5 Great Benefits Of Forex Currency Trading

One of the things that you need to know about Forex and how it can help you is that it is one of the most liquid markets in the world. This is entirely beneficial in the sense that you do not need to be tied down any complicated processes or bureaucracy that you have to get entangled in - that slows down the entire investing and decision making process. Plenty of investors are actually fairly attracted to the whole liquidity of the market, being able to pull in and put out their decisions within a matter of moments. In fact, Forex market is said to be the largest market in the world.

The other thing that is so good about the market is that there is a lot less taxation in the sense that because of the market liquidity and the fact that there is no physical trading space at all, there is much less taxation involved. Most of the time, in other markets, you will need to pay plenty of taxes and entrant fees to be able to participate, but not Forex.

The good thing about an invisible trading platform is that you can bring your trade across the globe without a problem, thanks to the power of the internet. The market is also 24 hours, and when paired up with the internet, you get a strong relationship that allows you to invest almost anywhere in the world. All you need to do is to log on to you account and start investing from your laptop.

A word on this technology is that because the Forex markets are so well paired with the internet, you have on your hands an investment platform that is easy for anyone to enter. This has then augmented the number of retail traders all over the world, with a thousand fold in activity, moving the numbers to just above 7 trillion on a single day.

Lastly, Forex is well known for its patterns. When talking about a market that is dynamic and as volatile as this, this statement might seem out of place. But within the chaos structure of international currency prices and trends likes the heart and mind of market and investor psychology. How central banks, governments and the large number of investors behave fall into a general pattern when they are exposed to certain conditions. Thus, the best brokers in the world have found a way to actually predict and forecast the market with sometimes alarming frequency.

There are more things that you should take note of when considering trading online in Forex because the truth is, Forex trading requires more talent and skill than anyone could have thought of. Sometimes, the chaotic elements of the Forex market and the fact that it is built on principle elements of the economy allows it to thrive. Look at the benefits and then decide for yourself.

Market Psychology And Forex Investors

You should applaud Forex investors for being daring investors in the current market world because they are actually dealing with one of the most volatile market in the world.With a market that is able to change with just a blink of an eye, there are definitely factors worth looking out for to see if there are any patterns that you as Forex investors can spot.

For one thing, looking at the political situation, you need to understand that when governments are removed or they come into power, the shake the pillars of confidence or they can strengthen it. Such incidents can have a major impact on the values of the different currencies involved.

Political coups and situations of unrest also can be a factor when it comes to looking at these policies. Then you might want to look at emerging government policies, new power relations between the markets and politics and how governments are using their resources. War is a huge 21st century problem because it involve countries and the governments as well. Moving on to the economic situations that can affect this as well, you might need to look at the overall economic situation of the world.

You might also consider looking at the trends and behaviours of the market makers because after all, they are the ones who have limitless access to large amount of currencies. These would include financial coalitions, hedge banks and governments. They have the power to control the market inside out and turn things around when the the economic situation does not look as bright.

Inflation rates, prices of commodities and beahaviours of investment funds are definitely crucial information that is worth taking note of from time to time.The scary thing about this is that this I only the tip of the iceberg, because while fundamental analysis has barely been covered here, we have not touched on how important technical analysis is as well.

The other thing that you need to know is that within the Forex market, there is this line called ’sell the sizzle, not the steak.’ This would mean that the market situation in the Forex can be easily effected by anything that happens around the world and it will react so fast that you might not even have the chance to notice it.

As you can see, the breed of Forex investors is one that has to be in the knowledge and facts of market possibilities at all times, and this is something that can be hard to maintain. Looking at the current market psychology, things are only set to get much more complicated in the sense that the market has become much more flighty than it has ever been in the past ten years. When thinking about joining the Forex investor collective, you need to understand how complex and dynamic the market can be.

Foreign Exchange Education Centre

An overview of the Forex market

The Forex market is a non-stop cash market where currencies of nations are traded, typically via brokers. Foreign currencies are constantly and simultaneously bought and sold across local and global markets and traders' investments increase or decrease in value based upon currency movements. Foreign exchange market conditions can change at any time in response to real-time events.

The main enticements of currency dealing to private investors and attractions for short-term Forex trading are:

• 24-hour trading, 5 days a week with non-stop access to global Forex dealers.
• An enormous liquid market making it easy to trade most currencies.
• Volatile markets offering profit opportunities.
• Standard instruments for controlling risk exposure.
• The ability to profit in rising or falling markets.
• Leveraged trading with low margin requirements.
• Many options for zero commission trading.

FOREX TRADING

The investor's goal in Forex trading is to profit from foreign currency movements. Forex trading or currency trading is always done in currency pairs. For example, the exchange rate of EUR/USD on Aug 26th, 2003 was 1.0857. This number is also referred to as a "Forex rate" or just "rate" for short. If the investor had bought 1000 euros on that date, he would have paid 1085.70 U.S. dollars. One year later, the Forex rate was 1.2083, which means that the value of the euro (the numerator of the EUR/USD ratio) increased in relation to the U.S. dollar. The investor could now sell the 1000 euros in order to receive 1208.30 dollars. Therefore, the investor would have USD 122.60 more than what he had started one year earlier. However, to know if the investor made a good investment, one needs to compare this investment option to alternative investments. At the very minimum, the return on investment (ROI) should be compared to the return on a "risk-free" investment. One example of a risk-free investment is long-term U.S. government bonds since there is practically no chance for a default, i.e. the U.S. government going bankrupt or being unable or unwilling to pay its debt obligation.

When trading currencies, trade only when you expect the currency you are buying to increase in value relative to the currency you are selling. If the currency you are buying does increase in value, you must sell back the other currency in order to lock in a profit. An open trade (also called an open position) is a trade in which a trader has bought or sold a particular currency pair and has not yet sold or bought back the equivalent amount to close the position.

However, it is estimated that anywhere from 70%-90% of the FX market is speculative. In other words, the person or institution that bought or sold the currency has no plan to actually take delivery of the currency in the end; rather, they were solely speculating on the movement of that particular currency.

This information was provided by Easy Forex.

(First Habib Bank Modaraba declares final profit distribution)

June 08, 2007

(First Habib Bank Modaraba is managed by Habib Bank Financial Services (Pvt.) Limited (HBFSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Habib Bank Limited. The Board of Directors of HBFSL, in their meeting held on 20 September, 2007, have approved and declared final profit distribution of First Habib Bank Modaraba at Rs,1.30 i.e. 13% per Modaraba Certificate for the year ended 30 June, 2007.
The Certificate Transfer Book will remain closed from October 22, 2007 to October 29, 2007 (both days inclusive) for the purpose of entitlement of dividend and attendance of the Annual Review Meeting. All transfers received in order up to close of business on October 21, 2007 at our Registrar’s Office, M/s T.H.K. Associates (Pvt) Limited, Ground Floor, State Life Building – 3, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Karachi, will be considered in time.
Notice is hereby given that the 8th Annual Review Meeting of the Certificate Holders will be held on Tuesday October 29, 2007 at 3:30 pm at 17th Floor, Habib Bank Plaza, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi, to review the performance of the Modaraba for the year ended June 30, 2007.)

icard and AutoCash to become inactive

September 30, 2007

HBL has discontinued the issuance, service and usage of iCard and AutoCash ATM/POS cards. Please contact your branch to apply for the HBL Value Visa Debit Card to continue using ATM machines and conducting POS based transactions.
The HBL Value Visa Debit Card is enabled for local and international use at all Visa ATM machines and merchants.
Please note that iCard and AutoCash cards that are used after 31st October, 2007 will be captured by HBL ATM machines.

HBL installs Vikuiti screen at its Zamzama Branch

October 05, 2007

HBL has installed a Vikuiti screen at its Zamzama branch in Karachi, Pakistan. The screen plays a montage of HBL’s current product offerings and corporate TV commercials. You can view the screen from sunset onwards during October, 2007.

HBL introduces Enhanced Savings Account

November 01, 2007

Under the auspices of Pakistan Banks' Association, HBL introduced the
Enhanced Savings Account (ESA). All PLS Savings Accounts with an average balance of up to Rs. 20,000 will automatically be transferred to this category and earn up to 4% p.a. profit.

Under ESA, all accounts will be automatically transferred on October 31, 2007. Profit will be calculated and credited on a quarterly basis on the average balance. Additionally, 4 free debit transactions (excluding ATM) are provided and only Rs. 50 is deducted if the average balance falls below Rs. 5,000 during the month.

HBL provides countrywide access to ESA with no hidden charges. Please contact your nearest branch for more details.

HBL President announces the launch of HBL CreditCard

November 27, 2007

HBL, comprising Pakistan’s largest banking network, recently launched the HBL CreditCard. This marks HBL’s latest addition to a series of new initiatives aimed at adding value for the nation’s consumers.

Announcing the launch of HBL CreditCard, the bank’s President, Mr. Zakir Mahmood, said “As Pakistan’s largest private bank, HBL strives to play an instrumental role in the country’s development, especially its financial market. HBL CreditCard is a part of this effort.”

Mr. Abid Sattar, Group Executive, Retail & Consumer Banking, HBL, stated, “We intend to provide the country’s most powerful card to every segment of the society, spanning the entire nation. We shall expand the credit card market through our huge branch network, state-of-the-art technology and exemplary customer service.”

HBL aims to grow the stagnated credit card market in Pakistan by offering convenience, flexibility, security and opportunity to the nation’s consumers. Available in Green and Gold formats, HBL CreditCard is accepted at more than 24 million merchants worldwide.

Among numerous features offered, “Lower rate every year” is one of the unique features of HBL CreditCard. Under this feature, customers will be rewarded through a reduction in the rate of service charges at the end of each year if they pay their regular bills on time. Other features offered by HBL CreditCard include E-statements, SMS Alerts, Statement by Fax, Balance Transfer Facility and Revolving Credit Facility.

HBL announces First Quarter results

April 25, 2008

We are pleased to inform our shareholders that as per resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting held on March 28, 2008 and subsequent permission granted by the Stock Exchanges and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan under Section 245 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984, HBL shall place Quarterly Accounts on its website each quarter.

Quarterly Accounts for the period ended March 31, 2008 have been uploaded and can be viewed here.

HBL shall provide free printed copies of Quarterly Accounts to shareholders a written demand / request from them, within one week of receiving.

Dispatch of Dividend Warrants and Bonus Shares

May 01, 2008 All Dividend Warrants in respect of the 40% final dividend and all Bonus Shares in respect of the 10% Bonus Shares announced by the company for the year ended December 31, 2007 have been dispatched through Registered post.

Shareholders who do not receive their Warrants & Bonus Certificates within 10 days hereof may contact our Shares Registrar at the following address:

M/s THK Associates (Pvt.) Limtied
Ground Floor, State Life Building No. 3,
Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Karachi.
Tel: (021) 111 – 000 – 322 Fax: (021) 5655595

The Bonus Shares of CDC shareholders have been credited to their respective accounts maintained at Central Depository Company of Pakistan.

(Attested CNIC photocopy submission)

July 07, 2008

(As per SBP regulations, all account holders who have not submitted their attested CNIC photocopy to their respective branch are requested to do so before December 31, 2008.)

HBL announces Half Yearly results

July 29, 2008

We are pleased to inform our shareholders that as per permission granted by the Stock Exchanges and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan under Section 245 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984, HBL will place Half Yearly Accounts on its website.

Half Yearly Accounts for the period ended June 30, 2008 can be viewed here.

In addition, HBL shall provide free printed copies of Half Yearly Accounts to shareholders upon their written request, within one week.

HBL announces Third Quarter results

October 26, 2008

We are pleased to inform our shareholders that as per permission granted by Stock Exchanges and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan under Section 245 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984, HBL has placed Third Quarter Accounts on its website.

Third Quarter Accounts for the period ended July 1 to September 30, 2008 can be viewed here.

In addition, HBL shall provide free printed copies of Third Quarter Accounts to shareholders upon their a written request, within one week of receiving.

2008 HBL Milestones - 'Buzziest Brands' Awards

December 06, 2008 Revelation Inc, a Pakistan based brand development company, carried out a poll among marketing and advertising representatives, as well as a panel of judges to pick the most active brand in Pakistan. HBL was received the “Buzziest Brand” award in the Banking and Financial Institutions Category. HBL was competing with strong consumer brands like Olpers and Coca Cola yet accomplished third position among top five brands in the entire advertising industry. The award was received by Mr. Aly Mustansir - Head Marketing and Brand Management. The first two places were awarded to telco brands, Telenor and Mobilink.

2008 - 'Best bank In Pakistan' Award

December 06, 2008 In October 2008, HBL received the ‘Best Bank in Pakistan’ award in recognition for its continuous efforts in providing world class products and services to customers. Award was received by Mr. Sultan Ali Allana - Chairman. The ceremony in Washington was also attended by Mr. Zakir Mehmood - President & CEO, Mr. Nauman Dar - Head International Banking and Mr. Tariq Mateen - Head Financial Institutions Division.

2008 HBL - 'Most innovative Global Trade Finance' award

December 06, 2008 HBL received the 'Most Innovative GTFP (Global Trade Finance Program)' award. The award was received at the International Finance Corporation Annual Trade Conference in Paris where 126 issuing and 145 confirming multinational banks that were present. Mr. Tariq Mateen - Head Financial Institutions Division, gave a presentation showcasing the success of HBL in the global trade financing business. The award was received by Mr. Mateen and Mr. Anwar Zaidi – Head Operations. This recognition has raised our profile among a large forum of international banks and paved way for IFC to increase our facility from USD 75 million to USD 100 million which has helped us in creating liquidity in our international network.

HBL announces Results for 2008

February 20, 2009

The HBL Board met on February 20, 2009 at Karachi and announced its results for the year 2008, which show a strong growth in all areas. Deposit growth for the year has been 12.5% and the net asset growth of the bank has been 19% over 2007. HBL’s consolidated Pre-tax profit for 2008 is Rs. 22.03 billion and the profit after tax is Rs. 15.61 billion, which translates into an earning per share of Rs. 20.47. As per the circular of the SBP (BSD 4 of 2009), wherein the regulators have encouraged banks to record full impairment, the bank has complied and in this regard 100% of impairment loss to the investments held by the bank have been routed through the profit and loss account.

The Chairman of HBL, Mr. Sultan Ali Allana presided over the Board meeting and said that the bank’s performance, despite the difficult conditions both globally and in Pakistan, is very encouraging. The bank will continue to focus and invest in technology, branch upgrades and human resources in order to deliver a higher standard of services to its customers.

The Bank announced a final cash dividend of Rs. 5.50 per share (55%) and bonus shares of 20%.

HBL among Top 500 Global Financial Brands

March 30, 2009
HBL has been rated as the top banking brand in Pakistan by The Banker.

The Banker is the world's premier banking and finance magazine. Read in 150 countries around the world, The Banker is the key source of data and analysis for the industry. The Banker teamed up with Brand Finance, the leading UK-based independent brand valuation firm, to release its top 500 banking brands for the year 2009.

HBL applies to SBP for permission to commence due diligence of RBS Pakistan

April 13, 2009
HBL has made the following announcement to the Stock Exchanges.

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, PLC ("RBS") is divesting its interest from its operations in the Asian region, which region includes all the assets and the undertaking of the Royal Bank of Scotland Limited (formerly ABN AMRO Bank (Pakistan) Limited), ("RBS Pakistan").

Habib Bank Limited ("HBL") has expressed an interest to acquire the shareholding of RBS in RBS Pakistan and shall be applying to the State Bank of Pakistan for obtaining approval to commence the due diligence of RBS Pakistan.

HBL hereby notifies the Karachi Stock Exchange (Guarantee) Limited ("Stock Exchange") that upon being granted the requisite permission by the State Bank of Pakistan, HBL shall commence the said due diligence in order to evaluate HBL's offer for the acquisition of the shareholding of RBS in RBS Pakistan.

HBL - 'The Best Emerging Market Bank in Pakistan'

May 13, 2009
HBL has been selected as ‘The Best Emerging Market Bank in Pakistan’ by Global Finance Magazine.

Global Finance magazine has named the “Best Emerging Market Banks in Asia” in an exclusive survey to be published in the May 2009 issue. Global Finance editors—with input from industry analysts, corporate executives and banking consultants—selected the best emerging market bank in the region and in 20 countries. Global Finance reports on the international finance sector, covering topics such as corporate finance, joint ventures and M&A, country profiles, capital markets, investor relations, currencies, banking, risk management, custody, direct investment, and money management. The magazine also holds several awards ceremonies throughout the year to recognize the winning financial institutions and companies.

HBL applauds its cricket heroes

June 30, 2009
HBL, Pakistan’s largest private bank, hosted an award ceremony at the HBL Plaza today to celebrate the performance of its stars, Younus Khan, Shahid Afridi, Umer Gul and Ahmed Shehzad in the ICC World Twenty20.

Pakistan has won a world championship title after a hiatus of 17 years and the honour could not have come at a better time for the nation. The Pakistani team played exceptionally well, imparting a sense of pride to every citizen both at home and abroad and elevating the country’s spirits.

HBL has always been a supporter of cricket, promoting great players over the last few decades. It remains committed to the development of sports in the country and this dedication has today, resulted in not only the victory of their own players but the entire team and the nation at large.

R. Zakir Mahmood, President & CEO of HBL, while addressing media and guests on the occasion, praised the hard work of the Pakistani cricket team. “Our team has brought happiness and glory to the country and I would like to take this time to appreciate their efforts and remind them that our support is always with them.” He further added, “HBL has always been committed to sports and Younus and Shahid have been with the bank for over 10 years. We begin to support our players right at the outset of their careers and we will continue to support future sportsmen as well. I am honoured to present them with these awards.”

Younus Khan, Shahid Afridi and Umer Gul received cash awards of Rs. 2 million each and Ahmed Shehzad received Rs. 1 million. Younus Khan also received a car in acknowledgement of a spectacular 313 runs against Sri Lanka in February this year.

The ceremony was well attended by HBL executives and staff. An enthusiastic crowd congratulated the players on their individual achievements and applauded their journey through the tournament in bringing the World Cup home.

SME Bank

As defined by State Bank of Pakistan - SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) means an entity, ideally not a public limited company, which does not employee more than 250 persons and 50 persons.

First Women Bank Limited

First Women Bank Ltd. was incorporated as a Scheduled Commercial Bank in Public Sector as Public Company Ltd by shares in 1989.

First International Investment Bank

one of the leading investment banks in Pakistan. It commenced operations in 1990 and is listed on the Karachi and Lahore Stock Exchanges. It has offices in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Metropolitan Bank Pakitan

one of the leading private commercial bank in Pakistan. It was incorporated in August 1992, commenced banking operations in October 1992, is listed on all three stock exchanges and operates in all major cities in Pakistan, with a primary focus on retail banking and trade finance.

SaudiPak Bank

The Saudi Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company (Pvt) Ltd. (SAPICO) is a joint venture between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and an entity with a demonstrated commitment to the development of Pakistan. SAPICO is a private limited company and Development Finance Institution (DFI) regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan that was established in 1981.

NIB Bank

Our Mission is to provide a banking experience so unique, that it compels each of our customers to want a long term, multi-product relationship with NIB Bank.

Khushhali Bank

In August 2000, Khushhali Bank was established as part of the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan's Poverty Reduction Strategy and its Microfinance Sector Development Program (MSDP) that was developed with the assistance of Asian Development Bank. It is headquartered in Islamabad and operates under the central bank's supervision (State Bank of Pakistan) with commercial banks as its shareholders. Its mandate is to retail microfinance services and act as a catalyst in stabilizing the country's newly formed microfinance sector.

Mybank Limited

One of the fast growing Private Banks in Pakistan (former Bolan Bank)

United Bank Limited Pakistan

We offer our services through a wide network of over 1000 domestic branches all over Pakistan and 15 overseas branches as part of global network.

Bank Al Habib Limited

Presently, the Bank has a network of ninety branches in all the major cities of Pakistan fully automated and computerized and providing wide range of banking services.

Bank of Punjab

The Bank of Punjab is working as a scheduled commercial bank with its network of 266 branches at all major business centres in the country.

Allied Bank Limited

Allied Bank is the first Muslim bank, to have been established on the territory that became Pakistan.

PICIC Commercial Bank

the branch network has increased to 105 including 5 collection booths across the country. It is now the 6th largest bank in Pakistan after 5 nationalized and privatized banks.

Faysal Bank

a full service banking institution offering consumer, corporate and investment banking facilities to its customers. The Bank’s widespread and growing network of branches in the four provinces of the country and Azad Kashmir, together with its corporate offices in major cities, provides efficient services in an effective manner.

MCB Bank Limited

Formerly Muslim Commercial Bank Limited has a solid foundation of over 50 years in Pakistan, with a network of over 900 branches.

Meezan Bank

Meezan Bank is Pakistan's first scheduled Islamic commercial bank, and operates strictly under the principles of Islamic Shariah.

Bank Alfalah

We offer services through a network of 142 branches and 59 state of the art ATM machines.

The Bank of Khyber

The Bank of Khyber was establied in 1991 under the act of NWFP assembly. This is the first bank who is doing e-Banking! in Pakistan. Now you can transfer/open accounts through website.

Soneri Bank Ltd

Incorporated on September 28, 1991 the first Branch of Soneri Bank Limited formally opened doors for operations in Lahore on April 16, 1992 followed by Karachi Branch on May 09,1992.

National Bank of Pakistan

maintains its position as Pakistan's premier bank determined to set higher standards of achievements.

ABN AMRO Pakistan

ABN AMRO was established in 1948 and was the first foreign bank to be granted a license by the Government of Pakistan.
The Bank currently has a presence in 6 cities namely, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad employs 458 employees country wide.

Askari Commercial Bank Ltd.

No matter how for away you are, Our technology covers the distance,.. ..through a satellite based, on-line real-time banking system offering telephone banking, ATMs, electronic funds transfer and other modern facilities.

Habib Bank Limited

oday, HBL has more than 1,425 branches all over Pakistan and presence in 26 countries across five continents. With a revamped customer oriented philosophy, we are pursuing new avenues of leadership through innovation, as we gear up to face the challenges of the new millennium.

UBL CORPORATE BANKING

Our mission is to serve all your corporate needs and ensure your full satisfaction through product innovation, personalized banking, and top notch service.

The CBG department of UBL defines corporate banking in Pakistan. Amongst the local banks UBL CBG is the pioneer in providing innovative solutions to its diversified and satisfied customer base. UBL CBG is considered to be a major player in the financial market of Pakistan.

The Corporate Banking Group focuses on attracting and servicing large portfolio customers. Our forte is providing exemplary customer service using the "Single Window" concept and product superiority. The Relationship Management team manned by highly qualified individuals from the industry has steadily expanded our customer base and continues to enhance our cordial relations with our esteemed clients.

Despite the sluggish economic growth in recent years, UBL outperformed all the other local banks in the corporate banking sector primarily due to CBG's emphasis on establishing and enhancing relationships with foreign/local blue chip and middle market customers thereby capturing significant market share.

UBL's appetite for large exposures coupled with dedicated Structured Finance Unit, and an innovative team of professionals having extensive experience of Corporate Banking gives it the right platform to succeed in today's competitive and a demanding environment.

The success of CBG has been established from the fact that UBL received the 'No.1 Euromoney 2000' Best Local Bank award and recognized it to have out performed all other banks. In year 2000, UBL was also voted as the best Corporate Bank by the customers of a major foreign bank in a survey. Aggressive marketing combined with professionalism has led to an increase in UBL's market share with top corporate customers and in some cases replacing Foreign Banks. Presently, its portfolio includes the quality names in the country, which were initially confined to foreign banks only.