How market sentiment plays a role in Forex trading

Market sentiment in the forex markets can play a crucial role in the world of a forex trader and if a trader can master how market sentiment works they can find themselves in a position to master trades.

What exactly is market sentiment?  When we think of market sentiment we should think about how humans respond to events along with human emotions.  The perception of what is taking place in the market and how trades are executed plays a big role with market sentiment.

Forex trading is about predicting the markets along with utilizing the right technical indicators.  When a forex trader has a good idea on where many traders are positioned, the key to earning money within the forex markets is centered on positioning yourself in the direction where market sentiment is the strongest.

Each and every forex trader has a mind of their own when it comes to the direction that the market is heading and their opinions are what drive markets.  There are traders that think the market is either bullish or bearish and it is these beliefs which force the market in either direction.

There are either bullish forex traders or bearish forex traders.  The bullish forex trader thinks that the markets on whole are headed into positive territory and the overall markets are on an uptick.  On the other side of the coin there are bearish forex traders who believe that the markets are turning south and that everyone should run for cover.

To develop a market sentiment approach, it is practical that the forex trader gauge and determine how the market is feeling.  To take this approach, there are numerous economic market indicators to assist forex traders in determining the overall direction of the market.

Some of the best indicators to track on an ongoing basis are indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI) along with Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  Many forex traders look at the Consumer Price Index as one of the strongest index to follow and gauge the overall economy.

The consumer Price Index is the benchmark inflations guide for the United States economy.   The CPI measures the change in a cost of a fixed basket of goods along with services which includes items such as; education, recreation, medical care, food and beverages and housing.  The Consumer Price Index is published monthly.

Another very closely watched economic indicator by forex traders is the Producer Price Index (PPI).  The PPI tracks inflation.  The PPI is similar to the CPI in that it is also reported on a monthly basis.  In addition, the PPI measures wholesale prices at the producer level for items such as consumer goods as well as capital equipment.

One of the most widely tracked economic indicators is Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  GDP is comprised of the total dollar value of goods along with services made/created during a finite period of time.  GDP is made up of all items produced by individuals and businesses which also encapsulate salaries of workers.

In closing market sentiment is extremely important to track on a regular basis by forex trader and is a fantastic tool for a trader to use to gain an upper hand on their competition.  Once a forex trader has a strong understand in how market sentiment works they should use this tool as an additional forex trading strategy.