Ever heard of a financial instrument that lets you speculate on price movements without actually owning the asset? That’s the world of Contracts for Difference, or CFDs. In essence, a CFD is an agreement between you and a CFD broker to exchange the difference in the value of an asset (stocks, forex, commodities) between the opening and closing of your trade.

Now, CFD trading can be incredibly lucrative, allowing you to profit from both rising and falling prices. But let’s be brutally honest: it’s not a walk in the park. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK found that a staggering 80% of CFD traders lost money in 2022. This stark reality underscores why diving into advanced strategies is necessary. (1)

This guide unveils the coveted tactics employed by seasoned traders in CFD trading platforms. Let’s get right to it.

Advanced CFD trading strategies

Here are the strategies for trading CFDs that can transform yourself from a market observer into a potential market manipulator:

Trend-following strategies

The first weapon in any CFD trader arsenal is the ability to identify and capitalize on trends.

But what are trends? These are the prevailing price movements of an asset. Understanding them is key to making informed trading decisions. Below are three powerful trend-following strategies.

Moving average crossovers

Imagine two lines representing the average price of an asset over different timeframes. A moving average crossover strategy looks for when the shorter-term average slices through the longer-term average, signaling a potential shift in momentum. For instance, a 50-day moving average crossing above a 200-day moving average suggests a potential uptrend, and vice versa for a downward crossover.

Bollinger bands and breakouts

Bollinger bands are like invisible channels wrapped around price movement. They consist of a moving average (the middle band) flanked by upper and lower bands that widen and contract based on volatility. When prices surge and touch the upper band, it might indicate a potential overbought scenario, and vice versa for the lower band. However, the real power lies in breakouts. A sharp price movement that slices decisively through either band can signal a continuation of the trend in that direction.

Parabolic SAR (stop and reversal)

This dynamic indicator plots a series of dots that chase the price like a heat-seeking missile. The SAR’s position relative to the price and the way it shifts can signal trend direction and potential reversals. As prices rise, the SAR dots move closer to the price chart, and vice versa for downtrends. A shift in the SAR’s direction (above the price for uptrends and below for downtrends) can indicate a potential trend reversal.

These advanced moving average crossovers, Bollinger band breakouts, and parabolic SAR strategies equip you to identify and potentially capitalize on trending markets in your CFD trades.

Counter-trend strategies

Even the most powerful trends in financial markets eventually take a breather. That’s where counter-trend CFD trade strategies come into play. These tactics aim to identify and potentially profit from short-term pullbacks within an established trend. Below are three effective counter-trend strategies.

Mean reversion with support & resistance levels

The market, in its chaotic symphony, has a tendency to revert to the mean. Support and resistance levels act as invisible zones where the price tends to bounce back. Imagine a price hitting a historical low (support) and finding buyers who believe it’s undervalued, pushing the price back up. Conversely, resistance levels might indicate overbought zones where sellers emerge, driving the price down. Counter-trend traders use these levels to identify potential reversal points.

Relative strength index (RSI) divergence

The RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the speed and magnitude of price fluctuations. It oscillates between 0 and 100, with readings above 70 generally considered overbought and below 30 oversold. However, the real power lies in divergence. When the price keeps making new highs (or lows) but the RSI fails to follow suit, it suggests a potential trend reversal. A bullish divergence (price keeps rising, RSI dips) might indicate a temporary overbought condition, and vice versa for a bearish divergence. (2)

Stochastic oscillator overbought/oversold signals

Similar to the RSI, the stochastic oscillator measures market momentum by hovering between 0 and 100. Readings above 80 are considered overbought, and below 20 oversold. Counter-trend traders look for overbought/oversold signals that diverge from the price trend. A price continuing to fall despite an oversold stochastic reading might indicate a potential buying opportunity, and vice versa for an overbought stochastic oscillator with a rising price. (3)

Remember, a counter-trend trading strategy is all about exploiting short-term market inefficiencies. While they can be profitable, they also carry inherent risks. Always prioritize risk management and be prepared for the possibility that the trend might resume its original course.

Volatility-based strategies

The market isn’t always a smooth, predictable path. Sometimes, it transforms into a whirlwind of price swings, and that’s where volatility-based strategies come into play. These tactics allow you to potentially profit from the very thing that strikes fear in the hearts of some traders: market volatility. Below are three additional strategies that you can add to your toolkit.

Range trading with channel breakouts

Imagine a price bouncing between a predictable upper and lower limit, like a tennis ball between two rackets. It’s known as range trading. By identifying these ranges (often using support and resistance levels), you can potentially capitalize on short-term price movements within the channel. The key lies in recognizing channel breakouts. A sharp price move that decisively breaks above resistance or below support might signal a potential trend continuation.

Average true range (ATR) for identifying volatility

The ATR is a volatility measurement tool that reflects the average range of price movement over a specified period. A rising ATR indicates increasing volatility, while a falling ATR suggests a calmer market. Volatility-based strategies often thrive in periods of higher ATR readings.

The ATR doesn’t directly provide entry or exit signals. However, it can be a valuable tool for identifying potential opportunities for range-trading or straddle strategies.

The straddle strategy (betting on increased volatility)

Imagine a scenario where you’re unsure if the price of an asset will go up or down after doing a market analysis, but you believe volatility is about to pick up. That’s where the straddle strategy comes in. A straddle involves simultaneously buying a call option (to profit if the price rises) and a put option (to profit if the price falls) on the same asset with the same expiry date. The key here is profiting from the increase in the options premium due to rising volatility, regardless of the price direction.

Remember, proper risk management is paramount here, just like with the other strategies. That’s especially true as you’d be dealing with the inherent risks of a volatile market.

Final thoughts: combining strategies and mastering risk

We’ve explored a diverse arsenal of advanced strategies that you can use when navigating a CFD trading platform. But remember, the true power lies not in relying solely on any one technique, but in wielding them in a strategic combination.

Think of it like a master chef – they don’t rely on a single spice to create a magnificent dish. They meticulously combine various ingredients to achieve a symphony of flavors. Similarly, successful CFD traders often combine technical indicators like moving averages and RSI with fundamental analysis that considers economic data, industry trends, and company news. This multifaceted approach can provide stronger confirmation signals and a more holistic understanding of market movements. Good luck!

The post How to Do CFD Trading Like a Pro: Advanced Strategies appeared first on StreetWise Journal.