Forex, a shortening of “foreign exchange,” is a currency trading market in which investors convert one currency into another, ideally profiting from the trade. One common scenario is that an American Forex trader has bought a few thousand yen in the past, but now sees the yen is losing value relative to the dollar. If this person is correct and decides to trade yens for dollars, he or she will generate a substantial profit.

Stay abreast of international news events, especially the economic events that could affect the markets and currencies in which you trade. News stories quickly turn into speculation on how current events might affect the market, and the market responds according to this speculation. Be aware of current happenings through RSS feeds or email alerts.

Emotion should not be part of your calculations in forex trading. The calmer you are, the fewer impulsive mistakes you are likely …