High-Frequency Trading (HFT)

High-Frequency Trading (HFT) is a type of algorithmic trading that uses powerful computers and advanced technology to execute a large number of orders at extremely high speeds. These speeds are often in fractions of a second. HFT strategies are typically used by institutional traders and rely on small price differences. These price differences exist for…

Hedging

Hedging is a risk management strategy used by traders and investors to protect their positions from unwanted price movements. In simple terms, it involves opening a second trade that will gain value if the original trade starts to lose. This way, potential losses in one position can be offset by gains in another. Hedging is…

Grid Trading

Grid trading is a trading strategy that involves placing a series of buy and sell orders at set intervals above and below a fixed price level. This forms a “grid” of orders. The idea is to profit from price fluctuations without needing to predict market direction. When the market moves, some of these orders are…

Futures

Futures are standardized financial contracts that obligate the buyer to purchase, or the seller to sell, an asset at a predetermined price on a specific future date. These contracts are traded on organized exchanges, such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Futures cover a wide range of assets including currencies, commodities, stock indices, and interest…

Free Margin

Free margin is the amount of available funds in a trading account that can be used to open new positions. It is calculated by subtracting the margin currently being used for open trades from the account equity. The account equity includes the balance plus or minus any unrealized profits or losses. In simple terms, free…

Flat Position

A flat position refers to a situation where a trader has no active trades in the market—they are neither long (buying) nor short (selling) any assets. Being flat means the trader is not exposed to market risk at that moment. Their account is fully in cash or settled equity. This is a common state for…

Exotic Currency

An exotic currency is a currency from a smaller or emerging economy. It is less commonly traded in the global foreign exchange (Forex) market. These currencies typically have lower liquidity, higher volatility, and wider spreads compared to major currencies like the US dollar (USD), euro (EUR), or Japanese yen (JPY). Examples of exotic currencies include…