Fibonacci Forex Trading
Fibonacci strategies in the context of forex trading use the Fibonacci sequence of numbers, ratios and patterns to inform entry and exit points. In this guide, we explain how to implement Fibonacci retracement levels and extensions. We also cover what you need from a broker, the best analysis software, resources, and how to get started Fibonacci forex trading.
Forex Brokers With Fibonacci Chart Patterns
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1
FOREX.comActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
2
NinjaTrader
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, CryptoNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignalACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, ChequeUSD -
3
Interactive Brokers
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFMStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
4
OANDA USCFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartistWire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5
Videforex20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoTradingViewSkrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB -
6
RedMars
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySEC, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
7
UnitedPips40% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100.01 Lots1:1000IFSACFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, CryptoUniTraderPayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD -
8
Plus500 USWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200Trading with leverage involves risk.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.0 LotsCFTC, NFAFutures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest RatesWebTrader, AppACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, VisaUSD -
9
Capitalcore40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100.01 Lots1:2000IFSAForex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures IndicesWebTrader, ProEthereum Payments, Mastercard, Visa, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPalUSD -
10
Plexytrade120% Cash Welcome Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$500.011:2000CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
- NinjaTrader - NinjaTraders supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The software also offers advanced features to streamline the trading experience, including complex order types like market if touched (MIT) and one cancels other (OCO).
- Interactive Brokers - IBKR presents an extensive range of over 100 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, surpassing the offerings of nearly all leading alternatives, though not CMC Markets. Forex trading occurs over multiple platforms and boasts institutional-grade spreads starting from 0.1 pips and 20 complex order types, including brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders.
- OANDA US - OANDA offers a diverse selection of 68 currency pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker’s in-house platform offers superb day trading capabilities via powerful TradingView charts, including 65+ technical indicators and 11 customizable chart types.
- Videforex - Videforex offers trading on 35 currency pairs through leveraged CFDs with spreads from 0.1 pips. Alternatively, traders can use binaries to speculate on upward/downward price movements with payouts up to 98%. Integrated technical analysis, economic calendars, and market news, all available within the platform, help support FX trading decisions.
- RedMars - RedMars strongest investment category is forex with more than 50 currency pairs, from majors to minors and exotics. Spreads start from 0.0 pips, catering to active currency traders, and leverage can reach 1:500. However, there are no forex heatmaps or research tools to support aspiring forex traders.
- UnitedPips - UnitedPips supports trading on over 40 major, minor and exotic currency pairs. To help inform trading decisions, it offers daily market analysis with fundamental and technical insights into prominent currency pairs like AUD/USD and EUR/USD.
- Plus500 US - Plus500 US offers futures trading on a small selection of 13 currencies, including popular pairs like the EUR/USD and GBP/USD. Day trading margins are competitive, starting from $40, while the educational resources do an excellent job of breaking down the basics of forex futures for new traders.
- Capitalcore - Capitalcore offers a modest selection of around 35 currency pairs, which is very limited compared to CMC Markets' 300+ pairs. Spreads are lowest on the VIP account (0.4 pips on EUR/USD), but become less competitive in Classic and Silver accounts (1.5 pips on EUR/USD), and there aren't any zero spreads.
- Plexytrade - Plexytrade presents major, minor, and exotic forex pairs for trading, with leverage reaching 1:2000 and raw spreads starting from 0.0 - an enticing proposition for advanced traders seeking gains from minor price shifts. However, the downside lies in the limited selection, with only 41 currency pairs available, significantly fewer than the 100+ forex assets at IG.
Fibonacci Forex Trading Comparison
| Broker | Forex Assets | EUR/USD Spread | Forex App Rating | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
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80+ | 1.2 | / 5 | $100 | NFA, CFTC |
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50+ | 1.3 | / 5 | $0 | NFA, CFTC |
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100+ | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | / 5 | $0 | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
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65+ | 1.6 | / 5 | $0 | NFA, CFTC |
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35+ | 0.1 | / 5 | $250 | - |
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50+ | 0.7 | / 5 | €250 | CySEC, AFM |
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40+ | 0.7 | - | $10 | IFSA |
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13 | 0.75 | / 5 | $100 | CFTC, NFA |
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35+ | 0.4 | - | $10 | IFSA |
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40+ | 0.7 | / 5 | $50 | - |
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| EURUSD Spread | 1.2 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.4 |
| Total Assets | 80+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
Cons
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
- Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.6 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.6 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
- You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
- NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
Cons
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
| Total Assets | 100+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
Cons
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
- TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
OANDA US Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 3.4 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.6 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.7 |
| Total Assets | 65+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- There's a strong selection of 68 currency pairs for dedicated short-term forex traders
- The proprietary OANDA web platform continues to deliver a highly competitive charting environment, including 65+ technical indicators powered by TradingView
- The broker's API facilitates access to 25 years of deep historical data and rates from 200+ currencies
Cons
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
Videforex
"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "
Videforex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.1 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.1 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.1 |
| Total Assets | 35+ |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.
- Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
- Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.
Cons
- Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
- The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
- The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
RedMars Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.7 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.7 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.1 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
- RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
Cons
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
UnitedPips
"UnitedPips is ideal for traders seeking leveraged trading opportunities, the security of fixed spreads, and the flexibility to deposit, withdraw, and trade cryptocurrencies - all in one sleek TradingView-powered platform."
UnitedPips Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 40% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.7 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.1 |
| Total Assets | 40+ |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Platforms | UniTrader |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- UnitedPips’ platform performs well, with an intuitive design that will appeal to beginners, while the TradingView integration delivers powerful charting tools without overwhelming users, making it straightforward to execute trades efficiently.
- UnitedPips offers impressive leverage up to 1:1000 with zero swap fees or commissions, which can enhance potential returns for day traders and swing traders looking to control prominent positions with less capital.
- Although being handed off mid-chat due to shift changes during testing was frustrating, customer support is generally good with quick, helpful responses, and 24/7 support via phone and email for regional teams is a definite advantage.
Cons
- UnitedPips' selection of tradable instruments is still minimal, comprising a bare minimum selection of forex, metals and crypto. There are no equities, indices or ETFs, which may be a drawback for experienced traders looking for diverse opportunities.
- UnitedPips lacks comprehensive research, while the educational content for beginner traders is woeful. Compared to brokers like eToro, which offers tutorials, webinars, and advanced courses, UnitedPips offers minimal resources to help new traders understand key concepts.
- Unlike brokers such as IG, UnitedPips is an offshore broker not regulated by any 'green tier' financial authorities, raising concerns for traders seeking assurance and protection under well-established regulatory frameworks.
Plus500 US
"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills."
Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer
Plus500 US Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.75 |
| Total Assets | 13 |
| Platforms | WebTrader, App |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader
- Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls, instilling a sense of trust
- The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
Cons
- While Plus500 US continues to broaden its investment offering, it's currently restricted to around 50+ futures with no stocks
- Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
- Although support response times were fast during tests, there is no telephone assistance
Capitalcore
"The major selling points of Capitalcore are its high leverage options up to 1:2000 and zero commission or swap fees. However, its weak regulatory oversight from the IFSA and non-existent education place it far behind the top brokers."
Capitalcore Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.4 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.5 |
| Total Assets | 35+ |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Pro |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The Capitalcore platform provides comprehensive charting tools and a wide range of 150+ technical indicators, ideal for detailed market analysis.
- The support team are available 24/7 and responded within minutes during testing with helpful responses.
- Unlike most brokers, Capitalcore offers an unlimited demo account that takes under 5 minutes to open.
Cons
- Capitalcore is not regulated by major financial authorities and has an unproven reputation, raising concerns about the safety of client funds.
- Capitalcore’s threadbare education and research seriously trail category leaders like IG, making it less suitable for aspiring traders.
- The web platform was inconsistent during testing, with occasional technical glitches that meant the trading platform wouldn’t load.
Plexytrade
"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."
Plexytrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 120% Cash Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.7 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.1 |
| Total Assets | 40+ |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.
- US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.
- Plexytrade accommodates a range of trading methods and short-term strategies, including scalping, hedging, and automated trading.
Cons
- There are no research and educational materials, falling short of alternatives like IG, while access to the economic calendar is restricted to clients with balances of $500.
- With around 100 instruments, Plexytrade restricts the flexibility of investors who prefer to trade across various assets, especially compared to Blackbull with its 26,000 securities.
- Deposits and withdrawals are exclusively facilitated through cryptocurrencies, as Plexytrade does not support bank cards, bank wire transfers, or e-wallets.
The Fibonacci Sequence
Italian mathematician Leonardo Pisano, nicknamed Fibonacci, introduced the West to what is now known as the Fibonacci sequence back in the 13th century.
The Fibonacci sequence is an infinite numerical sequence. Each number in the series is the sum of the proceeding two values (after 0 and 1): 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 etc. Each number is approximately 1.618 times greater than the previous. This ratio, 1.618, is also referred to as Phi or the Golden Ratio.
The Golden Ratio can be depicted in a spiral shape and, interestingly, is a shape that crops up across the natural world. From rose petals to seashells, architecture, human faces and even constellations in outer space. There are some that believe that the spiral shape extends beyond nature and can be used to depict human behaviour too. The theory goes that as people adjust their behaviour in response to change, they do so at a rate proportionate to the Fibonacci ratios.
In the context of trading forex, it’s not the numbers in the sequence themselves that we’re interested in, but the difference between them. The ratios unveil patterns which in turn help highlight opportunities.
Setting Up A Fibonacci Forex Trading Strategy
The application of the Fibonacci sequence to forex day trading is relatively straightforward. It is most commonly used as part of a trend-trading strategy. Traders adopting this strategy anticipate that price will pivot at the points outlined by Fibonacci levels.
The basic premise is that in a market uptrend, you buy on a retracement at a Fibonacci support level, while during a downtrend, you sell at a Fibonacci resistance level. Ideally, you want to be looking at the highest and lowest swings.
Forex Trading Using Fibonacci Strategies
Fibonacci sequence ratios are used to predict retracement levels.
Retracements
The theory behind Fibonacci forex trading retracements is that after a significant market swing, price will return at least in part, to a particular point, before it continues in its initial direction.
So in practice, the numbers and formulas that feed into your retracement levels may allow you to predict future price points.
As we’ve seen above, each new number in the Finbonacci sequence is approximately 61.8 percent of the consecutive number. Which means that it is approximately 38.2% of the number after that, and approximately 23.6 percent of the number after that. These ratios: 61.8, 38.2, and 23.6 are our Fibonacci retracement levels.
On a chart, they are marked horizontally to make a grid within the parameters of the high and low levels chosen. When a trend is moving in a certain direction, the belief is that the price reversal point will coincide with the interception of these horizontal lines, before it resumes in the direction of the original trend. Fibonacci retracement levels help traders to identify potential price reversal points i.e points of opportunity.
Some models also use the 50 percent retracement level. Whilst it is not a Fibonacci ratio, it is widely acknowledged to be an important potential turning point as recognised in Dow theory.
The theory behind why trends unfold in this manner, is that human behaviour inherently follows the ratios of the Fibonacci sequence i.e. if a trend is moving too quickly in one direction, the market will respond relative to the ratios outlined in the sequence.
Extensions
The next step is supplementing your forex trading strategy with extension levels. Extensions use Fibonacci numbers and patterns to determine profit taking points.
Extensions continue past the 100% mark and indicate possible exits in line with the trend. For the purposes of using Fibonacci numbers for day trading forex, the key extension points consist of 161.8%, 261.8% and 423.6%.
Fibonacci Forex Trading Strategies In Action
Examples of forex trading strategies that use Fibonacci ratios include:
- Buying close to the 50 percent point with a stop-loss order just under the 61.8 percent mark
- Buying close to the 38.2 percent retracement point with a stop-loss order just under the 50 percent mark
- In a sell position towards the top of a substantial swing, using the Fibonacci retracement levels as profit collecting points
Limitations
Fibonacci retracement levels are not a guarantee. Whilst useful indicators, Fibonacci forex trading levels cannot actually guarantee a pivot point. The price may not reverse at a Fibonacci level or any other estimated level for that matter. They can be used to identify areas of interest but cannot guarantee a specific point of change.
It is also worth noting that when looking at small price movements, Fibonacci levels may not offer much insight. When levels are very close together it can seem that every point is important. They are best used on larger swings.
Furthermore, using Fibonacci tools is somewhat subjective. In a single day there will be multiple price swings, meaning that not everyone will be connecting the same two points. To help you identify areas of importance, draw retracement levels on all major price swings and look out for areas with a cluster of Fibonacci levels.
Our recommendation is to always use Fibonacci forex trading strategies in combination with other tools and insights. Trend indicators such as moving averages or Bollinger bands are useful in determining the direction of an asset whilst relative strength index and Bulls and Bears powers are often used to determine whether an asset has been overbought or oversold.
Broker Tools
When forex trading using Fibonacci strategies, the numbers, formulas, ratios and patterns can appear daunting.
However, advanced charting software will do the heavy lifting for you, offering retracement and extension level tools. So make sure you choose a broker whose software you’re comfortable using.
As with learning any new forex strategy, the more resources you can get your hands on the better. Therefore, it’s worth exploring whether your broker offers any Fibonacci forex trading strategy guidance, be it through PDFs or tutorial videos.
YouTube can also be a great way to see the numbers and patterns being applied in real life examples.
For further guidance, see our forex broker reviews.
Final Word
Trading forex with Fibonacci strategies uses ratios and formulas to determine where support and resistance are likely to occur. Whilst the sequence itself can seem daunting, its application to forex day trading is relatively simple. Fibonacci forex trading strategies are widely used by retail and corporate investors and most investing platforms offer the feature as standard.
Of course, every trader is different and there are no guaranteed returns with a Fibonacci forex trading strategy. With that in mind, always consider retracements and extensions as tools to help inform your broader market angle.
FAQs
When Is The Best Time To Use A Fibonacci Forex Trading Strategy?
The Fibonacci forex trading technique is most effective when the market is trending. Price action is often most prevalent when the market opens and closes.
What Do You Need From A Broker To Use A Fibonnaci Forex Trading Strategy?
The best forex day trading platforms and brokers will provide easy-to-use software with dedicated retracement and extension tools.
What Is The Best Way To Understand The Fibonacci Ratios?
Before you start trading forex with real money, open a demo account at a broker and play around with the Fibonacci numbers, patterns and formulas.
What Are The Limitations Of Using A Fibonacci Forex Trading Strategy?
Fibonacci levels cannot pinpoint an exact entry level. They only provide an estimated entry area. With that in mind, they should inform but not dictate your forex trading decisions.
Can A Fibonacci Forex Trading Strategy Work Alongside Other Techniques?
Yes, forex trading using Fibonacci & Elliott Wave PDFs are one good example.