Retracement Forex Strategy
Concept:
The retracement forex strategy involves identifying potential reversals in price action by looking for areas where the price pulls back or «retraces» after a significant move. Traders then place trades in anticipation of the price continuing in the original direction once the retracement is complete.
Tools:
Fibonacci retracement levels: These horizontal lines represent key support and resistance levels where the price is likely to retrace before continuing in the original direction.
Moving averages (MAs): MAs help identify the overall trend and potential support/resistance zones.
Support and resistance: These levels mark areas where the price has consistently bounced back in the past.
Strategy Steps:
1. Identify the Trend: Use MAs or trendlines to determine the prevailing uptrend or downtrend.
2. Wait for a Significant Move: Look for a strong breakout above resistance (uptrend) or below support (downtrend).
3. Identify the Fibonacci Retracement Levels: Determine the retracement levels (23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, 78.6%) based on the previous trend move.
4. Look for Support/Resistance: Check if the price retraces to key support or resistance areas, such as Fibonacci levels, previous support/resistance levels, or MAs.
5. Enter the Trade: Place a buy order (uptrend) or sell order (downtrend) near the identified support/resistance level.
6. Set Stop Loss: Place a stop loss order below the support level (uptrend) or above the resistance level (downtrend).
7. Take Profit: Set a profit target based on the original trend move or key resistance/support levels.
Example:
Uptrend: Price breaks above a resistance level at 1.1000.
Retracement: Price retraces to the 38.2% Fibonacci level at 1.0950.
Support: Price finds support at the 38.2% level.
Trade Entry: Buy order placed at 1.0960.
Stop Loss: Placed below the support level at 1.0940.
Profit Target: Based on the previous breakout move to 1.1000.
Pros:
Simple and easy to understand.
Can work in both uptrends and downtrends.
Provides clear entry and exit points.
Cons:
Retracements can be short-lived or lead to trend reversals.
Retracement levels are not always reliable.
Can result in false signals if the price fails to continue in the original direction.
Tips:
Use multiple confirmation criteria, such as Fibonacci levels, support/resistance, and trendlines.
Be patient and wait for the price to complete the retracement before entering the trade.
Manage risk by using stop-loss orders.
Consider using a reward-to-risk ratio of 1:2 or more.