[sicktrader]

I have been trading currency futures profitably for some time, and now want to move to the Forex, at least I think. Got a demo the other day, but haven't set it up yet. My question is that if I have a system that works with currency futures, will it likely work the same with Forex? Has anyone experienced this situation? Thank for the help.

[DugDug]

theoretically if your system is robust enough it should work on almost any instrument.
So long as you understand and are aware the difference between the futures and spot- hence the premium - you should be fine.
Why not just get some spot data, walk your system forward and see that it picking up the same trades you have been doing in the futures.

[brownsfan019]

Why would you want to move to forex if your futures trading is making money? Is there not enough leverage?

[Cory2679]

You should read this...

[Kiwi]

Thats now a 3 year old document Cory.

If you use something like interactive brokers ECN Forex most of the arguments are void and forex can work better for you than futures especially outside of US RTH.

[thalestrader]

Originally Posted by sicktrader »

I have been trading currency futures profitably for some time, and now want to move to the Forex,

I thought you were doubling your bankroll on the ES every few days or so. At least that is what you were claiming over at ET awhile back. Why would you ever consider going to a bucket shop if that were the case?

Best Wishes,

Thales

[sicktrader]

Originally Posted by thalestrader »

I thought you were doubling your bankroll on the ES every few days or so. At least that is what you were claiming over at ET awhile back. Why would you ever consider going to a bucket shop if that were the case?

Best Wishes,

Thales

That was some time ago, and it wasn't every few days but a few weeks on average. But then the few weeks turned to a month because there were less and less set ups, so I went to the currencies. Looking to better my win rate by about 5%, and from what I hear the forex is a smoother market, so hoping a simple switchover may accomplish the extra one win out of 20 trades. In addition, even if the switch doesn't move the win rate, I would expect more set-ups with currencies that aren't available to me now, which would do the trick as well.

[garak]

pros
- about 95% of volume is spot traded, why not trade the primary market?
- there are only few futures with good liquidity and tight spreads around the clock, mainly the majors
- no roll-over when trading spot
- some brokers offer WYSIWYG meaning no slippage up to certain position limits
- some brokers offer variable position sizes, micro/mini lots etc.
- free charting

cons
- you have to find a decent FX Broker, because in most cases he is also a market maker meaning loose regulation or try a ECN that pools liquidity from various providers

Bottom line: If you can find a good Broker/ECN there is no need to trade FX futures. Why? See above