# Forex-basics.com — Forex explained in plain language

> An educational question-and-answer portal about the Forex market. We explain pips, spreads, leverage, technical and fundamental analysis, trading psychology, risk management, taxes and how to choose a broker — concretely, with worked numbers and no jargon. 479 articles written and edited by a single author. Content is educational and is not investment advice.

Author of all content: Jarosław Wasiński — Editor-in-chief at MyBank.pl · Financial and market analyst (20+ years · Forex analyst since 2007).

## Market basics

What Forex is, who trades, when the market is open, why prices move.

- [Market basics — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/basics/)
- [How much money do you need to start trading Forex?](https://forex-basics.com/basics/how-much-money-to-start-forex/)
- [What is the Forex market — definition, scale, OTC mechanics](https://forex-basics.com/basics/what-is-forex/)
- [Forex or the stock market — what to choose in 2026](https://forex-basics.com/basics/forex-vs-stock-market/)
- [Who trades on Forex? Six participant groups and their roles](https://forex-basics.com/basics/who-trades-on-forex/)
- [Can you make a living from Forex? Hard math and ESMA data](https://forex-basics.com/basics/can-you-make-a-living-from-forex/)
- [How much do the best traders earn — Soros versus real retail data](https://forex-basics.com/basics/how-much-do-the-best-traders-earn/)
- [What is a CFD — contract for difference in forex and equities](https://forex-basics.com/basics/what-is-cfd/)
- [MiFID II — the EU broker regulation in force since 2018](https://forex-basics.com/basics/mifid-ii-regulation/)
- [Spot versus FX futures — a comparison of mechanics and costs](https://forex-basics.com/basics/spot-vs-futures-contracts/)
- [Forex vs stocks — a global comparison from the US market lens](https://forex-basics.com/basics/forex-vs-stocks/)
- [The Trader's First Year — a Realistic Month-by-Month Roadmap](https://forex-basics.com/basics/trader-first-year-roadmap/)
- [Demo to Live — How to Start Trading Real Money Without Blowing Up](https://forex-basics.com/basics/demo-to-live-transition-how-to/)
- [Demo vs live — psychological differences no simulator can reproduce](https://forex-basics.com/basics/demo-vs-live-psychological-differences/)
- [Forex demo account — how to open it and what to actually practise](https://forex-basics.com/basics/demo-account-how-to-open-and-practice/)
- [Compound interest for traders — the power that cuts both ways](https://forex-basics.com/basics/trader-compounding-power/)
- [Forex inside a retirement portfolio — why not, and what to use instead](https://forex-basics.com/basics/forex-retirement-portfolio/)
- [Forex for a student with limited capital — a realistic first-year plan](https://forex-basics.com/basics/forex-student-low-capital/)
- [Digital nomad trader — residency, sessions and discipline](https://forex-basics.com/basics/digital-nomad-trader/)
- [Forex After 50 — Is It Worth Starting as a Late Starter](https://forex-basics.com/basics/forex-after-50-late-starter/)
- [FX options — call, put, premium and the binary-options trap](https://forex-basics.com/basics/fx-options-basics/)
- [FX swap — institutional mechanics of the currency market](https://forex-basics.com/basics/fx-swaps-mechanics/)
- [NDF — the cash-settled forward for emerging-market currencies](https://forex-basics.com/basics/ndf-non-deliverable-forward/)
- [Cross rates — how to calculate them and when it matters](https://forex-basics.com/basics/cross-rates-calculation/)
- [Is forex suitable for long-term investing?](https://forex-basics.com/basics/forex-as-long-term-investment/)
- [Is forex gambling? A mathematical view](https://forex-basics.com/basics/is-forex-gambling/)
- [How many forex traders make money? KNF and ESMA data](https://forex-basics.com/basics/how-many-traders-make-money-knf-data/)
- [How much time does trading take with a full-time job?](https://forex-basics.com/basics/how-much-time-trading-full-time-job/)
- [Gold Standard 1717-1971 — History, Bretton Woods, Nixon Shock](https://forex-basics.com/basics/gold-standard-history/)
- [Base vs quote currency — which one do you actually buy?](https://forex-basics.com/basics/base-vs-quote-currency/)
- [Crypto versus forex — a comparison for the retail trader](https://forex-basics.com/basics/crypto-vs-forex/)

## Technical concepts

Pip, spread, lot, leverage, margin, swap, equity — definitions with worked numerical examples.

- [Technical concepts — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/)
- [What is a pip and how much is it worth in EUR/USD?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/what-is-a-pip/)
- [Fixed or variable spread — which one to choose on Forex?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/what-is-spread/)
- [Leverage 1:500 — why it is a trap, not an opportunity](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/leverage-1-500-trap/)
- [What is a Forex swap and when does it work in your favour?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/what-is-a-forex-swap/)
- [What is 1:30 leverage and why did ESMA introduce it?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/leverage-1-30-esma-cap/)
- [What are standard, mini and micro lots in Forex?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/lot-micro-mini-standard/)
- [Margin call vs stop out — what is the difference?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/margin-call-vs-stop-out/)
- [Slippage in forex — what it is and how to limit it](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/what-is-slippage/)
- [Leverage vs margin — the difference and how they connect](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/leverage-vs-margin/)
- [Stop loss vs take profit — when to use which?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/stop-loss-vs-take-profit/)
- [Price gap explained — what it is and will a stop loss stop it?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/what-is-a-price-gap/)
- [Long vs short — buying and selling on forex explained](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/long-vs-short-position/)
- [How trailing stop works and when it kills your profit](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/how-trailing-stop-works/)
- [Equity, balance and margin — three numbers on a trader account](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/equity-balance-margin-mt5/)
- [Floating P/L vs realized P/L — what does it mean?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/floating-pl-vs-realized/)
- [Pip value per pair — why it is not always 10 dollars](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/pip-value-per-pair/)
- [Liquidity on the forex market — what it is and why it matters](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/liquidity-in-forex/)
- [Forex as an OTC market — what it means for the retail investor](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/forex-otc-market-mechanics/)
- [What is a requote and how is it different from slippage?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/what-is-a-requote/)
- [Spot settlement T+2 and position rollover — where swap comes from](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/spot-settlement-t2-rollover/)
- [Why is the swap charged triple on Wednesday?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/why-swap-is-triple-on-wednesday/)
- [Major, minor and exotic pairs — how they differ](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/major-minor-exotic-pairs/)
- [Trader abbreviations glossary — SL, TP, BE, R:R and the rest](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/trader-abbreviations-glossary/)
- [What is break-even and how to move your stop-loss to BE?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/break-even-how-to-move-stop-loss/)
- [ETF vs CFD and forex — owning an asset vs a contract for difference](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/etf-vs-cfd-forex-difference/)
- [My swap changed mid-trade — why, and is that allowed?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/why-swap-changed-mid-trade/)
- [Who sets swap rates and why they differ between brokers](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/how-swap-rates-are-set/)
- [Bid and ask — which price triggers your stop-loss and take-profit?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/bid-ask-how-sl-tp-execute/)
- [Why is my profit less than price move times position size?](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/why-profit-less-than-price-move/)
- [Forex order types — market, limit, stop, OCO and trailing](https://forex-basics.com/concepts/forex-order-types-market-limit-stop/)

## Choosing a broker

MT4 vs MT5, ECN vs Market Maker, regulators FCA / CySEC / ASIC, broker comparisons.

- [Choosing a broker — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/broker/)
- [MT4 or MT5 — which platform to choose in 2026?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/mt4-vs-mt5-2026/)
- [How does an ECN broker differ from a Market Maker?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/ecn-vs-market-maker-broker/)
- [How to spot a scam broker in 5 minutes?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/how-to-spot-scam-broker-in-5-minutes/)
- [Demo vs live account — what demo will not show you?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/demo-vs-live-account-differences/)
- [How to open a Forex demo account in 10 minutes?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/how-to-open-forex-demo-account/)
- [How to withdraw money from a broker without fees and delays?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/how-to-withdraw-money-from-broker/)
- [Local broker (XTB, TMS) vs foreign (IC Markets) — which to choose?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/local-vs-foreign-broker/)
- [KYC at broker — what is it and which documents are needed?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/kyc-at-broker-explained/)
- [USD/EUR currency account or local — what to choose?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/currency-account-or-base-currency/)
- [Multiple broker accounts — why does it make sense?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/multiple-broker-accounts/)
- [When to change broker? 7 warning signals](https://forex-basics.com/broker/when-to-change-broker/)
- [Spread vs commission — how to really count broker cost?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/broker-spread-vs-commission/)
- [Negative Balance Protection — what saves you from debt?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/negative-balance-protection/)
- [Order execution time — why quality matters more than the spread](https://forex-basics.com/broker/order-execution-time/)
- [Polish KNF broker — what it is and when it makes sense](https://forex-basics.com/broker/polish-broker-knf/)
- [Stop Hunting — Is It Your Broker or Market Mechanics?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/stop-hunt-mechanics/)
- [Spread vs commission — real trading costs at your broker](https://forex-basics.com/broker/spread-vs-commission-real-trading-costs/)
- [Admiral Markets (Admirals) — Estonian broker review 2026](https://forex-basics.com/broker/admiral-markets-broker-review-2026/)
- [Plus500 — a CFD-only broker with its own platform, no MetaTrader](https://forex-basics.com/broker/plus500-broker-review-2026/)
- [Tickmill review — ECN-style broker with a raw-spread plus commission model](https://forex-basics.com/broker/tickmill-broker-review-2026/)
- [Capital.com review — AI-driven CFD broker under CySEC oversight](https://forex-basics.com/broker/capital-com-broker-review-2026/)
- [eToro broker review — the social and copy trading platform (2026)](https://forex-basics.com/broker/etoro-broker-review-2026/)
- [Exness broker review — the giant that does not take EU retail clients](https://forex-basics.com/broker/exness-broker-review-2026/)
- [Dukascopy review — the Swiss bank and ECN broker](https://forex-basics.com/broker/dukascopy-broker-review-2026/)
- [Trading 212 review — commission-free shares and a CFD account](https://forex-basics.com/broker/trading-212-broker-review-2026/)
- [What happens to my money if my broker goes bust?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/what-happens-to-money-if-broker-fails/)
- [OANDA TMS Brokers — review of the Polish broker regulated by KNF](https://forex-basics.com/broker/tms-brokers-review-2026/)
- [Broker Bonuses — Why a "100% Deposit Bonus" Is a Trap](https://forex-basics.com/broker/broker-bonus-traps/)
- [Last look — why a liquidity provider can reject your order](https://forex-basics.com/broker/last-look-execution/)
- [Does my broker hunt my stop-loss? Myth versus mechanics](https://forex-basics.com/broker/broker-stop-hunting-myth/)
- [FxPro broker review — regulation, costs and four platforms](https://forex-basics.com/broker/fxpro-broker-review-2026/)
- [Retail, experienced and professional client — what you gain and lose](https://forex-basics.com/broker/retail-experienced-professional-client/)
- [Why does a broker hold 5 licences in 5 countries? Regulatory arbitrage](https://forex-basics.com/broker/regulatory-arbitrage-brokers/)
- [Depositing and withdrawing at a forex broker — methods](https://forex-basics.com/broker/deposit-withdrawal-broker-methods/)
- [Islamic (swap-free) account — how it works and the catch](https://forex-basics.com/broker/islamic-swap-free-account/)
- [Currency exchange vs forex broker — why they differ](https://forex-basics.com/broker/currency-exchange-vs-forex-broker/)
- [PAMM and managed accounts — how they work and the catch](https://forex-basics.com/broker/pamm-managed-accounts/)
- [PFOF (payment for order flow) — banned in the EU, legal in the US?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/payment-for-order-flow-pfof/)
- [Cent account — does it make sense for a beginner (vs demo and micro)?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/cent-account-for-beginners/)
- [Broker account types: standard, ECN, raw — which to pick?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/broker-account-types-standard-ecn-raw/)
- [Copy trading — how it works, the real risks, and how to vet a trader](https://forex-basics.com/broker/copy-trading-services/)
- [CMC Markets review — the LSE-listed UK CFD broker (2026)](https://forex-basics.com/broker/cmc-markets-broker-review-2026/)
- [How to Compare Forex Prop Firms in 2026 — Criteria, Not a Ranking](https://forex-basics.com/broker/prop-firm-comparison-2026/)
- [Retail broker vs prop firm — which road to take](https://forex-basics.com/broker/broker-vs-prop-firm/)
- [Swissquote broker review — a Swiss bank with a FINMA licence](https://forex-basics.com/broker/swissquote-broker/)
- [Interactive Brokers — review of the global multi-asset broker (IBKR)](https://forex-basics.com/broker/interactive-brokers-broker/)
- [Forex signals — are paid signals worth buying?](https://forex-basics.com/broker/forex-signals-paid-worth-buying/)
- [Portfolio margin — margin based on whole-portfolio risk](https://forex-basics.com/broker/portfolio-margin-broker/)
- [DM BOŚ (bossa.pl, bossaFX) — Polish broker review](https://forex-basics.com/broker/bossa-dm-broker/)
- [XTB review — Poland's largest exchange-listed broker](https://forex-basics.com/broker/xtb-broker/)
- [XM broker — review of the Cyprus retail forex broker (2026)](https://forex-basics.com/broker/xm-broker/)
- [IC Markets — review of the ECN raw-spread broker for scalpers](https://forex-basics.com/broker/ic-markets-broker/)
- [Pepperstone — review of the Australian low-cost CFD broker](https://forex-basics.com/broker/pepperstone-broker/)
- [Saxo Bank — a Danish bank and multi-asset broker reviewed 2026](https://forex-basics.com/broker/saxo-bank-broker/)
- [IG Group — review of the British CFD broker founded in 1974](https://forex-basics.com/broker/ig-broker/)
- [FOREX.com — a StoneX broker reviewed from the EU client angle](https://forex-basics.com/broker/forex-com-broker/)
- [OANDA broker review — data, regulation and costs (2026)](https://forex-basics.com/broker/oanda-broker/)
- [Charles Schwab broker — review of the largest US retail brokerage](https://forex-basics.com/broker/charles-schwab-broker/)
- [Trade Republic — review of the German investing neobank](https://forex-basics.com/broker/trade-republic-broker/)
- [CySEC — Cyprus regulation in the EU and what it means for clients](https://forex-basics.com/broker/cysec-regulation-EU/)
- [Broker for scalping — spread, commission and execution](https://forex-basics.com/broker/broker-spread-scalping/)
- [XTB vs DM BOŚ — two Polish brokers compared head to head](https://forex-basics.com/broker/xtb-vs-bossa-comparison/)
- [Choosing a forex broker in 2026 — the checklist that actually protects capital](https://forex-basics.com/broker/forex-broker-selection-2026-checklist/)
- [Real forex trading costs — the full list beyond the spread](https://forex-basics.com/broker/real-forex-trading-costs-full-list/)
- [Broker KNF regulation — Polish financial supervision 2026](https://forex-basics.com/broker/broker-knf-regulation-poland-2026/)
- [Forex prop firms 2026 — how to choose a firm that actually pays](https://forex-basics.com/broker/forex-prop-firms-2026-selection/)

## Technical analysis

Candlesticks, support and resistance, RSI, MACD, price patterns, price action.

- [Technical analysis — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/)
- [Technical analysis — an introduction for beginners](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/technical-analysis-basics/)
- [What are Japanese candlesticks and how to read them?](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/japanese-candlesticks-basics/)
- [How to draw support and resistance that actually work?](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/support-and-resistance-how-to-draw/)
- [RSI — how to read and when it fails?](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/rsi-how-to-read/)
- [MACD — how to read and use this momentum indicator?](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/macd-how-to-read/)
- [Bollinger Bands — how to read and use this volatility indicator?](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/bollinger-bands-basics/)
- [EMA vs SMA — which moving average is better?](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/moving-averages-ema-sma/)
- [Most important candlestick patterns — top 8 for retail trader](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/most-important-candlestick-patterns/)
- [Multi-timeframe analysis — top-down approach step by step](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/multi-timeframe-analysis/)
- [Stochastic Oscillator — how to read and use](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/stochastic-oscillator/)
- [Fibonacci retracement — how to draw and use the levels](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/fibonacci-retracement/)
- [Ichimoku Kinko Hyo — Japanese trading system](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/ichimoku-kinko-hyo/)
- [Head and shoulders — most famous reversal pattern](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/head-and-shoulders-pattern/)
- [Ichimoku Kinko Hyo — the five-line Japanese cloud at one glance](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/ichimoku-kinko-hyo-basics/)
- [Divergence — strongest reversal signal](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/divergence-in-trading/)
- [ATR in practice — stops, position sizing, regimes](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/atr-volatility-measure/)
- [Order flow trading on forex — what you can really read](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/order-flow-trading/)
- [Smart Money Concepts (SMC) — the chart-analysis perspective](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/smart-money-concepts-smc/)
- [RSI and MACD Divergence — Regular, Hidden and What to Do With It](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/divergence-rsi-macd-trading/)
- [Fibonacci Extensions — How to Set Profit Targets](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/fibonacci-extensions-targets/)
- [Pin Bar — the strongest reversal candle only in the right place](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/pin-bar-reversal-trading/)
- [Doji — the indecision candle you must never read in isolation](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/doji-indecision-pattern/)
- [Harmonic patterns Gartley and Bat — differences, entries, stops](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/harmonic-patterns-gartley-bat/)
- [Support and resistance — advanced level drawing the market actually defends](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/support-resistance-advanced-drawing/)
- [The Wyckoff method — three laws and the composite operator](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/wyckoff-method-accumulation/)
- [The DXY Dollar Index — how to read it and when to trust the signal](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/dxy-dollar-index-trading/)
- [Trading Confluence — How to Build a Signal Scoring System](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/trading-confluence-framework/)
- [Ichimoku Cloud strategy — how to trade the Japanese cloud signals](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/ichimoku-cloud-strategy/)
- [Multi-Timeframe Analysis — Elder's Triple-Screen Approach](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/multi-timeframe-analysis-framework/)
- [Currency Strength Meter — Advanced Analysis of the Eight Majors](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/currency-strength-meter-advanced/)
- [Volatility indicators in a trader's toolkit — a practical survey](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/trader-volatility-indicators/)
- [Wyckoff — accumulation and distribution phases in practice](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/wyckoff-accumulation-distribution-phases/)
- [Market regimes — trend, range and high volatility](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/market-regime-trading/)
- [Does your indicator repaint? How to check](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/indicator-repaint-how-to-check/)
- [Can indicators alone make you money? The holy-grail myth](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/do-indicators-make-money-holy-grail/)
- [Intermarket analysis — how DXY, oil, gold and the S&P link to forex](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/intermarket-analysis-basics/)
- [How to read market structure — higher highs and higher lows](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/market-structure-higher-highs-higher-lows/)
- [Timeframes (M1, M5, H1, D1) — what they mean and which to choose](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/timeframes-m1-to-mn/)
- [Pivot Points — an intraday trading strategy that still works](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/pivot-points-trading-strategy/)
- [Order Flow — the Market Mechanics You Will Not See on a Candle](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/order-flow-mechanics-forex/)
- [Volume in Forex — How to Read Tick Volume Honestly](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/volume-in-forex-how-to-read/)
- [Head and Shoulders — Trend Reversal Pattern](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/head-and-shoulders-reversal-pattern/)
- [Harmonic Patterns — Gartley 222, Butterfly and Bat on XABCD Points](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/harmonic-patterns-gartley-butterfly-en/)
- [MACD — mechanics, the 12-26-9 parameters and signals, step by step](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/macd-advanced-mechanics/)
- [EMA vs SMA — which moving average is better for a trader?](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/ema-vs-sma-which-to-use/)
- [Bollinger Bands advanced — squeeze, walk the band, bandwidth](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/bollinger-bands-advanced/)
- [Engulfing pattern — the two-candle reversal signal](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/engulfing-pattern-reversal/)
- [RSI — advanced mechanics, the 70/30 zones, the 80/20 modification and divergences](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/rsi-advanced-mechanics/)
- [Stochastic Oscillator — the mechanics of %K and %D lines](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/stochastic-oscillator-mechanics/)
- [Round numbers — why prices are pulled like a magnet](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/round-numbers-price-magnets/)
- [Fibonacci retracement — advanced levels and confluence](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/fibonacci-retracement-advanced/)
- [Hidden vs Regular Divergence — Continuation or Reversal?](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/hidden-vs-regular-divergence/)
- [Elliott Wave theory — five impulsive waves and three corrective in practice](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/elliott-wave-theory-waves/)
- [Japanese Candlesticks — Full Guide from Homma to Modern Patterns](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/japanese-candlesticks-full-guide/)
- [Double Top and Double Bottom — Reversal Patterns (M and W)](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/double-top-double-bottom-reversal-patterns/)
- [Average True Range (ATR) — basics, formula and the 14-period default](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/atr-average-true-range-basics/)
- [ADX — Wilder's trend strength indicator (Average Directional Index)](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/adx-trend-strength-indicator/)
- [Triangles — Continuation Patterns in Technical Analysis](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/triangles-continuation-patterns/)
- [Flags and Pennants — Continuation Patterns After a Strong Move](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/flags-pennants-continuation-patterns/)
- [Parabolic SAR (Stop And Reverse) — mechanics of Wilder's indicator](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/parabolic-sar-indicator-mechanics/)
- [Moving averages — the complete guide (SMA, EMA, WMA, HMA)](https://forex-basics.com/analysis/moving-averages-complete-guide/)

## Trader psychology

Fear, greed, trading journal, FOMO, breaking tilt after a losing streak.

- [Trader psychology — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/)
- [How to keep a trading journal that actually works?](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/how-to-keep-trading-journal/)
- [Fear and greed — two emotions that kill trading](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/fear-and-greed/)
- [Trader Tilt — Early Recognition and a 24-Hour Recovery Plan](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-tilt-recognition-recovery/)
- [FOMO in Trading — How to Recognise the Fear and Prevent It](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/fomo-recognition-and-prevention/)
- [Trader Burnout — Four Phases of Exhaustion and How to Recover](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-burnout-4-phases/)
- [Meditation and mindfulness for the trader — emotions under control](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/meditation-mindfulness-trader/)
- [The Dopamine Cycle in Trading — Why the Market Feels Like a Slot Machine](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/dopamine-cycle-trading/)
- [Trader sleep — how sleep loss wrecks your market decisions](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/sleep-trader/)
- [Realistic Trading Goals — Ending the Get-Rich-Quick Fantasy](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/realistic-trading-goals/)
- [Trader Physical Health — the Body That Makes the Decisions](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-physical-health/)
- [Survivorship Bias in Trading — The Error of the Survivors](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-survivorship-bias/)
- [Emotional Intelligence for Traders — Why EQ Beats IQ](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-eq-emotional-intelligence/)
- [Overconfidence Bias in Trading — Why You Lose More After Wins](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/overconfidence-bias/)
- [Trader Confidence vs Cockiness — Where the Line Runs](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-confidence-vs-cockiness/)
- [Loss Acceptance in Trading — the Cost, Not a Failure](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-loss-acceptance/)
- [Trader Stress Management — The Physiology and Concrete Techniques](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-stress-management/)
- [Trading as a Business, Not a Casino — the Owner Mindset](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trading-business-mindset/)
- [Trader Imposter Syndrome — Feeling Like a Fraud Despite Profits](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-imposter-syndrome/)
- [The Trader Perfectionism Trap — Paralysis and How to Escape It](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-perfectionism-trap/)
- [Trader Growth Mindset — Fixed vs Growth Psychology](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-growth-mindset/)
- [Deliberate Practice for Traders — What Ericsson Actually Requires](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-deliberate-practice/)
- [Chasing Losses — How a Small Loss Becomes a Catastrophe](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/loss-chasing-trader-pursuit/)
- [Process Over Outcome — Judge the Decision, Not the Result](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-process-over-outcome/)
- [Trader Recency Bias — When Only the Last Trade Counts](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/recency-bias-trader/)
- [Trader Herd Mentality — Buying Along with the Crowd](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/herd-mentality-trader/)
- [10 trader psychological mistakes — from FOMO to self-attribution bias](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/10-trader-psychological-mistakes/)
- [Trader self-sabotage — the mechanism of subconscious blocks to success](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-self-sabotage-mechanism/)
- [Stoicism trader — Marcus Aurelius + Seneca + Epictetus philosophy](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/stoicism-trader-philosophy/)
- [Trader Ego — When Needing to Be Right Eats the Account](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/ego-trader-management/)
- [Trader Flow State — What the Zone Is and How to Invite It](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/flow-state-trader/)
- [Mental Stop-Loss vs a Hard Stop — Discipline or Emotion](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/mental-stop-loss-vs-hard/)
- [Trader morning routine — how to prepare for the session in 60 minutes](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-morning-routine-60-min/)
- [Trader evening shutdown — how to close the trading day in 60 minutes](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-evening-shutdown/)
- [Trading discipline — a system that works when motivation runs out](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trading-discipline-system/)
- [Mentor vs Self-Taught Trading — Which Path Should You Choose](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-mentor-vs-self-taught/)
- [Trader emotions before, during and after the trade](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-emotions-before-during-after-trade/)
- [Trader decision fatigue — mechanics and counter-measures](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/trader-decision-fatigue-mechanics/)
- [Revenge trading — the emotional trap after a loss](https://forex-basics.com/psychology/revenge-trading-emotional-trap/)

## Risk management

Stop loss, position sizing, R:R, diversification, the 1% rule and when to break it.

- [Risk management — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/risk/)
- [How to calculate position size so you do not lose more than 1%?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/position-sizing-1-percent-rule/)
- [2% vs 1% rule — when to risk more?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/2-percent-vs-1-percent-rule/)
- [Maximum drawdown — what does it mean for your account?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/what-is-maximum-drawdown/)
- [Position sizing for different SL — formula and examples](https://forex-basics.com/risk/position-sizing-for-different-sl/)
- [Expectancy — does your strategy really earn?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/expectancy-formula/)
- [Compound vs fixed lot — which position sizing system?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/compound-vs-fixed-lot/)
- [Risk management basics — the foundations every forex trader needs](https://forex-basics.com/risk/risk-management-basics/)
- [Sharpe ratio — what it really measures and where it breaks](https://forex-basics.com/risk/sharpe-ratio-basics/)
- [Sortino Ratio — Sharpe Counting Only the Downside](https://forex-basics.com/risk/sortino-ratio-basics/)
- [Calmar Ratio — Return to Maximum Drawdown](https://forex-basics.com/risk/calmar-ratio-basics/)
- [ATR trailing stop — advanced techniques for dynamic stops](https://forex-basics.com/risk/atr-trailing-stop-advanced/)
- [Sortino Ratio vs Sharpe Ratio — Which One for a Retail Forex Trader?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/sortino-ratio-vs-sharpe/)
- [Margin Call Mechanics in Depth — How ESMA Rewrote the Retail Rule Book](https://forex-basics.com/risk/margin-call-deep-mechanics/)
- [The Kelly Criterion — Is It a Good Position-Sizing Tool?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/position-sizing-kelly-criterion/)
- [Anti-Martingale System — Sizing Up Positions on Wins](https://forex-basics.com/risk/anti-martingale-system/)
- [Hedging positions — does opening opposite trades make sense?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/hedging-forex-positions/)
- [Black swan events — will a stop-loss protect you in a market shock?](https://forex-basics.com/risk/black-swan-events-trading/)
- [CVaR — What It Says About Tail Risk That VaR Won't](https://forex-basics.com/risk/cvar-conditional/)
- [„We will recover your money from the broker" — the recovery scam](https://forex-basics.com/risk/fund-recovery-scam-explained/)
- [Risk management — the four-pillar foundation of every trader](https://forex-basics.com/risk/risk-management-basics-trader/)
- [Pyramiding — the position-scaling strategy for riding trends](https://forex-basics.com/risk/pyramiding-position-scaling-strategy/)
- [The 1 percent rule — how to size positions and protect your account](https://forex-basics.com/risk/1-percent-rule-position-sizing/)
- [Financial leverage — how to use it safely without blowing up the account](https://forex-basics.com/risk/leverage-how-to-use-safely/)
- [Currency pair correlations in practice — reading the matrix](https://forex-basics.com/risk/currency-pair-correlations-in-practice/)

## Fundamental analysis

Central bank decisions, NFP, CPI, GDP, economic calendar — how to read macro data and what really moves a currency.

- [Fundamental analysis — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/)
- [Fundamental analysis basics — what really moves a currency](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/fundamental-analysis-basics/)
- [NFP — the jobs report that moves the dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/what-is-nfp-non-farm-payrolls/)
- [The Fed decision — how it moves the dollar on forex](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/fed-decision-impact-on-forex/)
- [The ECB decision — how it moves the euro on forex](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/ecb-decision-impact-on-eur/)
- [Economic calendar — how to use it step by step](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/how-to-use-economic-calendar/)
- [US retail sales — how it moves the dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/retail-sales-indicator/)
- [The ifo Business Climate Index (Germany) — a leading euro gauge](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/ifo-germany-business-climate/)
- [The Tankan — the Bank of Japan quarterly survey](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/tankan-japan-survey/)
- [Watching central banks together — Fed, ECB and BoJ](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/central-bank-watch-fed-ecb-boj/)
- [GDP and forex — how growth data moves the dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/gdp-impact-forex/)
- [Leading vs lagging indicators — what to weight first](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/leading-vs-lagging-indicators/)
- [CPI and forex — how the inflation print moves the dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/cpi-inflation-trading-strategy/)
- [Central-bank minutes — how to read them](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/central-bank-minutes-how-to-read/)
- [The Bank of England decision — how it moves the pound](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/boe-rate-decision-gbp-impact/)
- [JOLTS — the job openings report the Fed reads](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/jolts-labor-report-job-openings/)
- [Fed chair speeches — why they move the dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/powell-speech-fed-public-remarks/)
- [Interest rate parity — how rate differentials drive carry trade](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/interest-rate-parity/)
- [The COT report — can retail traders actually use it?](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/cot-report-commitment-of-traders/)
- [US trade balance — what it means for the dollar in forex](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/trade-balance-usa-trade-balance/)
- [Hawkish vs dovish — what these central-bank words mean](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/hawkish-vs-dovish-explained/)
- [The Bank of Japan and its policy — what moves the yen](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/bank-of-japan-monetary-policy-jpy/)
- [The Fed dot plot — how to read it](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/fed-dot-plot-interpretation/)
- [The Swiss franc and SNB intervention — a safe haven](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/snb-intervention-chf-switzerland/)
- [Bank of Canada rate decisions — how the BoC moves the Canadian dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/boc-canada-rate-tiff-macklem/)
- [ISM Services PMI — the US services gauge that moves the dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/ism-non-manufacturing-headline-pmi/)
- [Michigan consumer sentiment and the US dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/university-of-michigan-consumer-sentiment/)
- [Caixin PMI China — the private gauge and the Aussie dollar](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/caixin-pmi-china/)
- [The PCE price index — the Fed's preferred inflation gauge](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/pce-deflator-fed/)
- [Initial jobless claims and the dollar exchange rate](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/initial-jobless-claims/)
- [ISM Manufacturing PMI — the US industry gauge and the 50 line](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/ism-manufacturing-pmi-headline-usa/)
- [Economic calendar — 12 releases that move currencies](https://forex-basics.com/fundamental-analysis/economic-calendar-12-key-releases/)

## Trading strategies

Scalping, day trading, swing, position trading, carry trade, breakout — what suits whom and how to measure performance.

- [Trading strategies — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/)
- [Scalping — what is it and does it make sense for retail?](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/what-is-scalping/)
- [Three trading styles — trend, range and breakout compared](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-trading-strategies-fundamentals/)
- [Swing trading — the basics for someone with a full-time job](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/swing-trading-basics/)
- [Day trading vs position trading — which style for you?](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/day-trading-vs-position-trading/)
- [Range trading — how to profit in consolidation without trend?](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/range-trading-in-consolidation/)
- [Martingale in forex — trap that always destroys account](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/martingale-system-trap/)
- [Mean reversion — the return-to-the-mean strategy](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/mean-reversion-strategy/)
- [News trading and spread widening — the hidden cost of trading the data](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/news-trading-spread-widening/)
- [Order block trading — the SMC institutional zone, honestly](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/order-block-trading/)
- [Currency Pair Correlation and the Retail "Arbitrage" Myth](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/correlation-pair-arbitrage/)
- [Range Trading Framework — A Systematic Process](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/range-trading-framework/)
- [Trade Exit Strategy — When to Close a Position](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/trade-exit-strategy-framework/)
- [Position Trader vs Day Trader — Which Style Suits You](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/position-trader-vs-day-trader/)
- [Trading edge — how to find and validate a real one](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/trading-edge-discovery/)
- [Trade management — what to do after you are in](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/trade-management-framework/)
- [Setup checklist — your go/no-go list before entering](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/setup-checklist-framework/)
- [Asymmetric bets — convexity and expected value in trading](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/trader-asymmetric-bets/)
- [What is the carry trade — earning on the interest-rate differential](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/what-is-carry-trade/)
- [AB=CD pattern — leg symmetry and the 0.618/1.272 levels](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/ab-cd-pattern-strategy/)
- [Deep Crab pattern — the deeper variant of Carney's Crab](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/deep-crab-pattern-strategy/)
- [Nen Star pattern — Suri Duddella rare harmonic formation](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/nen-star-pattern-strategy/)
- [The candlestick patterns that matter and how to read them](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/candlestick-patterns-top-10/)
- [5-0 pattern strategy — Carney Shark hybrid harmonic reversal](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/5-0-pattern-strategy/)
- [News trader vs technical trader — two philosophies compared](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/news-trader-vs-technical-trader-comparison/)
- [Scalping vs day trading — seconds or hours in the trade?](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/scalping-vs-day-trading-comparison/)
- [Evening star — the three rivers reversal at a trend top](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-river-evening-star-pattern/)
- [Morning star — the three-candle reversal at a trend bottom](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/morning-star-pattern-strategy/)
- [Butterfly pattern — harmonic X-A-B-C-D reversal beyond point X](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/butterfly-pattern-trading-strategy/)
- [Wedge pattern — trading the rising and falling wedge](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/wedge-pattern-trading-strategy/)
- [Heikin-Ashi — "average bar" candles for reading the trend](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/heikin-ashi-trading-strategy/)
- [RSI Divergence — a Reversal Strategy That Needs Confirmation](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/rsi-divergence-trading-strategy/)
- [Three white soldiers — three candles that announce the buyers are back](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-white-soldiers-pattern-strategy/)
- [Donchian Channel — the Turtle breakout system step by step](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/donchian-channel-trading-strategy/)
- [OBV On-Balance Volume — the volume indicator on forex](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/obv-on-balance-volume-indicator/)
- [Change of Character (ChoCh) — the SMC trend-reversal signal](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/change-of-character-choch-smc-strategy/)
- [ABCD pattern — a trading guide to the harmonic building block](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/abcd-pattern-trading-strategy/)
- [Smart Money Concepts (SMC) — market mechanics through an institutional lens](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/smart-money-concepts-mechanics/)
- [Three black crows — three candles that announce the sellers have taken over](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-black-crows-pattern-strategy/)
- [Breaker block in SMC — a failed order block flips role](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/breaker-block-smc-strategy/)
- [Andrews' Pitchfork — Alan Andrews' median-line method](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/andrews-pitchfork-trading-strategy/)
- [Schiff Pitchfork — Andrews' fork with a shifted origin](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/schiff-pitchfork-trading-strategy/)
- [Renko charts — a price-based brick chart, not a time-based one](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/renko-charts-trading-strategy/)
- [Bullish and Bearish Engulfing — the candle that takes control](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/engulfing-bullish-bearish-pattern/)
- [Kagi charts — a price-based Japanese chart, not a time-based one](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/kagi-charts-trading-strategy/)
- [Three Line Break — a price-based Japanese chart, not a time-based one](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-line-break-trading-strategy/)
- [Volume Profile — POC, Value Area and the honest forex caveat](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/volume-profile-trading-strategy/)
- [Wolfe Wave — a five-point reversal formation and the EPA line](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/wolfe-wave-trading-strategy/)
- [Bullish and Bearish Harami — two-candle reversal pattern](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/harami-bullish-bearish-pattern/)
- [Three Drives pattern — a harmonic reversal after three drives](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-drives-pattern-strategy/)
- [Gartley pattern — the original harmonic formation with entry at 0.786 of XA](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/gartley-pattern-strategy/)
- [Bat pattern — harmonic X-A-B-C-D with entry at 0.886 of the XA leg](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/bat-pattern-strategy/)
- [Crab pattern — Scott Carney harmonic X-A-B-C-D reversal](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/crab-pattern-strategy/)
- [Cypher pattern — Darren Oglesbee's harmonic formation (X-A-B-C-D)](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/cypher-pattern-strategy/)
- [Piercing Line and Dark Cloud Cover — two-candle reversals](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/piercing-line-dark-cloud-cover-pattern/)
- [Shark pattern — Carney's O-X-A-B-C harmonic reversal](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/shark-pattern-strategy/)
- [Spinning top and doji — the candles of indecision](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/spinning-top-doji-variants-pattern/)
- [Inverted hammer and shooting star — one shape, two signals](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/inverted-hammer-shooting-star-pattern/)
- [Abandoned Baby — rare reversal pattern with a doji and gaps](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/abandoned-baby-pattern-strategy/)
- [Three Inside Up and Down — Harami with confirmation](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-inside-up-down-pattern/)
- [Three Outside Up and Down — Engulfing with confirmation](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-outside-up-down-pattern/)
- [Three Stars in South — rare bullish exhaustion candlestick pattern](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/three-stars-in-south-pattern/)
- [Upside Gap Three Methods — five candles of bullish continuation](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/upside-gap-three-methods-pattern/)
- [Downside Gap Three Methods — five-candle bearish continuation pattern](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/downside-gap-three-methods-pattern/)
- [Head and Shoulders — the Classic Trend-Reversal Pattern](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/head-shoulders-pattern/)
- [Double Top and Double Bottom — Reversal Patterns](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/double-top-bottom-pattern/)
- [Harmonic patterns — a guide to the Fibonacci X-A-B-C-D formations](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/harmonic-pattern-trading/)
- [Hammer — the candlestick reversal at the bottom of a downtrend](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/hammer-pattern-strategy-japanese-candlestick/)
- [Inside Bar — the Breakout Strategy from the Inside Candle](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/inside-bar-breakout-strategy/)
- [Breakout strategy — a complete how-to guide](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/breakout-strategy-how-to-trade/)
- [Momentum trading — a complete guide to trend strength](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/momentum-trading-strategy-full-guide/)
- [Gap trading — how price gaps work in theory and practice](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/gap-trading-price-gaps/)
- [Swing Trading on a 2-7 Day Horizon — A Step-by-Step Process](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/swing-trading-framework-2-7-days/)
- [Trend Following — Trend-Riding Systems from the Turtles to Donchian](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/trend-following-systems-trading/)
- [Pre-trade step-by-step checklist — 10-point validation](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/pre-trade-step-by-step-checklist/)
- [How to write a trading plan — step-by-step template](https://forex-basics.com/strategies/how-to-write-trading-plan-template/)

## Sessions & market hours

London, New York, Tokyo sessions — when the spread is tightest, when volatility peaks.

- [Sessions & market hours — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/)
- [The London session — why it is the deepest market of the day](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/london-session/)
- [The three forex trading sessions — Sydney, London, New York](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/three-trading-sessions-basics/)
- [New York session — when does the dollar move most?](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/new-york-session/)
- [Best hours to trade forex — when to sit down at the market](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/best-hours-to-trade-forex/)
- [Weekend forex trading — why the market is closed and the gap](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/weekend-forex-trading/)
- [London–New York overlap — the peak of the FX trading day](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/london-new-york-overlap/)
- [Tokyo session — yen pairs, Chinese data and the night market](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/tokyo-session/)
- [The Sydney session — first of the week, thinnest liquidity](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/sydney-session/)
- [Tokyo–London overlap — a handover, not the peak of the day](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/tokyo-london-overlap/)
- [The 4pm London Fix — the 16:00 benchmark rate](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/london-fix-4pm/)
- [A trader's time zone — fitting forex around a day job](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/trader-time-zone-global-trading/)
- [Forex liquidity through the day — when the spread is tightest](https://forex-basics.com/sessions/forex-liquidity-trading-hours/)

## Platforms & tools

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Expert Advisors, VPS — what you actually need at the start and later.

- [Platforms & tools — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/)
- [MetaTrader 4 — still the most popular forex platform](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/mt4-basics/)
- [MetaTrader 5 — what's better than MT4?](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/mt5-advantages/)
- [cTrader vs MT5 — which platform is better for scalper?](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/ctrader-vs-mt5/)
- [TradingView — best technical analysis tool?](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/tradingview-platform/)
- [Expert Advisors (EA) — automated trading in MT4/MT5](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/expert-advisors-basics/)
- [NinjaTrader vs MT5 — which platform for whom?](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/ninjatrader-vs-mt5/)
- [Mobile trading apps for forex — an honest guide](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/mobile-trading-apps/)
- [TradingView or MetaTrader 5 — which platform for a beginner trader in 2026](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/tradingview-vs-mt5-comparison/)
- [Forex Tester vs MT Strategy Tester — which backtest for whom?](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/forex-tester-vs-strategy-tester/)
- [Do stop-loss, take-profit and EAs work when MT4 is closed?](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/do-sl-tp-work-when-mt4-is-closed/)
- [thinkorswim — Charles Schwab Options Platform from a Non-US View](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/thinkorswim-platform/)
- [NinjaTrader — A Platform for Futures and Market Simulation](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/ninjatrader-platform/)
- [MultiCharts — Professional Backtesting and Algorithmic Trading Platform](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/multicharts-platform/)
- [ATAS — Order Flow and Volume Profile Platform in 2026](https://forex-basics.com/platforms/atas-platform/)

## Taxes & reporting

Tax reporting for retail Forex traders — country-specific obligations and pitfalls.

- [Taxes & reporting — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/)
- [Capital gains tax for forex trader (Poland) — what and when](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/capital-gains-tax-poland/)
- [How to file forex taxes in Poland — step by step](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/how-to-file-forex-taxes/)
- [Deductible costs for forex traders](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/forex-deductible-costs/)
- [Accountant vs DIY — what's better for forex trader?](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/accountant-vs-diy-forex-taxes/)
- [Forex loss in tax return — how to file](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/forex-loss-tax/)
- [Trader tax residency — where to pay in EU](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/tax-residency-forex-trader/)
- [PIT-8C from a broker — what you get and how to file](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/pit-8c-broker-forex/)
- [Forex from an Office or from Home — Polish Tax Deductions](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/forex-office-vs-home/)
- [Forex as a Polish company (CIT) — when an LLC actually pays off](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/forex-as-company-cit/)
- [Tax emigration for a Polish forex trader](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/trading-tax-emigration/)
- [Polish trader tax planning — what is legitimate in 2026](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/trader-tax-planning-poland/)
- [Trading via a Polish LLC (9% corporate tax) — when it actually pays off](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/trading-via-llc-corporate-tax-poland/)
- [Is forex subject to transaction tax (PCC) beyond PIT-38 in Poland?](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/is-forex-subject-to-transaction-tax-poland/)
- [Does forex income affect unemployed status and healthcare (Poland)?](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/forex-income-unemployed-status-healthcare/)
- [CRS and FATCA — will a foreign broker report your account?](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/crs-fatca-foreign-broker/)
- [Polish Tax on Prop Firm Payouts — PIT-36, PIT-38 or Sole Proprietorship?](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/prop-firm-tax-poland/)
- [VAT on Trader Tools — TradingView, VPS and the exemption trap](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/forex-vat-tools/)
- [JDG vs sp. z o.o. for a Polish forex trader — what really pays off in 2026](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/jdg-vs-spolka/)
- [ZUS for a Polish JDG trader — reliefs and full schedule 2026](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/zus-trader-jdg/)
- [Forex tax compared — Poland versus the United Kingdom in 2026](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/forex-tax-uk-comparison/)
- [Forex taxes in Poland — complete PIT-38 guide](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/forex-taxes-poland-pit-guide/)
- [How to file forex taxes in Poland for 2024 — a complete PIT-38 guide](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/how-to-file-forex-taxes-poland-2024/)
- [Belka tax on forex profits — how to file it step by step](https://forex-basics.com/taxes/belka-tax-forex-profits-how-to-file/)

## Currency pairs

EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, exotic pairs, correlations — characteristics and when to trade them.

- [Currency pairs — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/)
- [EUR/USD — characteristics of the most important forex pair](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/eur-usd-characteristics/)
- [GBP/USD "Cable" — fastest major pair](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/gbp-usd-cable/)
- [USD/JPY carry trade — cheap yen, costly dollar and risk](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/usd-jpy-carry-trade/)
- [EUR/JPY — most popular cross for swing trader](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/eur-jpy-cross/)
- [XAU/USD — gold quoted like a currency pair](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/xau-usd-gold/)
- [GBP/JPY — anatomy of the most volatile cross](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/gbp-jpy-volatility-trading/)
- [USD/ZAR — the South African rand and its link to platinum and gold](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/usd-zar-south-african-rand/)
- [USD/CNH — offshore Chinese yuan for retail traders](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/usd-cnh-offshore-yuan/)
- [EUR/PLN — the euro against the zloty, Poland's economic barometer](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/eur-pln-euro-zloty-cross-characteristics/)
- [USD/CHF — the Swiss franc as a safe haven](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/usd-chf-swiss-franc-safe-haven/)
- [USD/MXN — the Mexican peso, Banxico and the carry trade](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/usd-mxn-mexican-peso/)
- [USD/TRY — the Turkish lira, the TCMB and the carry trap](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/usd-try-turkish-lira-mechanics/)
- [NZD/USD — the kiwi, a dairy currency and risk proxy](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/nzd-usd-kiwi-characteristics/)
- [USD/PLN — the Polish zloty as a rate derived from EUR/PLN](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/usd-pln-polish-zloty-characteristics/)
- [AUD/USD — the aussie, a commodity currency and China proxy](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/aud-usd-aussie-characteristics/)
- [USD/CAD — the loonie, oil and the BoC versus Fed duel](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/usd-cad-loonie-characteristics/)
- [EUR/GBP — the euro-pound cross and what really drives it](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/eur-gbp-cross-post-brexit-en/)
- [EUR/CHF — the calmest cross ruled by the SNB](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/eur-chf-pair-snb/)
- [AUD/JPY — the market's risk thermometer](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/aud-jpy-risk-barometer/)
- [CHF/PLN — the Swiss franc against the zloty and the frankowicze story](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/chf-pln-swiss-franc-zloty-frankowicze/)
- [GBP/PLN — the pound-to-zloty rate Poles in the UK watch](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/gbp-pln-pound-zloty/)
- [CAD/JPY — the oil-driven carry and risk cross](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/cad-jpy-oil-carry-cross/)
- [NZD/JPY — the kiwi-yen carry trade pair](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/nzd-jpy-kiwi-yen-carry/)
- [EUR/AUD — clean-trending cross with a risk-off character](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/eur-aud-pair-cross/)
- [GBP/CHF — Pound vs Franc: A Choppy BoE-vs-SNB Cross](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/gbp-chf-pound-franc-cross/)
- [AUD/NZD — Two Antipodean Cousins and the Classic Range Cross](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/aud-nzd-cross-character/)
- [EUR/CAD — the euro versus the Canadian dollar](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/eur-cad-pair-ecb-boc-oil/)
- [XAG/USD — silver, gold’s wilder cousin](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/xag-usd-silver/)
- [CHF/JPY — a pair of two safe havens](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/chf-jpy-two-safe-havens/)
- [GBP/AUD — Pound vs Aussie, One of the Widest Crosses](https://forex-basics.com/pairs/gbp-aud-pound-aussie/)

## Practical workbench

Step-by-step platform usage, trading journal, strategy audit, price alerts, MT5 shortcuts.

- [Practical workbench — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/practice/)
- [Backtest strategy — how to do it correctly?](https://forex-basics.com/practice/how-to-backtest-strategy/)
- [Price alerts in MT5 — how to set correctly](https://forex-basics.com/practice/price-alerts-mt5/)
- [Online forex calculators — what to compute and what to watch out for](https://forex-basics.com/practice/forex-calculators-online/)
- [Trader tools — the minimal kit that actually earns its keep](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trader-tools-stack/)
- [TradingView and MetaTrader 5 — the workshop split](https://forex-basics.com/practice/tradingview-vs-mt5/)
- [MQL5 EA basics — how a MetaTrader 5 robot really works](https://forex-basics.com/practice/mql5-ea-basics/)
- [Python for forex backtesting — stack, workflow, honest caveats](https://forex-basics.com/practice/python-forex-backtest/)
- [Trading mentor and coach — what to look for, what not to ask](https://forex-basics.com/practice/mentor-coach-trading/)
- [VPS for the forex trader — when it pays off and when it is a luxury](https://forex-basics.com/practice/vps-broker-latency/)
- [Managing multiple trading accounts — sense, MAM and KNF limits](https://forex-basics.com/practice/multi-account-management/)
- [Monte Carlo Simulation of a Strategy — Risk a Single Backtest Hides](https://forex-basics.com/practice/monte-carlo-strategy-simulation/)
- [Walk-forward analysis — robustness test for trading strategies](https://forex-basics.com/practice/walk-forward-analysis-backtest/)
- [A Pro Trader Journal Template That Actually Gets Filled In](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trader-journal-template-pro/)
- [Backtesting practice — a staged validation process](https://forex-basics.com/practice/backtesting-practice-framework/)
- [Algorithmic trading — first steps for a retail trader](https://forex-basics.com/practice/algorithmic-trading-first-steps/)
- [Backtesting in MT4 and MT5 — a practical guide for 2026](https://forex-basics.com/practice/backtesting-mt4-mt5-practice-2026/)
- [Tracking trading statistics — which metrics to follow and how to read them](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trading-statistics-key-metrics/)
- [Trader journal — a professional template with 25 columns](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trader-journal-template-25-columns/)
- [MAE and MFE — Trade Analysis and Stop Loss / Take Profit Calibration](https://forex-basics.com/practice/mae-mfe-trade-analysis/)
- [High-Frequency Trading for Retail — Is It Realistic?](https://forex-basics.com/practice/high-frequency-trading-retail/)
- [Trading Books for Forex Traders — A Short Canon Worth Reading](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trading-books-top-10/)
- [Trading Podcasts — A Short Recommended Rotation](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trading-podcasts-top-10/)
- [Trader communities on Discord and Telegram — what they actually give you](https://forex-basics.com/practice/discord-trading-communities/)
- [Trading course 2026 — how to judge whether to pay](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trading-course-review-2026/)
- [Trading mentor — cost versus return on investment](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trading-mentor-cost-roi/)
- [Trading bot — MQL5 or Python? An honest comparison and the hybrid](https://forex-basics.com/practice/trading-bot-mql5-vs-python/)
- [Trader Spreadsheets in Excel — Three Tabs That Replace a Paid App](https://forex-basics.com/practice/excel-trading-templates/)
- [MT4/MT5 keyboard shortcuts that save a trader time](https://forex-basics.com/practice/mt5-keyboard-shortcuts/)
- [The midnight spread spike — why your stop gets hit at rollover](https://forex-basics.com/practice/midnight-spread-spike-stop-hunt/)
- [Algo trading versus manual trading — two approaches compared](https://forex-basics.com/practice/algo-trading-vs-manual-comparison/)
- [Weekly market prep — a trader's Sunday routine for the week ahead](https://forex-basics.com/practice/weekly-market-prep-trader-routine/)
- [Twitter for the forex trader — what is worth following and what to ignore](https://forex-basics.com/practice/chartstorm-twitter/)
- [Finviz for a forex trader — a macro dashboard, not a pair scanner](https://forex-basics.com/practice/finviz-screener/)
- [FXStreet — how to read forex news without chasing the print](https://forex-basics.com/practice/forex-news-fxstreet/)
- [Economic calendar tools — what they are, how to filter, how to prepare](https://forex-basics.com/practice/economic-calendar-tools/)
- [Monthly trader review — template, metrics and six sections](https://forex-basics.com/practice/monthly-trader-review-template/)

## Market participants

Central banks, FX dealers, funds, retail — who really moves the 9.6 trillion dollar daily market.

- [Market participants — all questions](https://forex-basics.com/participants/)
- [Central banks in the forex market — their role](https://forex-basics.com/participants/central-banks-in-forex/)
- [Hedge funds in the currency market — the capital that sets the tone](https://forex-basics.com/participants/hedge-funds-in-forex/)
- [Tier-1 dealers — who prices the currency market](https://forex-basics.com/participants/tier1-market-makers/)
- [Retail versus institutional traders — an honest comparison](https://forex-basics.com/participants/retail-vs-institutional/)
- [Interbank market — the top tier of the forex market](https://forex-basics.com/participants/interbank-market/)
- [Algorithmic trading firms — the forex market makers](https://forex-basics.com/participants/algorithmic-trading-firms/)
- [Corporations in the currency market — who hedges the rate](https://forex-basics.com/participants/corporations-forex-market/)
- [Prime brokerage — the bank that opens a fund to the market](https://forex-basics.com/participants/prime-brokerage-concept/)
- [Are there dark pools in forex? How hidden liquidity works](https://forex-basics.com/participants/dark-pools-in-forex/)

## Standards and policies

- [Editorial standards](https://forex-basics.com/editorial-standards/)
- [Broker review methodology](https://forex-basics.com/methodology/)
- [Corrections policy](https://forex-basics.com/corrections/)
- [Investment disclaimer](https://forex-basics.com/investment-disclaimer/)
- [About forex-basics.com](https://forex-basics.com/about/)
- [Editorial team](https://forex-basics.com/team/)
- [Forex glossary (265 terms)](https://forex-basics.com/glossary/)
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