Learning Your Risk Tolerance The secret to successful investing is learning your own style, or in other words trading method(s) that work for you. There is no correct approach that everyone should learn. However, every trader needs to assess how much risk they can comfortably handle. It is the single most important investment issue for long-term success in the Forex market.
Whether it is investing, driving, flying, swimming, or just walking down the street, everyone exposes themselves to risk. Your personality and lifestyle play a big role on how much risk you are comfortable with. For most investors, risk simply means "losing money." But if your investment choices leave you unable to sleep at night you are probably taking on too much risk.
The Different Types of RiskThere are two basic classifications of risk: Systematic Risk - A risk that influences a large number of currency pairs. Examples of systematic risk are global political events, natural disasters, or war. Unsystematic Risk - Sometimes referred to as "specific risk". Its risk affects a very small number of currencies and currency pairs. An example is economic news that affects a specific country or region, such as a sudden strike by employees or a change in the Canadian interest rate. Diversification across multiple non-related currency pairs is the only way to truly protect yourself from unsystematic risk. The Risk Reward BalanceThe risk/return balance could easily be called the iron stomach test. Deciding what amount of risk you can take on while allowing yourself to walk away from your computer without worrying and to get sound rest at night while you have long-term trades open is a trader's foremost important decision. The risk/return balance is the balance a trader must decide on between the lowest possible risk for the highest possible return. Remember to keep in mind that low levels of uncertainty (low risk) are associated with low potential returns and high levels of uncertainty (high risk) are associated with high potential returns. Trading is all about risk and probabilities. Understanding the inner functions of your trading strategy(s) and proper placement of entry and exit orders will assist in limiting your risk exposure while maximizing your profit potential. There is Not One Correct Risk LevelJust as there is no single favorite food for everyone, there is no right risk level for everyone. Only you can determine what level of risk is right for you. You need to find the right balance between the amount of risk you are willing to take, and the amount of risk you can actually take. All too often investors think they are willing to take risk, but when it happens, they find out they aren't. Surviving in the market long-term is the most important way to make the market work for you. To do that, you need to learn your own risk tolerance ability. This could mean that you loose money during this learning process, but if this loss helps you achieve this level of understanding then you can financially afford the loss. This financial and emotional tuition is a valuable trading resource and something most experienced investors have paid through the process of trial and error. In ConclusionDifferent individuals will have different tolerances for risk. Tolerance is not static, it will change along with your skills and knowledge. As you become more experienced tolerance to risk may increase as your strategies or systems of trading become more and more proven in your mind and wallet. But don't let this fool you into not adhering to and thinking about proper money management practices. Achieving the right median between risk and return will ensure that you achieve your financial goals while allowing you to get a good nights rest. |
JMI Brokers is a Financial Service Provider Company registered, authorized and holds a Principals license from Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) as “Dealers in Securities” to scarry on the business of dealing in securities under license number 15010
"Securities" means (as from the 2012 amendment) - (a) shares in the share capital of a corporation; or (b) an instrument that creates and acknowledges the indebt - securities that is issued by a corporation or a public office including: (i) debentures; or (ii) debenture stock; or (iii) loan stock; or (iv) bonds; or (v) certifications of deposit; or (c) a right, despite whether or not conferred by warrant, to subscribe for shares or debt securities; or (d) a right under a depositary receipt; or (e) an option to acquire or dispose of any security falling within any other provision of this Act; or (f) a right under a contract for the acquisition or disposal of the relevant securities under which the delivery is to be made at a future date and at a price agreed when the contract is made in accordance with the terms of that contract; or (g) the proceeds of Foreign Exchange; or FOREX (h) the proceeds of precious metals; or (i) the proceeds of commodities.
High Risk Investment Warning: Trading foreign exchange and/or contracts for differences on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss in excess of your deposited funds and therefore, you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. Before deciding to trade the products offered by JMI Brokers you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. JMI Brokers provides general advice that does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. The content of this Website must not be construed as personal advice. JMI Brokers recommends you seek advice from a separate financial advisor.
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