Learning the foreign exchange methods is a necessary requisite in building a career in foreign exchange trading. These methods must be undertaken to induce a process of controlling the flow of the business. You can choose from any of the following foreign exchange methods.
Spot currency trading plays an essential role in any foreign exchange trading business. Most of the forex trading transactions follow the method of spot currency trading. In spot currency trading, two currency traders are usually involved. The seller usually receives a call from the buyer. The buyer's intention to purchase the currency offered by the seller is not yet disclosed at the start of the conversation. Instead, the conversation will highlight some questions and inquiries of the buyer which should be entertained by the seller. The buyer finalizes the transaction once all the information he or she needs is clear and if the quoted rate seems fair to both parties.
Another method, forward trading, is more inclined to a long term investment. In forward trading, it is necessary to finalize the agreement in advance prior to the actual schedule of the exchange. Both parties will set a date when they would want the exchange to take place. As long as the date of exchange came out from an agreement between the two parties, the rates by that time would no longer make a difference. This method is common among highly established and profitable businesses and companies. Furthermore, forward trading is classified into two types, namely, swap and future. The former is more common and widely used compared to the latter. In the swap type, both parties will identify a specific period of time for the exchange to take place. After the initial transaction, both parties will swap their roles. The buyer now becomes the seller and vice versa. The future type is more popular among big companies. In this type of forward trading, the emphasis of the drafting of the exchange contract is in maturity rates.
The third method, option trading, involves a more flexible approach and is more advisable for beginners in the field of foreign exchange trading. Option trading is considered as the extended counterpart of the forward trading method. Option trading limits the rights of the buyer to purchase the currency only during the date that both parties had previously agreed on or during the period of time that lapses. In forward trading, it must be noted that both parties are considered bound to implement the specified transaction. Option trading also emphasizes the crucial role of strike price. Strike price refers to the buying and selling rate that has already been predetermined.
Each method also has its own corresponding risks and drawbacks. This fact would further manifest the dynamism of the foreign exchange trading business. Because each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, full understanding of the entire method is a must before you make any attempts on using any of the methods. It must be noted that the fluidity of the currency arena also highlights the numerous potential risks associated with it.