Forex Trading - Are Indicators a Waste of Time and Which Ones Give You a True Trading Edge?

Forex trading doesn't have to be hard, but thisoverload and deal with it on a mental level without
doesn't mean that it is easy. It is not uncommon forhaving to use indicators. Put simply, they rarely, if at
traders, especially new ones, to feel or experienceall, need indicators because they now "see" and
some kind of information overload when trading. With"understand" more about the workings of the forex
charts displaying a seemingly meaningless zigzag ofand currency markets thanks to the years of
price moving up and down, it is no wonder that newexperience that they have. It is for this reason that I
traders are the ones who suffer the most fromstrongly suggest new traders to use indicators and
information overload. To combat this many tradersto do so until they either find themselves not needing
turn to indicators, hoping that they will in some waythem or only using one or two at most at a time on
alleviate the overload of information and simplify thetheir charts.
process of trading. What is interesting is that manySo what indicator should you use? The answer to
seasoned traders actually shy away from or at thethis really depends on your style of trading, but the
very least use only the absolute minimum number ofmost powerful are momentum based indicators.
indicators in their trading. Does this mean thatThese indicators plot the momentum of price and this
indicators are useless? If you are just starting out,is something that even experienced traders use in
how should you approach the problem of informationtheir trading (albeit many manage to do this without
overload and whether or not to use indicators in yourthe need for momentum indicators and instead often
trading? Are they a complete waste of time or dosay they can "feel" how price is moving). Momentum
they actually serve some purpose?indicators are useful because they measure the rate
Indicators are not a waste of time, but they are notof change in price. Put simply, if price continues to
the Holy Grail that many traders wish them to be. Ichange at a steady rate or picks up speed, then
would personally recommend that new traders playmomentum is considered to be high and price will be
with as many indicators as they can until they feelstrongly trending up or down in the market. As price
that they have found a select few that work bestloses speed and the change in price drops,
with their style of trading. Many seasoned tradersmomentum drops. When this happens, it is possible
consider indicators a waste of time and often tellthat price is approaching a turning point in the market.
beginner traders not to waste their time on them.These turning points offer an opportune time for you
This is easy for them to say and do becauseto get into the market, or close out any open trades
experienced traders have years of experience whichlocking in profit.
has allowed them to come to terms with information