At what point is it good to scalp?

I’ve been trading for 6 months but was wondering at what point should I consider scalping: Is it when I am a year in trading? When I do consistently well with day and swing trading? And when scalping, what type of pair should I start scalping: A high or low volatility pair?

Any advice can be of help, as I am working on being a consistent part time forex trader. Thank you all so much in advance.

You could have scalped from the first day you installed the trading platform if you felt that it suits you. To answer you question directly, I would say, “at the point you feel comfortable with it”

Scalping would require focusing all your attention to the chart. Since you are considering trading part time, I don’t think scalping is for you.

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Great answer above. Scalping isn’t something you necessarily build to. You need to decide what trading style suites you and then practice that.

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That makes sense. I have a job currently which makes it tough for me to set aside time to focus all of my attention on the charts.

So far, Swing and Day Trading are my strong suits right now. Thank you all for the tips. I am still new to all of this.

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You can start scalping from first of your trade and can make good profit. But it all depends on what the style of trading you adopt.

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There is no such thing as perfect time to start scalping, scalping is a way of trading just like any others.

The only thing you want to understand before dive into scalping, is to try your strategy on a 10 - 15 - 5 charts or whatever you want to use, and find out if you are winning more than losing.

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@Tinyboss

It would be nice to know what are your motivations for scalping?

Do you think you can make as much money as a longer time frame - but do it multiple times a day?

I’ve read a few of the market wizards books and besides the open pit traders who scalped by matching clients orders I don’t recall any directional based scalpers ever making it into the books.

If you want to lose money quickly by all means scalp, if you prefer doing it slowly while mastering the art stay with a higher timeframe

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My whole motivation behind scalping was to create a consistent stream of income daily. Something that would eventually, in the long term, would pay me more than my current regular job.

@Tinyboss

Sure I get that and I believe it’s unrealistic.

That’s not saying you can’t making money every week - but this notion that money can be pulled out of the markets each day is a myth.

For most at least.

What’s worse it gets many beginners into extreme difficulty.

The brokers make money every day - mostly by conning the newbies into this ‘make money every day narrative’.

Lots of money to be made in the markets and very little of it comes from scalping.

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That’s true, I seem to do better with Day and Swing trading positions. Thank you for the insight. It really helps a lot.

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If they are what you are stronger at then focus on those and try to avoid spreading yourself too thin

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As of right now, I am swing trading a USDJPY and AUDJPY position. I actually like the slower-paced, incremental markets to trade. The other markets like EUR and GBP pairs I have a bit of difficulty with. So, I decided to trade the EUR and GBP pairs on my demo account until I get used to those markets.

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Mature way to look at it. Always best to get used to something, whether it is a new pair, strategy etc on demo to see if it works or get used to the movement intraday and longer term.

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Thank you! :smile: And thanks so much for your helpful tips.

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No worries at all, what the forum is for!

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Although many people say that scalping is not for newbies, but I would say that if practiced well, any strategy can be workable for a trader. One just needs to have the skills as well as the mindset for it.

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So true! Scalping smaller time frames can be left for a later date.

I started scalping M1 charts with IG and fell on my knees. I was gonna quit but some motivation from friends kept me going.

IG for scalping? Isn’t the commission cost a lot?