or two others. Make a note of the interest rate, minimum balance requirements and so on. Then go to your statements for the last year or so and calculate the fees and penalties you typically pay—for monthly account maintenance, ATMs, bounced checks, etc. Now compare your bank with three or four others. You might discover that you can earn or save hundreds of dollars by using another bank. Or, better yet, you may find that your own bank still offers a good value or that it is willing to make concessions to keep you as a customer. Then there is little reason to go through the trouble of switching banks. (If you decide to leave your bank, see If You Decide to Switch Banks.)

2. If deposit insurance is important to you, make sure your funds are fully protected - Be sure that your deposits are in a federally insured institution. For more details, see Is My Money Safe?

3.Simplify your life. Your bank can arrange for the "direct deposit" of your pay and benefit checks and other regular income. Most experts agree that direct deposit is safer and more convenient than paper checks. There are no delays in getting funds deposited because checks are not lost in the mail, forgotten at home or waiting for you to return from vacation. As mentioned previously, you might even get a break on your checking account if your paycheck is deposited electronically.

You also can have your bank automatically make some of your regular payments, such as your mortgage, health insurance premiums, utility bills and investments in a mutual fund. That can be an easy, economical alternative to writing and mailing a lot of checks each month. Also think about doing other banking the high-tech way, such as withdrawing money from ATMs instead of standing in line at the branch or rushing to get to the branch during banking hours. Consider using a "debit card" or "check card" to pay for purchases from your checking account without writing a check. Banking from home, by phone or computer, also can be a time-saver.

4. Get to know bank employees you can turn to for help. Write down the names and numbers of employees who, in-person or over the phone, seem to be especially helpful and knowledgeable. If possible, become a familiar voice or face to them. Why go to this trouble? A good teller, branch manager, customer service representative, loan officer or supervisor can help get your questions answered and your problems solved. They may even come to your aid in a financial emergency, especially if they know you and that you have a good relationship with the bank.

5. Do not be afraid to complain. No bank employee really enjoys hearing from a disgruntled customer. But your bank's managers probably would prefer you bring a problem to their attention and be given the chance to fix it rather than take your business elsewhere or tell all your friends about "that lousy bank." If you do not get satisfaction from a customer service representative or another employee, consider talking to a supervisor...or even one of your banker buddies mentioned in the previous item. And if you are still having problems, consider contacting the institution's federal regulator. (For more tips on how to resolve a dispute with your bank, see If You Have a Complaint about a Bank.)

6. Do not be afraid to ask for a break. Bounce a check for the first time ever? Want a copy of an old monthly statement? Think the fees for your mortgage application are a bit high? Depending on the circumstances, your bank might be willing to reduce or waive a fee or penalty, especially if you have been a good customer and do not have a history as a "repeat offender." Also consider talking to your banker if you are having problems repaying your bank loan. Explain the situation and any unusual circumstances. Many lenders will agree to temporary or permanent reductions in your loan interest rate, monthly payment or other charges. Again, it helps if you have had a clean record in the past.

7. Read your monthly statements. Your bank statements, credit card bills and other mailings from your bank may not make for exciting reading, but they can be among the most important literature you will read. Tucked inside any envelope from your bank could be your only notice about new fees or penalties for certain accounts. If you are not aware of these changes, and you do not notice the higher fees on your next monthly statements, you could end up paying more for your banking and not even realize it.

Also review your bank statement as soon as possible after it arrives to make sure there are no unauthorized charges. If you suspect that a thief has used one of your checks or your credit card, go right to the phone and call the bank (see Unauthorized Use of Your Account (What to Do if Your Identity is Stolen). Under most state laws, you are required to exercise "reasonable promptness" in examining any bank statement that shows payments from your account.

How quickly you report a problem with an ATM debit card could be especially important in limiting your losses. Your maximum loss is just $50 if you report your ATM debit card lost or stolen within two business days of discovering the problem. But if you wait between two and 60 days, you can be liable for up to $500 of what a thief withdraws. Wait more than 60 days after receiving a bank statement with an unauthorized ATM transfer and you may be responsible for all the money withdrawn. (You are not responsible for funds withdrawn after you notify the bank that the ATM card is lost or stolen.)

Another good reason to look at your bank statement as soon as possible is to make sure you have enough in your checking account to avoid bounced checks.

8. Read the fine print. Knowing the costs and requirements of an account before you sign on the dotted line can prevent a complaint or hassle later. Example: Just because a bank account is advertised as "free" or "no cost" does not mean you will never run up a cost. An institution is not allowed to advertise a "free" checking account if you could be charged a maintenance or activity fee (such as for going below a required minimum balance). But your bank can offer a free account and still impose charges for certain services, such as check printing, automated teller machines and bounced checks. Also, ask if an attractive interest rate on a credit card or a deposit is really just a short-term, introductory "teaser" rate.

9. Keep good records. Hold on to your receipts for deposits, ATM withdrawals, credit card charges and other transactions long enough to confirm that your monthly account statements are correct. (Later it's OK to toss these pieces of paper in the trash, but be sure to rip them up enough so that a thief cannot read or use them.) Also, keep copies of any contracts or other documents you sign with the bank (loans, certificates of deposit, etc.), along with any accompanying materials. If there is ever a dispute or a discrepancy, you will have those documents to refer back to.

10. Use your bank as an information resource. A good banker can be an excellent source of advice and information-perhaps about starting or expanding a business, buying a car or home, qualifying for a loan or dealing with a debt problem. He or she also might be able to direct you to good contacts in other businesses or have excellent reference material handy. All of this is yet another reason to get to know the right people at the bank.

Your bank also could have a customer newsletter or a website that provides useful tips for handling your financial affairs. Many banks also offer seminars on topics such as saving for retirement or a child's college education. Add this information to everything else you learn from your lawyer, accountant, financial planner, the media and other sources, and then put it to use when shopping for, or using, financial services. And anything you can learn from the bank about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer can help you avoid misunderstandings and get any problems solved quickly.

Final Thoughts. It is a good idea periodically to shop for and compare financial services, just as you would any consumer goods. If nothing else, you will want to know that the rates, fees and services at your existing bank are at least comparable to what is out there in the marketplace. You will receive more satisfaction from your bank when you know the people there and the services they can provide. Every relationship has its ups and downs, but with a little effort, you might just feel more at home with your bank.

Forex Trading Tips:

Why do hundreds of thousands online traders and investors trade the forex market every day, and how do they make money doing it?

This two-part report clearly and simply details essential tips on how to avoid typical pitfalls and start making more money in your forex trading.

Trade pairs, not currencies - Like any relationship, you have to know both sides. Success or failure in forex trading depends upon being right about both currencies and how they impact one another, not just one.

Knowledge is Power - When starting out trading forex online, it is essential that you understand the basics of this market if you want to make the most of your investments.

The main forex influencer is global news and events. For example, say an ECB statement is released on European interest rates which typically will cause a flurry of activity. Most newcomers react violently to news like this and close their positions and subsequently miss out on some of the best trading opportunities by waiting until the market calms down. The potential in the forex market is in the volatility, not in its tranquility.

Unambitious trading - Many new traders will place very tight orders in order to take very small profits. This is not a sustainable approach because although you may be profitable in the short run (if you are lucky), you risk losing in the longer term as you have to recover the difference between the bid and the ask price before you can make any profit and this is much more difficult when you make small trades than when you make larger ones.

Over-cautious trading - Like the trader who tries to take small incremental profits all the time, the trader who places tight stop losses with a retail forex broker is doomed. As we stated above, you have to give your position a fair chance to demonstrate its ability to produce. If you don’t place reasonable stop losses that allow your trade to do so, you will always end up undercutting yourself and losing a small piece of your deposit with every trade.

Independence - If you are new to forex, you will either decide to trade your own money or to have a broker trade it for you. So far, so good. But your risk of losing increases exponentially if you either of these two things:

Interfere with what your broker is doing on your behalf (as his strategy might require a long gestation period);

Seek advice from too many sources - multiple input will only result in multiple losses. Take a position, ride with it and then analyse the outcome - by yourself, for yourself.

Tiny margins - Margin trading is one of the biggest advantages in trading forex as it allows you to trade amounts far larger than the total of your deposits. However, it can also be dangerous to novice traders as it can appeal to the greed factor that destroys many forex traders. The best guideline is to increase your leverage in line with your experience and success.

No strategy - The aim of making money is not a trading strategy. A strategy is your map for how you plan to make money. Your strategy details the approach you are going to take, which currencies you are going to trade and how you will manage your risk. Without a strategy, you may become one of the 90% of new traders that lose their money.

Trading Off-Peak Hours - Professional FX traders, option traders, and hedge funds posses a huge advantage over small retail traders during off-peak hours (between 2200 CET and 1000 CET) as they can hedge their positions and move them around when there is far small trade volume is going through (meaning their risk is smaller). The best advice for trading during off peak hours is simple - don’t.

The only way is up/down - When the market is on its way up, the market is on its way up. When the market is going down, the market is going down. That’s it. There are many systems which analyse past trends, but none that can accurately predict the future. But if you acknowledge to yourself that all that is happening at any time is that the market is simply moving, you’ll be amazed at how hard it is to blame anyone else.

Trade on the news - Most of the really big market moves occur around news time. Trading volume is high and the moves are significant; this means there is no better time to trade than when news is released. This is when the big players adjust their positions and prices change resulting in a serious currency flow.

Exiting Trades - If you place a trade and it’s not working out for you, get out. Don’t compound your mistake by staying in and hoping for a reversal. If you’re in a winning trade, don’t talk yourself out of the position because you’re bored or want to relieve stress; stress is a natural part of trading; get used to it.

Don’t trade too short-term - If you are aiming to make less than 20 points profit, don’t undertake the trade. The spread you are trading on will make the odds against you far too high.

Don’t be smart - The most successful traders I know keep their trading simple. They don’t analyse all day or research historical trends and track web logs and their results are excellent.

Tops and Bottoms - There are no real “bargains” in trading foreign exchange. Trade in the direction the price is going in and you’re results will be almost guaranteed to improve.

Ignoring the technicals- Understanding whether the market is over-extended long or short is a key indicator of price action. Spikes occur in the market when it is moving all one way.

Emotional Trading - Without that all-important strategy, you’re trades essentially are thoughts only and thoughts are emotions and a very poor foundation for trading. When most of us are upset and emotional, we don’t tend to make the wisest decisions. Don’t let your emotions sway you.

Confidence - Confidence comes from successful trading. If you lose money early in your trading career it’s very difficult to regain it; the trick is not to go off half-cocked; learn the business before you trade. Remember, knowledge is power.

The second and final part of this report clearly and simply details more essential tips on how to avoid the pitfalls and start making more money in your forex trading.

Take it like a man - If you decide to ride a loss, you are simply displaying stupidity and cowardice. It takes guts to accept your loss and wait for tomorrow to try again. Sticking to a bad position ruins lots of traders - permanently. Try to remember that the market often behaves illogically, so don’t get commit to any one trade; it’s just a trade. One good trade will not make you a trading success; it’s ongoing regular performance over months and years that makes a good trader.

Focus - Fantasising about possible profits and then “spending” them before you have realised them is no good. Focus on your current position(s) and place reasonable stop losses at the time you do the trade. Then sit back and enjoy the ride - you have no real control from now on, the market will do what it wants to do.

Don’t trust demos - Demo trading often causes new traders to learn bad habits. These bad habits, which can be very dangerous in the long run, come about because you are playing with virtual money. Once you know how your broker’s system works, start trading small amounts and only take the risk you can afford to win or lose.

Stick to the strategy - When you make money on a well thought-out strategic trade, don’t go and lose half of it next time on a fancy; stick to your strategy and invest profits on the next trade that matches your long-term goals.

Trade today - Most successful day traders are highly focused on what’s happening in the short-term, not what may happen over the next month. If you’re trading with 40 to 60-point stops focus on what’s happening today as the market will probably move too quickly to consider the long-term future. However, the long-term trends are not unimportant; they will not always help you though if you’re trading intraday.

The clues are in the details - The bottom line on your account balance doesn’t tell the whole story. Consider individual trade details; analyse your losses and the telling losing streaks. Generally, traders that make money without suffering significant daily losses have the best chance of sustaining positive performance in the long term.

Simulated Results - Be very careful and wary about infamous “black box” systems. These so-called trading signal systems do not often explain exactly how the trade signals they generate are produced. Typically, these systems only show their track record of extraordinary results - historical results. Successfully predicting future trade scenarios is altogether more complex. The high-speed algorithmic capabilities of these systems provide significant retrospective trading systems, not ones which will help you trade effectively in the future.

Get to know one cross at a time - Each currency pair is unique, and has a unique way of moving in the marketplace. The forces which cause the pair to move up and down are individual to each cross, so study them and learn from your experience and apply your learning to one cross at a time.

Risk Reward - If you put a 20 point stop and a 50 point profit your chances of winning are probably about 1-3 against you. In fact, given the spread you’re trading on, it’s more likely to be 1-4. Play the odds the market gives you.

Trading for Wrong Reasons - Don’t trade if you are bored, unsure or reacting on a whim. The reason that you are bored in the first place is probably because there is no trade to make in the first place. If you are unsure, it’s probably because you can’t see the trade to make, so don’t make one.

Zen Trading- Even when you have taken a position in the markets, you should try and think as you would if you hadn’t taken one. This level of detachment is essential if you want to retain your clarity of mind and avoid succumbing to emotional impulses and therefore increasing the likelihood of incurring losses. To achieve this, you need to cultivate a calm and relaxed outlook. Trade in brief periods of no more than a few hours at a time and accept that once the trade has been made, it’s out of your hands.

Determination - Once you have decided to place a trade, stick to it and let it run its course. This means that if your stop loss is close to being triggered, let it trigger. If you move your stop midway through a trade’s life, you are more than likely to suffer worse moves against you. Your determination must be show itself when you acknowledge that you got it wrong, so get out.

Short-term Moving Average Crossovers - This is one of the most dangerous trade scenarios for non professional traders. When the short-term moving average crosses the longer-term moving average it only means that the average price in the short run is equal to the average price in the longer run. This is neither a bullish nor bearish indication, so don’t fall into the trap of believing it is one.

Stochastic - Another dangerous scenario. When it first signals an exhausted condition that’s when the big spike in the “exhausted” currency cross tends to occur. My advice is to buy on the first sign of an overbought cross and then sell on the first sign of an oversold one. This approach means that you’ll be with the trend and have successfully identified a positive move that still has some way to go. So if percentage K and percentage D are both crossing 80, then buy! (This is the same on sell side, where you sell at 20).

One cross is all that counts - EURUSD seems to be trading higher, so you buy GBPUSD because it appears not to have moved yet. This is dangerous. Focus on one cross at a time - if EURUSD looks good to you, then just buy EURUSD.

Wrong Broker - A lot of FOREX brokers are in business only to make money from yours. Read forums, blogs and chats around the net to get an unbiased opinion before you choose your broker.

Too bullish - Trading statistics show that 90% of most traders will fail at some point. Being too bullish about your trading aptitude can be fatal to your long-term success. You can always learn more about trading the markets, even if you are currently successful in your trades. Stay modest, and keep your eyes open for new ideas and bad habits you might be falling in to.

Interpret forex news yourself - Learn to read the source documents of forex news and events - don’t rely on the interpretations of news media or others.

CURRENCY TRADING SUMMARY

· U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) was mixed against a number of majors as reports surrounding Manufacturing ISM eased slightly from 50.9 to 50.8 for the month of Nov, yet higher than the mean forecast pf 50.4. The data confirmed its fifth consecutive decline and it lowest reading since January. In U.S. share markets the NASDAQ was down -23.83 points (-0.90%) whilst the Dow Jones -57.15 points (-0.43%). Crude Oil was up by US$0.91 a barrel to US$89.48.

· The Euro (EUR) rebounded from its previous session of declines as manufacturing data out of the U.S. confirmed it grew at it’s slowest pace in 10 months. Coupled with the Eurozone manufacturing accelerating for the month of November as PMI was above expectations of 52.6, coming in at 52.8 (Previous: 51.7). The EURUSD traded with a low of 1.4621 and a high of 1.4708 before closing the session at 1.4659 at the end of the New York session. PPI for the month of October is scheduled for release out of the Eurozone on Tuesday with forecasts at 0.4%/3.1% for the m/m and y/y.

· The Japanese Yen (JPY) was able to gain against a number of majors during the session as concerns continue to surround the market that losses in credit markets may worsen further. As a result the low interest bearing Japanese currency was reprieved of much of its role in funding more attractive yield currencies. The Japanese yen was able to rebound from two week lows against the dollar as Moody's Investors Service said it is preparing the biggest credit-rating cuts since sub-prime mortgages first shook the financial markets. Overall the USDJPY traded with a low of 110.14 and a high of 111.05 before closing the session at 110.43 at the end of New York.

· The Sterling (GBP) edged higher versus the dollar on speculation that the UK economy had not slowed enough to warrant a rate cut by the BoE. In data news, the Sterling Pound was buoyed by reports which had shown manufacturing had quickened unexpectedly for the month of November (Actual: 54.4; Forecast: 52.5) adding further support to the likelihood that the BoE would look to hold rates for the remaining part of 2007. The GBPUSD traded with a low of 2.0526 and a high of 2.0679 before closing the session at 2.0666 at the end of New York. Retail Sales for the UK was released at 1.2% above the previous 1% during the early part of the Asian Session.

· The Australian Dollar (AUD) rose from levels below the key 88 cent mark despite carry trades being out of favor with the investors. Nonetheless, the Aussie traded within tight ranges having a low of 0.8788 and a high of 0.8854 before closing the day at 0.8842 in the New York session. Retail sales for the month of October were released at 0.2% below the consensus of 0.6% (Previous: 0.8%)

· Gold (XAU) bounced of key support levels once again failing to break 800 marks. XAU traded with a low of 777.80 and a high of 791.40.



TECHNICAL COMMENTARY


Currency Sup 2 Sup 1 Spot Res 1 Res 2
EUR/USD 1.4602 1.4617 1.4665 1.4859 1.4908
USD/JPY 108.27 109.48 110.50 111.33 111.76
GBP/USD 2.0519 2.0534 2.0640 2.0833 2.0846
AUD/USD 0.8720 0.8776 0.8795 0.8321 0.8939
XAU/USD 773.00 778.90 792.10 808.05 815.70



· Euro – 1.4665

Initial support at 1.4617 (Nov 19 low) followed by 1.4602 (61.8% retracement of the 1.4010 to 1.4968 advance). Initial resistance is now located at 1.4859 (Nov 28 high) followed by 1.4908 (Nov 27 high).

· Yen – 110.50

Initial support is located at 109.48 (Nov 28 low) followed by 108.27 (Nov 26 low). Initial resistance is now at 111.33 (38.2% retracement of the 117.95 to 107.23 decline) followed by 111.14 (Nov 14 high)


· Pound – 2.0640

Initial support at 2.0534 (Nov 30 low) followed by 2.0519 (Nov 23 low). Initial resistance is now at 2.0833 (Nov 28 high) followed by 2.0846 (Nov 14 high)

· Australian Dollar – 0.8795

Initial support a 0.8776 (Nov 29 low) followed by 0.8720 (Nov 28 low). Initial resistance is now at 0.8921 (Nov 28 high) followed by 0.8939 (38.2% retracement of the 0.9400 to 0.8654 decline)

· Gold – 792.10

Initial support at 778.90 (Nov 30 low) followed by 773.0 (Nov 20 low). Initial resistance is now at 808.05 (Nov 29 high) followed by 815.70 (November 27 high)

An overview of the Forex market

The Forex market is a non-stop cash market where currencies of nations are traded, typically via brokers. Foreign currencies are constantly and simultaneously bought and sold across local and global markets and traders' investments increase or decrease in value based upon currency movements. Foreign exchange market conditions can change at any time in response to real-time events.

The main enticements of currency dealing to private investors and attractions for short-term Forex trading are:


24-hour trading, 5 days a week with non-stop access to global Forex dealers.
An enormous liquid market making it easy to trade most currencies.
Volatile markets offering profit opportunities.
Standard instruments for controlling risk exposure.
The ability to profit in rising or falling markets.
Leveraged trading with low margin requirements.
Many options for zero commission trading.


Forex trading
The investor's goal in Forex trading is to profit from foreign currency movements. Forex trading or currency trading is always done in currency pairs. For example, the exchange rate of EUR/USD on Aug 26th, 2003 was 1.0857. This number is also referred to as a "Forex rate" or just "rate" for short. If the investor had bought 1000 euros on that date, he would have paid 1085.70 U.S. dollars. One year later, the Forex rate was 1.2083, which means that the value of the euro (the numerator of the EUR/USD ratio) increased in relation to the U.S. dollar. The investor could now sell the 1000 euros in order to receive 1208.30 dollars. Therefore, the investor would have USD 122.60 more than what he had started one year earlier. However, to know if the investor made a good investment, one needs to compare this investment option to alternative investments. At the very minimum, the return on investment (ROI) should be compared to the return on a "risk-free" investment. One example of a risk-free investment is long-term U.S. government bonds since there is practically no chance for a default, i.e. the U.S. government going bankrupt or being unable or unwilling to pay its debt obligation.
When trading currencies, trade only when you expect the currency you are buying to increase in value relative to the currency you are selling. If the currency you are buying does increase in value, you must sell back the other currency in order to lock in a profit. An open trade (also called an open position) is a trade in which a trader has bought or sold a particular currency pair and has not yet sold or bought back the equivalent amount to close the position.

However, it is estimated that anywhere from 70%-90% of the FX market is speculative. In other words, the person or institution that bought or sold the currency has no plan to actually take delivery of the currency in the end; rather, they were solely speculating on the movement of that particular currency.