Once you
start working on the financial market, it is important to learn all fundamental
terms to avoid acting at random. Among other matters, one of the first things
you'll need to learn is what Forex points are.
So, the point is the value of the smallest
possible change of the quote value. Among experts, points are called pips. This
word is an abbreviation for “percentage in point”. You can track the change of
points on a currency pair by the last number after the decimal point.
Thus, if USD/RUB was worth 69.5401, and after a
while the indicator changed to 69.5404, it indicates that the currency pair
increased by 3 points. Since quotes can be measured in pips, it is possible to
draw analogies between similar indicators, which have different dimension. For
example, a decrease in the cross-rate of a pair may be from 1.8132 to 1.8122. This
equals the fluctuation of any index linked to the pair, for example, from 4358
to 4348. The difference in all cases is ten points.
In order to reduce the time for making
settlements, traders determine the value of one pip for a particular asset. The
obtained number is simply multiplied by the number of fluctuation points,
outputting the value of this change in money equivalent.
Let's take the following example:
Let's consider the
popular EUR/USD currency pair. Suppose one pip is worth $5. In case the rate
has changed from 1.3476 to 1.3496, the cost of 20 points will be $100 (5 х 20 = 100$). Depending on the open position (long or short), the amount
of $100 will make a profit or loss.
Every newcomer should understand what Forex
points are and how to use them. Especially since the basic work scheme has
recently changed. Previously, almost all currency pairs in the market, except
for combinations with the Japanese national currency, had the same pip size of
0.0001 (for the yen, the value is 0.01).
Today, big brokers work with five-digit quotes.
It allows them to achieve greater accuracy. Thus, using a 5-digit quote, the
value of one point is 0.00001 (for currency combinations with Japanese yen,
0.001 respectively).
Note! Trying to figure out what Forex points
are, many traders do not understand why the exchange rate of currency pairs
with the Japanese yen is quoted differently. Actually, the answer is simple. The
origins of the situation go back to the post-war period, when the exchange rate
of the Japanese currency was fixed at: 1 dollar = 350 yen. But, after half a
century, the rate was of 1 dollar = 79 yen. Moreover, in 50 years, Japan has
never changed the nominal value of its national currency. one thousandth
accuracy (in a five-digit quote).
Once you've mastered the Forex pips, you can
use a simple and effective strategy to increase your capital in the financial
market. It is called pipsing. It is based on earning 1-5 points on short trades.
The main advantage of this strategy is the ability to predict the growth or
decline of the popular currency pairs almost without errors. At the same time,
the transactions will have minimal risk.
For beginners, pipsing is an excellent option
to increase starting capital. Especially if you use the biggest leverage to
enter the market. Thus, in order to open one lot, which is equal to 100 000
units of the base currency, it is not necessary to have the whole amount in the
account. Advantageous leverage, such as 1:500, will increase the deposit by 500
times.
It is essential to have an idea of what Forex
points are and how to work with them in order to gain basic knowledge required
for a novice trader. The simplicity of using these indicators allows you to
quickly and efficiently estimate your profit or loss, even in the initial phase.