Perfect Correlation in Forex Trading

Searching for +1, Perfect Correlation in Forex Trading

“Wow, has anyone else noticed that when the EUR/USD goes up the USD/CHF goes down?” is a ‘Eureka’ announcement often made by new traders when they first stumble upon basic correlation. In some respects it’s a good sign, it displays awareness.

However, as many forex traders will testify if it’s that easy we’d simply wait for one currency to spike and immediately take that perfect -1 negative correlation trade. It’d work for a while, then some funky algorithm at Blackrock would no doubt ‘front run’ the play taking out all our fun whilst hoovering up all the pips.

Surprisingly correlation is one of the least discussed topics on forums dedicated to forex trading and yet a thorough understanding of its mechanics and relevance should form part of any forex traders toolbox.

Correlation is a measure of the relation between two or more variables. The measurement scales used should be at least interval scales, but other correlation coefficients are available to handle other types of data. Correlation coefficients can range from -1.00 to +1.00. The value of -1.00 represents a perfect negative correlation while a value of +1.00 represents a perfect positive correlation. A value of 0.00 represents a lack of correlation.

Because currencies are priced in pairs, no single pair trades completely independent of the others. Once you are aware of these correlations and how they change, you can use them control your trading portfolio’s exposure.

The interdependence of currency pairs is straightforward to understand, here’s an example; if you trade Sterling versus yen (GBP/JPY) you are actually trading a derivative of the GBP/USD and USD/JPY pairs; therefore, GBP/JPY must be somewhat correlated to one if not both of these other currency pairs. The interdependence of currencies stems from more than the fact they are traded in pairs. Some currency pairs move in tandem, other currency pairs move in opposite directions, which is often the result of more complex forces.

Correlations change, which makes shadowing the changes in correlations important. Sentiment and global economic factors are increasingly dynamic and often change on a daily basis. Strong correlations today might not be in line with the longer-term correlation between two currency pairs. It’s therefore essential to consider the six-month trailing correlation. This provides a more focused perspective on the average six-month relationship between the two currency pairs, which tends to be more accurate. Correlations change for a variety of reasons; diverging monetary policies, a currency pair’s sensitivity to commodity prices, unique economic and political factors. Viewing correlation tables from minutes to weeks is also advisable for a comprehensive viewpoint and understanding.

How can we use correlations to manage our trading exposure, how can we use them to our advantage?

The most obvious answer is correlations can help us to avoid entering two positions that in effect cancel each other out. Knowing that EUR/USD and USD/CHF move in opposite directions nearly 100% of time (the -1 correlation) having trading positions of long EUR/USD and long USD/CHF is in some respects the same as having no position. A correlation table will illustrate that when the EUR/USD rallies, the USD/CHF will experience a sell-off.

Conversely, being long EUR/USD and long AUD/USD or NZD/USD is similar to doubling up on the same position given that the correlations are so strong. However, there may be valid reasons to hold trades of similarly correlated pairs, diversification being one.
http://blog.fxcc.com/searching-for-1...-forex-trading

Source: FX Central Clearing Ltd. (FXCC BLOG)

Yes, I agree with you I have noted this very often and this is not just with these pairs, but there are many others which are connected like these, so if one goes up the other automatically changes the direction to opposite, it’s a kind of trading which expert call hedging as well, so we don’t lose much in either way.

I often trade like this when I am unsure about the market and thankfully at the moment I have made solid profits with OctaFX broker, it has outstanding facilities with 50% bonus on deposit, so that really helps me work well and trade with all these different and unique strategies and with so much comfort, it’s much easier to pull it off.