The many ways to learn Forex trading

A crucial step on the road to becoming a competent investor, trader training is now widely available.

Trading is not something to be taken lightly. A risky activity because of potential financial losses and stress it frequently generates, stock market investment requires solid knowledge in technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and money management.

Here is a comprehensive summary of how to find the best way to learn about trading in the currency market.  

Free training

At present, it is quite possible for a beginner Forex trader to learn through the many free resources available on the web. The increasing popularity of stock market investment, especially among non-professionals, has considerably increased the number of services offered by brokers, of which training courses make up a large part. The free training courses available nowadays are generally comprehensive and offer a solid basis for investing on the currency market.

They are available in a few clicks on specialized blogs, or directly on the websites of online brokers. These brokers have a vested interest in the financial success of their clients, as they are paid in part by the gains generated on their trading platforms. This type of training is particularly appropriate if your objective is to obtain additional income, and to make Forex trading a side activity to your main professional activity.  

Paid training

If the would-be trader has more ambitious goals, such as generating significant gains, or even living off their activity as a Forex trader, paid training is worth taking into consideration, especially if you have a relatively large capital, and want to progress faster. Online training courses are also easy to find. Generally offered by specialized platforms and professional investors, they are usually of better quality, and often personalized according to the needs and the specific profile of the customer. In addition, paid training saves you research, verification and cross-checking of information. It is a faster and easier way to learn, especially if you have little time to devote to learning.  

Monitoring and ongoing training

As a Forex trader, you never really finish learning. As in any field, especially an activity as complex as stock market investing, there are always new ways to improve. Whether in technical analysis or fundamental analysis - the combination is particularly effective on the currency market - many indicators and economic data require attention. Investors must therefore be curious and attentive to the advice and key information they can find on forums, broker sites, or in the press.

In addition, it is essential to constantly monitor economic news related to the currency market, especially the economic calendar, in order to refine your fundamental analysis. Macroeconomic data allows you to position yourself with relevance on the markets as an investor, and also improves your understanding of specific Forex mechanisms.   

This information can include :

  • a change in monetary policy
  • an announcement by the European Central Bank
  • an unemployment or GDP figure
  • a change in the US Federal Reserve's key interest rate

Practicing on a demo account

In addition to theoretical training, which is essential but not enough, practical training is essential for any trader. 

A demo account is ideal: it allows the beginner investor to place their first orders on the currency market risk-free. Demo accounts use virtual capital, but accurately simulate real market conditions. This practical training phase should not be neglected and can last several weeks, in order to test the knowledge acquired through theoretical training.  

There is no single best way to learn Forex trading. Each beginner trader has a specific profile and objectives, and the ideal education can vary a lot from one investor to another. Nowadays, there are many good resources available, whether in theoretical and practical training.