Trailing stop is a type of stop-loss order used in trading to protect profits by automatically adjusting the stop-loss level as the price of an asset moves in the desired direction. The basic idea is to lock in profits as the price of an asset rises while still giving the trade room to breathe.
To manage a trailing stop, you first need to determine the initial stop-loss level. This is typically set at a level that represents an acceptable loss in the event that the trade goes against you.
Once you have set the initial stop-loss level, you need to determine the trailing stop distance. This is the distance between the current price and the stop-loss level. As the price of the asset moves in the desired direction, the trailing stop level is adjusted to maintain the trailing stop distance.
Example of using Trailing Stop Order
For example, if you set a trailing stop distance of 10 cents and the price of the asset rises by 15 cents, the trailing stop level will be adjusted to 5 cents below the current price.
It’s important to note that the trailing stop level will only be adjusted in the direction of the trade. If the price of the asset moves against you, the stop-loss level will not be adjusted.
To effectively manage a trailing stop, it’s important to monitor the price of the asset closely and adjust the trailing stop distance as necessary. You should also consider setting a target profit level and closing the trade once that level is reached. This will help you lock in profits and avoid giving back gains if the price of the asset suddenly reverses course.
Example to use Trailing Stop on Forex
Trailing stops are commonly used in forex trading to manage risk and protect profits. In forex trading, a trailing stop is a type of stop-loss order that automatically adjusts as the price of a currency pair moves in the trader’s favor. It works by setting a specific distance between the current price and the stop-loss level, which is typically set at a level that represents an acceptable loss.
As the price of the currency pair moves in the trader’s favor, the trailing stop level is adjusted to maintain the trailing stop distance. This allows traders to lock in profits as the price moves in their favor while still giving the trade room to breathe.
For example, let’s say a trader buys a currency pair at 1.3000 and sets a trailing stop distance of 50 pips. The initial stop-loss level would be set at 1.2950. As the price of the currency pair moves in the trader’s favor, the trailing stop level would be adjusted accordingly. If the price rises to 1.3050, the trailing stop level would be adjusted to 1.3000, which is 50 pips below the current price.
Trailing stops are particularly useful in forex trading because currency pairs tend to have high volatility and can experience sudden price movements. By using a trailing stop, traders can limit their losses and protect their profits even in volatile market conditions.
It’s important to note that traders should monitor the price of the currency pair closely and adjust the trailing stop distance as necessary. They should also consider setting a target profit level and closing the trade once that level is reached to lock in profits and avoid giving back gains if the price suddenly reverses course.