How to Create a Forex Trading Plan
Why a Forex Trading Plan Matters in Armenia
Without a plan, trading becomes gambling. A written plan forces you to define your goals, risk tolerance, and strategy before entering any trade. In Armenia, where retail forex is growing but still niche, having a plan helps you avoid emotional decisions and stay disciplined.
Define Your Trading Goals
Start with clear, measurable goals. For example: 'I aim to achieve 5% monthly return on a $1,000 account, risking no more than 2% per trade.' Write down your short-term (daily/weekly) and long-term (monthly/yearly) objectives. Use USD as your base currency to simplify tracking.
Set Risk Management Rules
Risk management is the backbone of your plan. Decide your maximum risk per trade (1-2% of account), daily loss limit (e.g., stop trading after -5%), and position sizing method. For Armenia traders, consider that USDT deposits can be volatile; account for crypto price swings in your risk calculations.
Choose Your Trading Strategy
Select a strategy that matches your schedule and personality—scalping, day trading, swing trading, or position trading. Define entry and exit criteria, timeframes, and indicators. For example, you might trade EUR/USD on the 1-hour chart using moving averages and RSI. Backtest your strategy on historical data before going live.
Select Currency Pairs and Trading Hours
Focus on 2-3 major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY. Note that Armenia is UTC+4, so the London session overlaps with your morning (10:00-14:00 local time), offering high liquidity. Plan your trading around these hours for better spreads.
Document Your Trading Routine
Write down your pre-market, during-market, and post-market routines. Example: Check economic calendar, review news, analyze charts, execute trades, and journal results. A consistent routine builds discipline and helps you spot patterns in your performance.
Set Up a Review Process
Review your plan weekly and monthly. Analyze winning and losing trades, adjust risk parameters, and refine your strategy. Keep a trading journal with screenshots and notes. This habit is especially valuable in Armenia's evolving forex landscape where market conditions change.