April 25, 2025 - OneRoyal Academy

What’s Your Trading Style?

One of the first things I ask new traders is this: “What kind of trader do you think you are?” Cue the blank stares. It’s not their fault when you’re new to trading, you’re bombarded with strategies, indicators, timeframes, and buzzwords. But here’s the truth: Knowing your trading style is as important as knowing the market itself. It’s about matching your personality, your lifestyle, and your mindset to a method that actually works for you. So let’s break down the main trading styles. You might spot yourself in one or maybe a mix. Either way, by the end of this, you’ll have a clearer picture. Scalping – The Speed Demon If you’re the kind of person who gets bored after two minutes of silence, scalping might be your game. The vibe: Ultra-short-term trades. In and out of the market within seconds or minutes. The tools: Fast execution, tight spreads, quick decision-making. The catch: You need laser focus, rock-solid discipline, and no fear of staring at screens for hours. Ask yourself: Do I enjoy high-speed, high-pressure environments? Can I handle dozens of trades in a session without burning out? Scalping might be for you if you’re fast, focused, and thrive on adrenaline. Day Trading – The Active Hustler You’re not into overnight risk. You want to start the day with opportunities and finish flat. The vibe: All positions opened and closed within the same trading day. The tools: Economic calendars, technical analysis, intraday charts. The goal: Grab the moves, avoid the news bombs overnight. Ask yourself: Can I commit a few hours each day to watch the markets? Do I want full control and no surprises when I sleep? Day trading might be your thing if you’re active, strategic, and like to end the day knowing exactly where you stand. Swing Trading – The Cool, Calm, and Collected You’re in it for the slightly longer haul. You want to catch those juicy moves over a few days or weeks—without babysitting every candle. The vibe: Trade setups that play out over several days. The tools: Technical setups, trend analysis, fundamental catalysts. The lifestyle: Great for people who work full-time or want less screen time. Ask yourself: Am I patient enough to let trades breathe? Do I trust my analysis to ride out a few bumps? Swing trading might suit you if you’re strategic, calm under pressure, and prefer a “set it and monitor” approach. Position Trading – The Long-Term Visionary Now we’re talking big picture. You’re not here for quick wins you want to ride major trends, like a market monk. The vibe: Holding positions for weeks, months, even years. The tools: Macro analysis, fundamentals, interest rate trends. The mindset: Think investor more than trader. Ask yourself: Can I stay in a trade for weeks without panicking over a pullback? Do I have the patience to trust the long-term process? Position trading is for the thinkers, the planners, the macro buffs. So… Which Style Is Your Style? There’s no one-size-fits-all in trading. The best strategy in the world is useless if it doesn’t fit you. Ask yourself: How much time can I dedicate to trading? Do I like fast decisions or slow analysis? Am I emotionally wired for rapid wins—or long-term growth? The sweet spot? When your trading style matches your personality. Final Word From the Pulpit Whether you’re scalping EUR/USD or holding gold long-term, consistency comes from self-awareness. Try different styles. Track your results. Learn where you thrive and where you struggle. And most importantly: Don’t copy someone else’s strategy just because it worked for them. Trading is personal. Make it yours. Now go on pick a style, test it, tweak it. See what clicks. Because the markets aren’t going anywhere… but your success might, if you find your

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The Trader’s Journey: From Chaos to Clarity

Trading isn’t just a skill. It’s a journey and like all journeys, the destination isn’t always where we expect it to be. Some arrive swiftly, others take the scenic route, and many find themselves looping back before moving forward. But if you’re truly committed to becoming a successful trader, there’s a path that every trader must walk a path defined by growth, failure, self-awareness, and eventually, mastery. Here are the six essential stages every trader must pass through. Miss a step, and you’ll find yourself stuck in a loop. Embrace each one, and you just might evolve into the trader you were meant to be. 1. Unconscious Incompetence: The Blissful Beginning This is where it all begins. The charts look like opportunity. The market seems simple. You hit “buy” and “sell” with the confidence of someone who doesn’t yet know what they don’t know. In this stage, traders leap into the market with enthusiasm but without understanding. They dismiss the need for skill or education, mistaking luck for talent. Sometimes, they even see early profits — a cruel twist, because it reinforces bad habits. Eventually, reality hits. The account depletes. Confidence shatters. And the trader is faced with a choice: walk away or step up and begin learning. 2. Conscious Incompetence: The Harsh Realisation This is the toughest stage but also the most powerful. Here, the trader finally realises: “I don’t know what I’m doing.” They begin to explore strategies, read charts, and study the markets. They dive into technicals, fundamentals, and indicators. But despite all the learning, they’re still losing. Why? Because they haven’t yet built a plan. Emotion drives their trades. Impulse overrides logic. Losses feel personal. And in frustration, they may even start blaming the market or the broker instead of looking in the mirror. Want to know if you’re still in this stage? Ask yourself: Do you still let emotions drive your trades? Do you take full responsibility for your losses? Do you blame external forces when things go wrong? Do you have a written, structured trading plan? If any answer is uncomfortable you’re likely still here. But that’s okay. Awareness is the gateway to progress. 3. The Awakening Moment: Seeing the Light This is the turning point. The trader, now humbled and educated, finally gets it. The charts haven’t changed they have. They begin to understand that trading isn’t about knowing everything it’s about knowing yourself. They realise that without discipline, no strategy can save them. They learn to take full accountability. And above all, they discover the necessity of a plan a real, structured, and repeatable approach. It’s not enlightenment. It’s responsibility. And it’s the beginning of true change. 4. Conscious Competence: Trading with Awareness Now, the trader becomes deliberate. They have a plan perhaps not perfect, but it’s theirs. Every trade is calculated. Every move is part of a process. It’s no longer about instinct, but about consistency. They follow rules. They journal trades. They reflect. And they know that if they stray from the path, they’ll slip back into old habits. This stage requires effort. Focus. And patience. But for those who persist, something magical begins to happen. 5. Unconscious Competence: Flow State This is the destination every trader dreams of not riches, not glory, but effortless execution. The plan is second nature. Emotion is no longer a threat. Trades are taken without hesitation, not because of arrogance, but because of clarity. The trader becomes the strategy. Like a seasoned athlete or a concert pianist, they no longer think they simply do. This is mastery. But it’s not an endpoint. Even here, vigilance is required. The market evolves, and so must the trader. But now, they have the tools and the mindset to adapt. Final Thoughts: Know the Road, Respect the Journey No trader is born a master. Every expert has walked through failure, doubt, and frustration. The difference is they didn’t quit they learned. Understand where you are on this path. Be honest with yourself. And most importantly, don’t rush the process. Each stage has its lessons. And every lesson, no matter how painful, brings you one step closer to becoming the trader you deserve to be. Because in the end, trading isn’t just about profits. It’s about growth. And the real destination? It’s you, at your

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Understanding Spreads

The spread is one of the most fundamental concepts in trading, representing the difference between the bid (sell) price and the ask (buy) price of a financial instrument. As a key component of trading costs, understanding spreads is essential for both beginner and experienced traders. What Is a Spread? The spread is essentially the broker’s fee for executing your trade. It’s measured in pips (percentage in points) and varies depending on: Market liquidity (major currency pairs typically have tighter spreads) Market volatility (spreads widen during news events or low liquidity periods) Account type (ECN accounts have raw spreads + commission, while standard accounts have wider built-in spreads) Types of Spreads: Fixed Spreads Remain constant regardless of market conditions Common with market maker brokers Preferred by beginners for predictable, but larger costs Variable (Floating) Spreads Fluctuate based on market liquidity Typically tighter during normal market conditions Can widen significantly during volatile periods How to Calculate Spread The formula is simple: Spread = Ask Price – Bid Price Example (EUR/USD): Bid Price: 1.1050 Ask Price: 1.1052 Spread = 1.1052 – 1.1050 = 0.0002 (2 pips) For a standard lot (100,000 units), this 2-pip spread equals: 0.0002 × 100,000 = $20 cost per round turn Why Spreads Matter: Directly impacts profitability – Tighter spreads mean lower trading costs Affects trading strategy viability – Scalping requires ultra-tight spreads Indicates market conditions – Widening spreads often signal increased volatility Tips for Managing Spread Costs: ✓ Trade during peak liquidity hours (London/NY overlap) ✓ Avoid trading during major news releases when spreads widen ✓ Consider ECN accounts for tight spreads if you’re a high-volume trader ✓ Factor spread costs into your risk management strategy Understanding spreads helps you make informed decisions about when to trade and which instruments to focus on for optimal cost efficiency. 📊 Pro Tip: Always check typical spreads for your preferred instruments before placing

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Mastering Candlestick Analysis

Candlesticks are the foundation of technical analysis, offering traders a visual representation of price action that reveals market psychology and potential trend reversals. Each candlestick tells a story of the battle between buyers and sellers during a specific period. Anatomy of a Candlestick: Real Body (thick part): Green/White = Price closed higher than it opened (bullish) Red/Black = Price closed lower than it opened (bearish) Length shows the intensity of buying/selling pressure Wicks/Shadows (thin lines): Upper wick = highest price reached Lower wick = lowest price reached Long wicks indicate rejection of prices Key Single-Candle Patterns: Marubozu (no wicks): Strong bullish/bearish momentum Shows conviction in direction Doji (tiny body): Market indecision Potential reversal signal Hammer/Hanging Man: Small body with long lower wick Hammer (at bottom) = bullish reversal Hanging Man (at top) = bearish reversal Powerful Multi-Candle Formations: Engulfing Patterns: Bullish: Small red candle followed by larger green candle Bearish: Small green candle followed by larger red candle Shows complete shift in control Morning/Evening Stars: 3-candle reversal patterns Morning Star (bullish): Long red, small candle, long green Evening Star (bearish): Long green, small candle, long red Piercing Line/Dark Cloud Cover: Strong reversal signals Piercing (bullish): Closes above midpoint of prior red candle Dark Cloud (bearish): Closes below midpoint of prior green candle Trading Tips: Always confirm with volume and other indicators Consider the context – patterns work best at key support/resistance Longer timeframes (daily/weekly) carry more weight Combine with trend analysis for higher probability trades Mastering candlestick patterns gives you an edge in spotting potential reversals and continuations before they happen. Start by focusing on 3-5 reliable patterns and practice identifying them in different market

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What is a Pip?

Ah, the humble pip. No, we’re not talking about fruit seeds or Dickens characters here. In the world of trading especially in the fast-paced lanes of forex a pip is the heartbeat of price movement. It’s short for “percentage in point” or “price interest point.” Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, does it? But bear with me. Let’s break it down in proper English. Imagine you’re trading currency pairs, say, GBP/USD (because of course, the pound deserves top billing). If the price moves from 1.3000 to 1.3001, that tiny shift is called one pip. It’s the fourth decimal place in most currency pairs. Just one wee click on the ladder but when you’re trading in bulk, that pip can pack a punch. Some of the overachievers in the room deal in pipettes fractional pips measured at the fifth decimal place. Great if you’re a precision nut or enjoy staring at charts until your eyes water. How Do You Actually Calculate a Pip? (In USD) Right math time, but don’t run for the hills just yet. Let’s say you’re trading a standard lot, which is 100,000 units of the base currency. In most major currency pairs, one pip is 0.0001. So, the formula to calculate pip value in USD (when USD is the quote currency, like in GBP/USD or EUR/USD) is: Pip value = (1 pip) × lot size So, for GBP/USD, with one pip being 0.0001 and a standard lot of 100,000: 0.0001 × 100,000 = $10 per pip Yep $10 per pip on a standard lot. If you’re trading a mini lot (10,000 units), it’s $1 per pip, and a micro lot (1,000 units) gives you $0.10 per pip. Simple, right? Now, for pairs where USD is the base currency, like USD/JPY, the calculation’s slightly different due to the way the yen is quoted. But let’s not make it a maths class just know that the value shifts depending on which side of the slash the dollars on. Final Over Bottom line: a pip is how you measure the movement of price in forex. It might look tiny, but when you’re trading big volume, it’s like watching singles turn into centuries. So, the next time price shifts by one pip, don’t blink it could be $10 up or down on your position. That’s the game, and those are the stakes. Now go on treat those pips with respect. They’re the runs on your

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What Drives the Markets?

Understanding market movements is key to successful trading. Prices are primarily driven by two forces: fundamental factors (economic data, news events) and technical factors (price patterns, indicators). Let’s focus on the technical drivers: Key Technical Market Drivers: 🔹 Price Action – Historical price movements often repeat, forming recognizable patterns (head & shoulders, triangles, etc.) 🔹 Support & Resistance – Psychological price levels where buying/selling pressure intensifies 🔹 Technical Indicators – Tools like moving averages, RSI, and MACD help identify trends and momentum 🔹 Volume Analysis – Trading volume confirms the strength of price movements 🔹 Market Sentiment – Gauged through indicators like COT reports or sentiment indexes Why Technical Matter: Helps identify high-probability entry/exit points Works across all timeframes (scalping to long-term investing) Provides objective rules for trading decisions Mastering technical analysis gives you an edge in predicting potential market movements. Combine it with fundamental analysis for a complete trading strategy. 📈 Start applying technical analysis

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Fundamental Analysis for Commodities

The Two Most Important Words when it comes to trading commodities are: Supply and Demand! That’s what moves commodity prices plain and simple. Let’s dive in… Types of Commodities We can group commodities into three main categories: Soft Commodities, are agricultural goods like: Cotton, Coffee, Cocoa, Wheat, Soybeans Metals, including: Gold, Silver, Copper, Platinum Energies, the big movers: WTI Oil, Brent Crude, Natural Gas Soft Commodities (Agriculture) These are crops and crops depend on weather. Was it a good harvest? Droughts? Floods? You can find updates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Also, which countries produce these commodities? Take coffee beans, major producers include: Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia Ask yourself: Is there civil unrest? Are there export bans? What’s the local economy like? Example: When the conflict in Ukraine (a major wheat producer) started, global wheat supply dropped and prices spiked. Then look at demand: Is there rising global consumption? Any new uses for the commodity? Metals Ask: What is this metal used for? Is demand rising or falling? There are two main roles metals play: 1. Safe-Haven Metals Gold is the classic safe-haven. In times of war, recession, or uncertainty, investors flee to safety. Other safe-haven assets include: USD, JPY, CHF, and of course — gold. “When the world looks uncertain, gold tends to shine.” 2. Industrial Metals Copper is a great example also known as “Dr. Copper” because of its close ties to economic growth. It’s used in construction, electronics, and manufacturing. Check supply too: Who mines the metal? Are there labour strikes, political issues, or regulatory crackdowns affecting supply? Energies (Oil & Gas) These commodities drive the world, literally and economically. Ask: Who produces oil and gas? What’s happening in those regions? Example: Middle East tensions? Markets react quickly. Russia’s gas exports were heavily impacted by sanctions during the Ukraine war. Then there’s OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. They can increase or cut production, which moves oil prices significantly both at the pump and in the market. And finally, demand. Is the global economy growing? Is industry active? Are airlines flying more? Are factories ramping up? In boom times, demand rises. In slowdowns, demand and prices drop. Final Thought: When it comes to commodities, always come back to: Supply and Demand. That’s what drives the

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Fundamental Analysis for Stocks

When analyzing stocks, you’re essentially asking one question: “Is this company worth investing in based on how it’s actually performing?” Unlike technical analysis (which looks at price charts and trends), fundamental analysis digs into the company’s actual business performance, financials, leadership, and industry conditions. Let’s break it down. Growth Potential Start by asking: Is the company growing or struggling? For example, if you’re looking at Microsoft is their revenue increasing? Are they launching new products or expanding into new markets? Or are they cutting jobs and missing targets? Growth is the engine that drives stock price appreciation. Earnings Season One of the most important periods in the stock market is earnings season, which happens every quarter. This is when companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, JP Morgan, etc., release their earnings reports. These reports reveal: Revenue & profit (compared to analyst expectations) Forward guidance (their outlook for the next quarter/year) Key financial metrics like EPS (Earnings Per Share), margins, and more Beat expectations? Stock may go up Miss expectations? Stock may drop sometimes hard What Does the Company Do? Ask: What sector is this company in, and how is that sector performing? Example: Apple sells high-end electronics. If the smartphone market is slowing down, or consumers are cutting back on big purchases, Apple’s revenue might take a hit — even if the company is still strong. Understanding the broader industry trends gives you context. Watch the Competition No company operates in a vacuum. Keep an eye on rival firms. Example: If Snap reports weak advertising revenue, that could hint at trouble for Meta (Facebook) too, since both rely heavily on digital ad dollars. Competitor performance often gives early signals. Leadership Matters A company is only as strong as the people running it. Ask yourself: Who’s the CEO and executive team? Do they have a strong track record of growth and innovation? Have there been any scandals or leadership shakeups? News about executive departures or poor leadership decisions can rattle investor confidence and move the stock price. Market News & Buyout Rumors Always keep an ear out for “market noise” , rumours, headlines, or sudden buzz. Example: When rumours emerged that Manchester United’s owners were exploring a sale, their stock spiked on speculation, even before anything official was announced. In some cases, rumours of acquisitions, partnerships, or regulatory changes can cause a big move sometimes even before earnings are reported. In Summary: Key Questions to Ask Is the company growing? How were their latest earnings? What sector are they in, and how is it performing? How are their competitors doing? Who’s running the show? Is there any buzz, news, or rumours around the company? Fundamental analysis helps you understand the “why” behind a stock’s price — and whether the price reflects the company’s true

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Fundamental Analysis for Currencies

When it comes to currencies, there’s always one big question: What makes one currency more valuable than another? After all, most currencies are just paper and digital entries. So why does one outperform the other? The basic theory is simple: The stronger a country’s economy, the stronger its currency. To measure the strength (and future potential) of an economy, traders monitor economic indicators that are released regularly. Here are some of the most important ones to watch: Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) – U.S. Only Released: First Friday of every month This is key U.S. job growth data. A higher-than-expected NFP number signals economic expansion which typically boosts the U.S. dollar (USD) against currencies like the EUR, GBP, JPY, and CHF. Retail Sales Retail sales reflect consumer spending the lifeblood of most modern economies. More spending = more confidence = growing economy = stronger currency. Weak or falling retail sales, on the other hand, may signal a slowdown. Unemployment Rate This measures the percentage of people unemployed. Rising unemployment = fewer people earning and spending = weaker economy = potential currency weakness. High unemployment also increases government spending (e.g., on benefits), putting further strain on an economy. GDP – Gross Domestic Product GDP is the big picture, it measures the total value of goods and services produced by a country. Rising GDP? Economy is growing. Good for the currency. Falling GDP? Economic trouble. Bad for the currency. CPI – Consumer Price Index (Inflation) CPI tracks the prices of everyday goods, basically it’s a measure of inflation. Rising inflation means it’s more expensive to live, which can slow down consumer spending. Controlled inflation is often a good sign, especially if wages are rising too. Central banks may react by raising rates, which usually strengthens the currency. Interest Rate Decisions Central banks set interest rates based on the state of the economy. They can either: Tighten (raise rates) to cool down inflation or an overheating economy. Attracts international capital = stronger currency. Loosen (cut rates) to stimulate growth during weak economic periods. Encourages borrowing and spending = can weaken the currency. Central Bank Press Conferences After rate decisions, central banks (like the Fed or ECB) hold press conferences to explain their outlook. Two key terms to watch for: Hawkish = aggressive tone, hints at future rate hikes = Bullish for the currency. Dovish = cautious or nervous tone, hints at rate cuts or economic concerns = Bearish for the currency. Final Thoughts Understanding these fundamental indicators gives you a big edge when trading forex. They don’t move the market every single time but over the long term, they shape the entire economic narrative behind every

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ECN Account Introduction

Experience true institutional-grade trading with OneRoyal’s ECN Account, offering direct access to interbank liquidity with ultra-tight spreads and lightning-fast execution. Designed for serious traders who demand transparency and depth of market. Key Features: ✅ Raw Spreads – Starting from 0.0 pips on major pairs ✅ Low Commission – Just $6 per lot (transparent pricing) ✅ High Leverage – Up to 1:1000 (subject to regulation) ✅ Deep Liquidity – Direct market access with no dealing desk intervention ✅ Diverse Instruments – Trade 2000+ assets including Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Stocks, Indices & Commodities Why Choose the ECN Account? Ideal for scalpers, algo traders & professionals Faster order execution with no requotes Advanced trading on MT4/MT5 platforms 24/7 premium support Elevate your trading with OneRoyal’s ECN Account—where institutional conditions meet retail accessibility. 🔗 Upgrade to ECN Account

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