Many traders fall into the trap of overtrading, chasing short-term gains without a structured strategy. On the other hand, some over-diversify, spreading their capital too thinly across multiple assets without a clear risk management plan. Striking the right balance is key.
While forex trading is at the heart of what we do, diversification into other asset classes, such as stock indices, commodities, and bonds, can help mitigate risk during turbulent times and unlock new profit opportunities.
- Stock indices
A stock index is one of the most popular instruments to trade as it tracks the price performance of an underlying group of company shares. Traders are exposed to movements of the entire market in a single position and do not need to open multiple trades. For example, the Nasdaq 100 (NDXT) follows the value of the top 100 non-financial companies in the US and is generally referred to as the tech index, as companies like Apple and Amazon dominate the basket.
Stock indices are also highly liquid, but the biggest benefit of this asset class is that it offsets the volatility of currency trading by increasing exposure to market opportunities that are less influenced by geopolitical events.
- Commodities
Commodities are valuable raw materials such as precious metals, natural gas, crude oil, sugar, and coffee that are traded in global markets. There are two categories of commodities: hard commodities are natural resources that are mined or extracted, while soft commodities are cultivated products like agriculture and livestock.
This is another great instrument to hedge against currency fluctuations or inflation, as commodities like gold and oil often rise in value during periods of currency depreciation. Unlike forex and stock indices, commodities are driven by supply and demand factors, and while this does offer a hedge against certain risks, commodities like oil are highly volatile and therefore attractive to traders who thrive in fast-moving markets.
- Bonds
Bonds are debt instruments issued primarily by governments and, unlike forex trading, where gains rely on price movement, provide a fixed income through coupon payments. Bonds don’t lose value as quickly as other stocks, so they’re great for value preservation or for traders looking for a more passive way to generate returns that can supplement their active forex trading.
Bonds also provide stability and a hedge against economic downturns since their prices tend to rise when interest rates fall, and they allow traders to gain exposure to major economies without the high leverage risks of forex trading.
Strategic diversification
Successful forex traders understand that market conditions are constantly shifting, and true diversification isn’t just about spreading investments across multiple assets but finding a balance that works.
Safe-haven assets like treasury bonds, gold, and defensive stocks stabilise a portfolio throughout market cycles, but they work best when integrated with a well-rounded trading strategy. Traders who diversify are better equipped to manage risk, capitalise on global trends, and create a portfolio that thrives in any market environment.
* Eskinazi is managing partner at Tickmill.
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