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Forex Assets

Costs Involved While Trading The XBR/USD Asset Class

Introduction

BCO is an acronym for Brent Crude Oil, which is one of the two types of crude oil and is a benchmark for determining the price of oil, along with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil. BCO is also known by Brent Blend, Brent Oil, and London Brent. It is the benchmark for the majority of the crude oil from the Atlantic basin, which marks for two-thirds of the crude oil price traded internationally. In the market, it is traded with the ticker XBR/USD.

Understanding XBR/USD

Brent Crude is a commodity traded in barrels. The price of XBR/USD depicts the value of the US Dollar for 1 barrel of crude oil. It is quoted as 1 XBR per X USD. For example, if the market price of XBR/USD is 41.42, then it means that each barrel of crude oil is worth $41.42.

XBR/USD Specification

Spread

It is the basic difference between the bid price and the ask price. The spread on ECN and STP account model is as follows:

ECN: 11 | STP: 15

Fee

There is a fee (commission) for every position a trader opens. However, this fee is only on the ECN account, not the STP account.

Slippage

Slippage is the difference between the price intended by the trader and the price given by the broker. It occurs due to two factors:

  • Broker’s execution price
  • The volatility of the market

 Trading Range in XBR/USD

It is the representation of the volatility of the market in different time frames. The table values represent the minimum, average, and maximum pip movements in various time frames. 

Procedure to assess Pip Ranges

  1. Add the ATR indicator to your chart
  2. Set the period to 1
  3. Add a 200-period SMA to this indicator
  4. Shrink the chart so you can assess a large time period
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

XBR/USD Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

The following are two tables that represent the variation in the fee in terms of a percentage for different time frames. The percentage values are calculated by finding the ratio between the total cost and the volatility values.

ECN Model Account

Spread = 11 | Slippage = 5 | Trading fee = 5

Total fee = Spread + Slippage + Trading fee

Total fee = 11 + 5 + 5 = 21 (pips)

STP Model Account

Spread = 15 | Slippage = 5 | Trading fee = 0

Total fee = Spread + Slippage + Trading fee

Total fee = 15 + 5 + 0 = 20 (pips)

Trading the XBR/USD

Crude oil is a commodity that is rigorously traded in the market. Its volatility and liquidity are comparable to major and minor currency pairs, providing good opportunities for traders to participate in the market. The crude oil prices are driven by various fundamental factors and its Demand and Supply. The reflection of the same is seen on the charts. Thus, traders can apply technical analysis as well to forecast the price movements.

There is a fee on every trade you take with a forex broker. This fee is the same irrespective of the time frame you trade on. So, traders must place themselves in a position that will have a reasonable cost for a sufficient P/L. The trading range and the cost percentage table are the tools for it.

The larger the percentage value, the higher is the relative fee on the trade and vice versa. For example, let’s there are two traders – 1D and 4H trading with the same lot size. The 1D trader places a take profit to 200 pips, while the 4H trader places it at 100 pips. But the fee paid by both the traders is the same. But, seeing the relative fee, the 4H trader pays a higher fee than the 1D trader because his take profit is only 100 pips. Thus, the percentage values are higher in the 1D time frame than the 4H time frame.

There is another scenario where the relative cost changes based on the volatility of the market. In simple terms, the relative fee can vary even if a trader trades in the same time frame. Precisely, the relative fee is higher when the volatility of the market is around the minimum values. Therefore, to balance between the total fee and the P/L, one must trade when the market volatility is above the average volatility, irrespective of the time frame traded.

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Forex Assets

Asset Analytics – Trading The CHF/HKD Foreign Exchange Pair

Introduction

CHF/HKD is the abbreviation for the Swiss Franc against the Hong Kong Dollar. It is categorized as an exotic currency pair that usually has high volatility and low trading volume. Here, the CHF (on the left) is the base currency, and the HKD (on the right) is the quote currency.

Understanding CHF/HKD

The market price of CHF/HKD represents the value of HKD that are obliged to purchase to one CHF. It is quoted as 1 CHF per X HKD. If at all the market price of this pair is 8.1718, then this amount of HKD is required to buy one CHF.  

 

Spread

The difference between the bid-ask price is described as the spread. Its value differs from the ECN account model and STP account model. The approximate value for the two is specified below:

ECN: 35 pips | STP: 40 pips

Fees

A fee is a price that one pays to the broker for executing a trade. There is no fee charged on STP accounts, but a few pips are charged on ECN accounts.

Slippage

The difference between price called for by the client and price that was offered by the broker is described as the slippage. Its value varies on the volatility of the market and the broker’s execution.

Trading Range in CHF/HKD

The trading range is that the tabular representation of the pip movement of a currency pair in several timeframes. These values are useful in determining the profit, which will be generated from trade in advance. To seek out the worth, you need to multiply the below volatility value with the pip value of this pair.

Procedure to assess Pip Ranges

  1. Add the ATR indicator to your chart
  2. Set the period to 1
  3. Add a 200-period SMA to this indicator
  4. Shrink the chart so you can assess a large time period
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

CHFHKD Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

By implementing the total cost to the mentioned table, we can ascertain the cost differences in a trade. The values are attained by finding a proportion between total cost and volatility value and are indicated as a percentage.

ECN Model Account

Spread = 35 | Slippage = 5 |Trading fee = 8

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 5 + 35 + 8 = 48 

STP Model Account 

Spread = 40 | Slippage = 5 | Trading fee = 0

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 5 + 40 + 0 = 45

The Ideal way to trade the CHF/HKD

Comprehending the above tables is important. The ratio to the total cost of trade is directly proportional to the value. It is seen that the rates are nearly high on the min section (less volatility) and the other way around. Now, the perfect chance to enter the market would be the point at which the volatility of CHF/HKD is somewhere between the average pip movement. Trading this pair during such minutes will guarantee low trading costs just as lower liquidity.

You can reduce the trading costs by placing orders using limit/pending orders instead of market orders. This will considerably reduce the total cost with slippage being zero. I hope this article will assist you in trading this pair in a much efficient way. Cheers!

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Forex Assets

Analyzing The ‘XAU/USD’ Financial Instrument & Determining The Trading Costs Involved

Introduction

Gold is a precious metal and one of the most valuable assets in the market. It is considered to be a safe haven instrument and a popular asset class for hedging positions during market uncertainty. XAU/USD is the abbreviation for the pair Gold Spot against the US Dollar. XAU is the ticker for Gold Spot. It can be traded against other fiat currencies like EUR and GBP as well.

Understanding XAU/USD

Gold Spot is an asset that is traded in troy ounces (Oz). The XAU/USD market price represents the value of the US Dollar for 1 ounce (Oz) of Gold. It is quoted as 1 XAU per X USD. For example, if the current market price of XAU/USD is 1730.50, it signifies that each ounce of Gold is worth the US $1730.5.

XAU/USD Specification

Spread

Spread is the difference between the bid price and the ask price. The spread usually varies based on the account type used for execution. The approximate spread on the gold spot on ECN account and STP account is as follows:

ECN: 100 | STP: 130

Fee

Typically, brokers do not charge any type of fee. But, on ECN accounts, there is some commission you must pay the broker for opening and closing a position. However, the fee is not significantly high.

Slippage

Due to the high market liquidity and slower broker’s execution speed, slippage occurs. It is the difference between the trader’s demanded price and the price at which the broker executed the trade. Slippage can occur both in favor and against the trader.

Trading Range in XAU/USD

The trading range is a tabular representation of the volatility in the market for several different time frames. It gives the minimum, average, and maximum volatility in the pair for different time frames.

Procedure to assess Pip Ranges

  1. Add the ATR indicator to your chart
  2. Set the period to 1
  3. Add a 200-period SMA to this indicator
  4. Shrink the chart so you can assess a large time period
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

XAU/USD Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

Cost as a percent of the trading range represents variation in the trade cost by considering the market’s time frame and volatility. Mathematically, it is the ratio of the volatility value and the total cost of the trade.

ECN Model Account

Spread = 100 | Slippage = 30 | Trading fee = 20

Total fee = Spread + Slippage + Trading fee

Total fee = 100 + 30 + 20 = 150 (pips)

STP Model Account

Spread = 130 | Slippage = 30 | Trading fee = 0

Total fee = Spread + Slippage + Trading fee

Total fee = 130 + 30 + 0 = 160 (pips)

The Ideal Timeframe to Trade XAU/USD

Gold is one of the oldest asset classes and one of the most reliable instruments as well. It is extensively traded in the market as most forex broker has XAU/USD available for trading. Its volatility and liquidity are no less than major currency pairs.

XAU/USD can be traded like any other foreign exchange pair. It, in fact, correlates with commodity currencies like AUD and NZD. Thus, traders use these two currencies in addition to USD, in order to analyze the pair. The same technical analysis applied to other markets can be used on the gold spot as well. However, the fundamentals do differ a little.

Coming to the costs, it technically remains the same for any time frame you trade. However, it relatively changes based on volatility and time frame. For example, a 1D trader who makes 2000 pips P/L on an average pays the same a 1H trader who makes 500 pips P/L on a trade. This is the reason the percentage values are higher in the 1H time frame than the 1D time frame.

Irrespective of the time frame you trade, you need to make sure that the market’s current volatility is above the average volatility. If you end trading when the volatility is at the minimum values, then you will have to pay the same costs for a trade that could not reach the target in your expected time.

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Analyzing The ‘XMR/USD’ Crypto Fiat Pair

Introduction

Monero is a private and secure cryptocurrency that was launched 18th of April 2014 as a fork of ByteCoin. It is an open-source digital currency built on a blockchain, making it opaque. With Monero, the holder will have full control over their investment and funds, and nobody will have access to their balance and transactions.

Monero is traded in exchanges under the ticker XMR. It is under the top 20 in terms of market capitalization according to data from CoinMarketCap. It can be traded against USD as well as for cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, etc.

Understanding XMR/USD

The price of XMR/USD depicts the value of the US Dollar equivalent to one Monero. It is quoted as 1 XMR per X USD. For example, if the market price of XMR/USD is 64.67, then each XMR will be worth about 65 dollars.

XMR/USD specifications

Spread

Spread is the basic difference between the bid and the ask price of the cryptocurrency. These prices are put up by the clients and not exchange. Thus, the spread constantly varies in and across exchanges.

Fee

The types of fees in cryptocurrency exchanges vary from that of equity broker and forex brokers. Most crypto exchanges charge the following fees:

  • Execution fee (Taker or Maker) – twice, for opening and closing the trade
  • 30-day trading volume fee
  • Margin opening fee, if applicable

Example

  • Short 100 XMR/USD at $64.82
  • 30-day volume fee is $0
  • Order is executed as Taker
  • With Leverage

Total cost of the order = 100 x $64.82 = $6482

Assuming the taker fee to be 0.26%, the opening fee will be – $6482 x 0.26% = $16.85

Since the trade is opened with leverage, there is 0.02% of margin opening fee collected – $6482 x 0.02% = $1.29

If the position is squared off at $60.00, the total cost of closing will be – 100 x $60.00 = $6000.  The fee for the same can be calculated as – $6000 x 0.26% = $15.60

The algebraic sum of all the fee will yield the total fee as –

$16.85 + $1.29 + $15.60 = $33.74

Trading Range in XMR/USD

A trading range is the number of units the cryptocurrency pair moves in a specific time frame, represented in US dollars as the quote currency for the pair is USD. The values basically depict the volatility in different time frames.

The following table is the trading range for 100 quantities of XMR/USD.

Note: the above values are for trading 100 units of XMR/USD. If X units of the pair are traded, then the ATR values will be,

(ATR value from the table / 1,000) x X units

Procedure to assess ATR values

  1. Add the ATR indicator to your chart.
  2. Set the period to 1
  3. Add a 200-period SMA to this indicator.
  4. Shrink the chart so you can assess a large time period
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

XMR/USD Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

This cost as a percent represents relative the fee on the trade by considering the volatility and time frames. The percentage values are calculated by finding the ratio of each ATR value and the total fee.

Taker Execution Model

Opening = $16.85 | Margin fee = $1.29 | Closing = $15.60 | 30-day volume = $0

Total fee = Opening + Margin fee + Closing + 30-day volume = $16.85 + $1.29 + $15.60 = $33.74

Maker Execution Model

Opening = $10.37 | Margin fee = $1.29 | Closing = $9.6 | 30-day volume = $0

Total fee = Opening + Margin fee + Closing + 30-day volume = $10.37 + $1.29 + $9.6 + $0 = $21.26

*Assuming maker fee to be 0.16% the trade value.

Trading the XMR/USD

XMR is ranked 16 in market capitalization with a denominator over a thousand. It offers enough liquidity and volume for retail traders to participate in this pair. However, it is comparatively lesser than coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, etc.

As far as the analysis for this pair is concerned, it is no different from analyzing other cryptocurrencies and forex pairs. Hence, you can confidently apply those concepts in Monero as well.

The cost percentages in the above tables represent how expensive or cheap trade is going to be based on the profit you make or the loss you incur. The larger the percentage, the higher is the fee. Note that we are referring to the relative fee, not the absolute fee. Irrespective of the time frame and volatility, the fee will be the same but will vary relatively. For example, a short-term trader who makes $50 on trade must pay the same fee as a long-term trader who makes $1000.

Thus, to effectively reduce your relative costs, you must understand the volatility of the market. The concept is simple; one can make money only if there is enough movement in the market. Thus, before taking a trade, you must know the current volatility of the market using the ATR indicator. If the values are above the average, then you’re good to go. But, values near the minimum value indicates that there is not much movement in the market, and it could not reach your target point within the expected time.

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Analyzing The ‘ADA/USD’ Crypto-Fiat Asset Class

Introduction

Cardano is a decentralized platform allowing programmable transfers of value securely in a scalable fashion. It is the first blockchain created out from a scientific philosophy. It is also the first research-driven cryptocurrency that is built on the Haskell programming language.

Cardano is traded with the ticker ADA. It has a market capitalization of $2.2 billion. It can be bought, sold, and exchanged in several cryptocurrency exchanges. Apart from USD, it can be traded against other cryptos such as BTC, ETH, USDT, etc.

Understanding ADA/USD

The price of ADA/USD depicts the value of the US Dollar equivalent to one Cardano. It is quoted as 1 ADA per X USD. For example, if the market price of ADA/USD is 0.086112, then each ADA will be worth 0.086112 US dollars.

ADA/USD specifications

Forex brokers allow trading of only a few popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, etc. The other cryptos must be traded via cryptocurrency exchanges. And the working of these exchanges is different from that of forex brokers. As a major difference, cryptos are not traded in lots, in cryptocurrency exchanges.

Spread

Spread is the difference between the buying and selling price of the cryptocurrency. Crypto exchanges match these prices between induvial traders. Thus, there is no fixed spread. Also, typically, the spread is negligible in trading cryptos.

Fee

There are different fees charged by cryptocurrency exchanges for trading any coin. The various forms of fees include

  • Execution fee (Taker or Maker)
  • 30-day trading volume fee
  • Margin opening fee, if applicable

Note that the taker or maker fee will be considered for opening as well as closing the trade, and will depend on the value being traded.

Example

  • Short 10,000 ADA/USD at $0.085800
  • 30-day volume fee is $0
  • Order is executed as Taker

Total cost of the order = 10000 x $0.085800 = $858

Assuming the taker fee to be 0.26%, the opening fee will be – $858 x 0.26% = $2.23

Assuming the trade is opened with leverage, and the margin opening fee is 0.02%, the fee is calculated as – $858 x 0.02% = $0.17

If the order is closed at $0.095800, the total cost of closing will be 10,000 x $0.095800 = $958. And the fee for the same obtained is – $958 x 0.26% = $2.5

Thus, the total fee for the opening, maintaining and closing the trade would be equal to – $2.24 + $0.17 + $2.5 = $4.91

Trading Range in ADA/USD

The trading range represents the number of units moved in the pair in a specified time frame. For example, if 10,000 ADA/USD is traded and the average unit movement in the 1H time frame is 0.000778, then it means the pair will yield 10,000 x 0.000778 = $7.78.

Note: the above values are for trading 10,000 units of ADA/USD. If X units are traded, then the ATR values will be,

(Above ATR value / 10,000) x X units

Procedure to assess ATR values

  1. Add the ATR indicator to your chart.
  2. Set the period to 1
  3. Add a 200-period SMA to this indicator.
  4. Shrink the chart so you can assess a large time period
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

ADA/USD Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

The following tables depict the variations in total cost in terms of percentage based on the change in volatility and time frame.

Taker Execution Model

Opening = $2.23 | Margin fee = $0.17 | Closing = $2.5

Total fee = Opening + Margin fee + Closing = $2.24 + $0.17 + $2.5 = $4.91

Maker Execution Model

Opening = $1.37* | Margin fee = $0.17 | Closing = $1.53*

Total fee = Opening + Margin fee + Closing = $1.37 + $0.17 + $1.53 = $3.07

*Assuming maker fee to be 0.16% the trade value.

Trading the ADA/USD

Cardano stands 10th in CoinMarketCap in terms of market capitalization. Thus, making it a tradable pair in the crypto market. Almost all forex brokers do not ADA enabled for trading, so it must be traded through cryptocurrency exchanges. The fee structure here is quite different from forex brokers. However, the overall fee is more or less the same.

Comprehending the above tables, the magnitude of the percentage depicts how expensive/cheap a trade will be relative to the time frame and profit/loss. Let us understand this with an example.

The average values in 4H and 1D are 26.65% and 9.73%, respectively. The percentage in the 4H time frame is greater than the percentage in the 1D time frame. This means that the total cost for both is the same ($4.91), but relative to the generated profit, it is higher in the 4H time frame. A detailed reason for this can be given from the trading range table.

In the trading range table, the corresponding values are $11.52 and $31.55. This can be interpreted as, an average of $11.52 will be generated in trading the 4H time frame, and $31.55 when trading the 1D time frame. The fee in both cases is the same. Thus, we infer that the fee that is paid to generate $31.55, the same fee is deducted for generating $11.52. And hence, this is exactly what the higher percentage value depicts.

Reading through the row, the percentage values for a time frame is highest in the minimum column and least in the maximum column. So, if you’re are able to deal with higher volatility, it is ideal to trade when the volatility is around the average or maximum values. And if you cannot deal with the high volatility, you may trade the higher time frames to reduce the relative costs.

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What Should You Know About The ‘XLM/USD’ Crypto Fiat Pair

Introduction

XLM is the abbreviation for Stellar. This cryptocurrency was founded in 2014 by Jed McCaleb. Stellar is also a payment technology that was created mainly to connect financial institutions and reduce the costs for cross-border transfers.

Stellar is actively traded in the market against fiat currencies and other cryptocurrencies. In this article, we shall be analyzing Stellar against the US dollar, abbreviated as XLM/USD.

Understanding XLM/USD

The price of XLM/USD depicts the value of the US Dollar that is equivalent to one Stellar. It is quoted as 1 XLM per X USD. For example, if the value of XLM/USD is 0.073264, then each stellar is worth 0.073264 US dollars.

Note: The price is considered from coinbase exchange.

XLM/USD Specifications

Spread

It is the athematic difference between the bid and the ask price managed by exchanges. It varies based on the type of execution model used by exchanges.

Spread on ECN: 450 pips

Spread on STP: 520 pips

Fee

A Fee is nothing but the commission on the trade. It is charged only on ECN accounts, and there is no fee on STP accounts.

Slippage

The difference between the trader’s intended price and the broker’s executed price is called slippage. It varies based on the volatility of the market and the exchange’s execution speed.

Trading Range in XLM/USD

The trading range is simply the illustration of the pip movement in a pair for different timeframes. With these values, a trader will know how long they have to wait for their trade to perform. Also, they can calculate approximate profit/loss on a trade beforehand.

Procedure to assess Pip Ranges

  1. Add the ATR indicator to your chart
  2. Set the period to 1
  3. Add a 200-period SMA to this indicator
  4. Shrink the chart so you can assess a large time period
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

XLM/USD Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

The following tables represent the total cost variations for ECN and STP accounts. It represents how the costs vary with the change in volatility.

ECN Model Account

Spread = 450 | Slippage = 70 |Trading fee = 50

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 70 + 450 + 50 = 570

STP Model Account

Spread = 520 | Slippage = 70 | Trading fee = 0

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 70 + 520 + 0 = 590

Trading the XLM/USD

It is a known fact that cryptocurrency is a 24-hour market and is traded even during the weekend. However, this does not mean we can enter any time to pull out a trade from it. Though many traders do this, it is not a professional approach. Using the volatility and cost variation values, we can determine the ideal times to trade this pair.

The pip values seem to look really large, but it doesn’t indicate high volatility. This pair is as volatile as other major cryptocurrencies. From the cost table, it can be ascertained that the values are large for lower volatilities that decease as the volatility increases. So, traders who are concerned with high costs can trade during the times when the volatility high. However, they must be cautious about the risk involved in it. On the other hand, traders who wish to have an equilibrium between the two, then they may trade when the volatility is around the average values.

Furthermore, trading via limit and stop orders also reduces costs by a good number. In doing so, the slippage will be taken off of the total costs. So, in our example, the total cost would reduce by 70, which is quite a decent reduction.

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Trading The EOS/USD Crypto-Fiat pair & Understanding The Costs Involved

Introduction

EOS is a blockchain-based cryptocurrency, as well as a platform for decentralized app execution. This blockchain was developed despite the existence of Bitcoin and Ethereum to solve the problem of speed and scalability.

Understanding EOS/USD

The price of EOS/USD represents the value of the US Dollar equivalent to one EOS. It is quoted as 1 EOS per X USD. So, if the market price of EOS/USD is 2.5290, these many dollars are required to buy one EOS.

EOS/USD specifications

Spread

The difference between the bid & ask prices is known as spread. It changes with the execution model used brokers. Below are the spreads for both ECN & STP models for EOS/USD pair.

Spread on ECN: 10 pips | Spread on STP: 13 pips

Fee

A Fee is basically the commission on the trade. Note that there is a fee on ECN accounts, not STP.

Slippage

Due to high market volatility and the broker’s slower execution speed, slippage occurs. It is a difference in the price intended by the trader and price executed by the broker.

Trading Range in EOS/USD

The trading range is basically a tabular representation of the pip movement in EOS/USD for different timeframes. These numbers can be used traders as a risk management tool as determines the approx. profit/loss that can be made on a trade.

Procedure to assess Pip Ranges

  1. Add the Average True Range indicator to your price chart
  2. Then set the period to one
  3. Add a 200-period Simple Moving Average to this indicator
  4. You can assess a large time period by shrinking the price chart
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

EOS/USD Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

The total cost comprising of the spread, slippage, and trading fee, changes with the volatility of the market. Hence, it is necessary for traders to position themselves to avoid paying high costs.

Below is a table representing the variation in the costs for different values of volatility.

ECN Model Account

Spread = 10 | Slippage = 3 |Trading fee = 5

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 3 + 10 + 5 = 18

STP Model Account

Spread = 13 | Slippage = 3 | Trading fee = 0

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 13 + 3 + 0 = 16

Trading the EOS/USD

The volatility and liquidity in this pair are similar to coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Hence, this makes EOS/USD a tradable pair. The spread in this pair is between 10-15 pips, which is extremely less compared to its volatility. Due to this, the costs reduce significantly. The highest cost percentage is only 18%.

However, we cannot ignore the fact about the volatility in this pair. This pair is pretty volatile and must be traded cautiously. It is recommended for traders to trade when the volatility of the market is around the average values. Furthermore, the costs can be reduced even further by placing orders as a limit or stop instead of the market. In doing so, the slippage will become zero and will reduce the total cost of the trade.

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Analyzing The BCH/USD Crypto-Fiat Pair

Introduction

BCH/USD is a cryptocurrency abbreviated for the Bitcoin Cash against the US Dollar. This is the highest traded cryptocurrency in terms of volume. Also, it is a 24/7 market. Note that, Bitcoin Cash is not the same Bitcoin; both are two different cryptocurrencies.

Understanding BCH/USD

The price of BCH/USD represents the value of the US Dollar that makes up one Bitcoin Cash. It is quoted as 1 BCH per X USD. For example, if the value of BCH/USD is 234.06, these many US Dollars are required to purchase one Bitcoin Cash.

BCH/USD Specifications 

Spread

Spread is the difference between the bid and the ask price. Spread is different with different brokers and the type of execution model they use. Below are the ECN & STP values for the BCH/USD pair.

Spread on ECN: 400 pips (4.00 USD) | Spread on STP: 450 pips (4.50 USD)

Fee

A Fee is a commission paid on each position a trader takes and closes. This fee is charged only by ECN brokers. The slippage for each lot traded is a pip. The seems to be less because one lot accounts for only 1 BCH.

Slippage

Slippage is the difference between the price demanded by the trader and the price given by the broker. There are two reasons for slippage to occur:

  • High market volatility
  • Broker’s execution speed

Trading Range in BCH/USD

A Trading range is the representation of the volatility in BCH/USD for different timeframes. The numbers help in determining the approximate risk and reward on a trade.

Procedure to assess Pip Ranges

  1. Add the ATR indicator to your chart
  2. Set the period to 1
  3. Add a 200-period SMA to this indicator
  4. Shrink the chart so you can assess a large time period
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

BCH/USD Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

A Fee is a variable that varies as the volatility of the market changes. Below are tables depicting the variation in the costs with the change in the volatility.

ECN Model Account

Spread = 400 | Slippage = 10 |Trading fee = 1

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 10 + 400 + 1 = 411

STP Model Account

Spread = 450 | Slippage = 10 | Trading fee = 0

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 10 + 450 + 0 = 460

Trading the BCH/USD

As mentioned, BCH/USD is currently the most traded cryptocurrency in the market. Therefore, one can expect enough volatility and liquidity. The volatility in BCH/USD is very high. For example, the minimum volatility on the 1H timeframe is 20, while the maximum is 118 on the same timeframe, which is five times the minimum. Hence, this makes this pair highly volatile and risky as well.

So, it is ideal for traders to trade when the volatility is between the average values. The volatility during such times is neither too high nor too low. Also, the costs aren’t too high. If traders wish to reduce costs even further, they could trade via limit or stop orders instead of market orders, as this would completely cut the slippage on the trade. The cost variations when the trades are executed either by limit or stop is given below.

ECN Model Account (Using Limit Orders)

Spread = 400 | Slippage = 0 |Trading fee = 1

Total cost = Slippage + Spread + Trading Fee = 0 + 400 + 1 = 401

Categories
Forex Assets

Exploring The EUR/THB Exotic Currency Pair

Introduction

EUR/THB is the abbreviation for the Euro area’s euro against the Thai Baht. This pair is classified as an exotic currency pair. In this pair, EUR is the base currency, and THB is the quote currency.

Understanding EUR/THB

The market value of this pair represents the value of THB equivalent to one EUR. It is quoted as 1 EUR per X THB. For example, if the current market price of this pair is 35.345, these many units of THB are required to purchase one euro.

EUR/THB Specification

Spread

The algebraic difference between the bid and the ask price is referred to as the spread. Spread is determined by the brokers and varies based on the execution model they use.

Spread on ECN: 25 pips | Spread on STP: 28 pips

Fee

The fee is simply the commission paid on the trade. However, this fee is levied only on ECN accounts, not STP accounts.

Slippage

When you execute orders by market, the price you receive from the broker is different from the price you trigger your order. This happens solely due to the changes in the market volatility and the speed with which brokers execute the trades.

Trading Range in EUR/THB

The trading range is the representation of the range of pip movement in a currency pair. These pip values help in assessing the profit/loss in a trade, even before opening positions. In the below table, we have included six timeframes, ranging from 1H to 1M.

Procedure to assess Pip Ranges

  1. Add the ATR indicator to your chart
  2. Set the period to 1
  3. Add a 200-period SMA to this indicator
  4. Shrink the chart so you can assess a large time period
  5. Select your desired timeframe
  6. Measure the floor level and set this value as the min
  7. Measure the level of the 200-period SMA and set this as the average
  8. Measure the peak levels and set this as Max.

EUR/THB Cost as a Percent of the Trading Range

The cost as a percent of the trading range is the representation of the cost variation in the trade. The cost varies based on the volatility of the market. Having an idea of the cost variation, we can find our ideal times of day to trade in the market with reduced costs.

ECN Model Account

Spread = 25 | Slippage = 3 | Trading fee = 3

Total cost = Spread + Slippage + Trading Fee = 25 + 3 + 3 = 31

STP Model Account

Spread = 28 | Slippage = 3 | Trading fee = 0

Total cost = Spread + Slippage + Trading Fee = 28 + 3 + 0 = 31

The Ideal way to trade the EUR/THB

Before getting right into it, let’s comprehend the above tables. To analyze the tables, we consider the magnitude of the percentages. The higher the percentages, the higher is the cost of the trade. Conversely, lower percentages imply lower costs.

The costs in the min column are higher compared to the max column. This means that the costs are high when the volatility of the market is low, and the converse holds true as well.

The ideal way to trade this pair is completely dependent on the type of trader you are. For instance, if you are a trader looking for low costs, then you may trade when the volatility is high. Since the majority of the traders need a balance between the two, they may trade when the volatility of the market is somewhere around the average values in the trading range table.

Another simple technique to reduce costs is implementing strategies such that orders are executed using limit orders instead of market orders. In doing so, the slippage will be completely eradicated, and the total costs will be reduced by a decent number.