Foreign Exchange Risk Management Methods

Veteran and amateur traders alike must understandIt might seem like overkill now but may just save
foreign exchange risk management methods if theyyour skin in an emergency.
hope to have any chance of financial success in the#3. Market Risk: This is the only type of foreign
long run.exchange risk management most traders think about
Unfortunately, many traders do not think about-- how daily fluctuations of currency values affect
foreign exchange risk management at all. Or if theyour positions.
do, they only think about market risk. Serious tradersThe most sure-fire way to alleviate market risk is to
understand there are at least 5 types of risktrade using a proven trading system that integrates
associated with trading forex, and market risk is onlyforeign exchange risk management strategies at the
one small one.base level.
In this article we'll explore the 5 different types ofThis includes having set entry and exit points, profit
risk you're exposed to when trading the forextargets, and stop losses.
markets, and ways you can lessen, or even eliminate,#4. Economic and Political Risks: Political policy
your exposure.changes, major economic emergencies and governing
Please do not take this as an exhaustive list, nor as aauthority intervention can all have an impact on a
deterrent to trading, it is only meant to help expandcountry's currency value.
your awareness of foreign exchange riskYou can avoid these type of risks by using a trading
management and prepare you for a long term,plan that integrates solid foreign exchange risk
profitable run as a forex trader.management methods and identifies issues before
The 5 Major Risks in Forex and How To Managethey impact your positions.
Them#5 Country Specific Risk: Last of all we have country
#1. Broker Risk: There is always a small chance thatspecific risk -- the risk of a country defaulting on it's
your broker will go bankrupt or otherwise meet theirfinancial commitments.
demise.When this happens the effects trickle down to all
Experienced traders might remember the 2005 Refcoother financial instruments in the country and the
fiasco where one of the largest and most respectedother countries it's doing business with.
brokerage firms in the forex markets went bankrupt.You can avoid these risk by trading only the major
The effects of this are still being felt today.currencies and staying clear of emerging markets and
Be sure you do your due diligence when selecting acountries with serious financial deficits.
broker.As you can see, there are many more risks involved
#2 Tech Risks: There's no doubt that computer,with forex than just market risk. Broker, technology,
power or Internet issues could seriously dampen yourmarket, economic and country risk must all be taken
results in the markets. With trades sometimesinto account and mitigated.
needing to be made at precise times, and Murphy'sLuckily, many existing trading systems have in-built
law in full effect, you should always prepare for theforeign exchange risk management strategies to deal
worst when it comes to technology.with, and eliminate, many of these risks.
I strongly suggest you backup your computer on aHowever, even the most sound foreign currency risk
daily basis, preferably to an off-site location you canmanagement strategies are still not perfect, and
backup from in case of fire or theft. Traders withthere will always be some risk involved when trading.
serious commitment to the markets, or sizableAlways use your own best judgment about your risk
portfolios, should invest in fail-safe backup systemstolerance levels and never trade above your head.
including generators and surge protectors.