Momentum Trading in Commodity Futures Markets

Momentum traders are those who focus onamount of time while comparing its traded volumes.
commodities that are moving in one direction with aThese are what will tell the trader whether he can
substantial increase in traded volumes with an aim toshortlist the commodity or not. Once the trader has
attain profits. Momentum traders, when trading thepicked out the trades that match his criteria of being
commodity markets, can hold a trade anywherein momentum, the chart for the commodity is pulled
from a few minutes to a few days. They will try toup and analyzed. Here, re-confirmation of a trend and
hold a trade till the momentum of the trend they aremomentum are established in different timeframes
trying to ride lasts. They will square off the tradefor the same commodity. When a breakout is
when the momentum for the commodity concernedconfirmed either up or down, then the order to buy
fizzles out.or sell the commodity futures is placed. As soon as
Momentum Day Tradingthis order is executed, the disciplined momentum
A good momentum trader would be up and awaketrader immediately places a stop order limiting his loss
early in the morning reading up on news that mayto a certain fixed amount, which is determined by his
have affected existing trades, or new onestrading system.
generated the previous day by his system.If he is correct, the commodity will move in
Momentum traders use online trading platforms moremomentum, and breakout of its range. If it does so,
often as it gives them the power of speedy trading.and the trader keeps investing the money on this
These platforms also provide the latest market newsparticular trade, he will maintain a keen eye on his
and picks for the trading period. Commodities thattechnical indicators and oscillators for any exhaustion
have shown very large volume growth with ansignals. As soon as he gets an exhaustion signal, or
increase in momentum recently are ideal candidateshis target is reached, he will place an order to close
for the next few trades. Business channels oftenthe trade. While his trade moves in momentum, he
blare out the latest commodity market updates livewill also move his stop up slowly to make sure he
and traders gather as much information as they canlocks in some gains every time the trade responds in
to help them determine which trades they are goinghis favor. This is called a trailing stop. Of course, he
to take.will be stopped out if he is wrong.
Momentum traders use charts regularly to determineThus, a momentum trader essentially uses
trends and momentum picks.momentum indicators to trade possible breakouts in
Momentum Trading With Chartscommodities, which are showing momentum
A good momentum trader picks trades by using keyaccording to the trading system on the charts.
indicators which usually includes the momentumHowever, to be a good momentum trader, discipline
indicator. This indicator analyzes actual total changesand hard work is necessary.
in a commodities closing price over a predefined