Although it may yield significant profits, trading without a Stop Loss is highly risky. If you intend to apply this strategy, it is strongly recommended to try it first on a demo account. In the forex trading world, no trader can predict the direction of price movements with certainty. In fact, even if a trader is highly skilled in market analysis, many still fail to achieve consistent profits. This is why properly placing Stop Loss is crucial to protect your account from significant losses, especially if the price moves against your Entry position.
However, there is an interesting aspect. For traders with experience in the forex trading world, the idea of trading without using Stop Loss may cross their minds. So, how is it done?
Reasons Behind Trading Without Stop Loss
Experienced traders surely have their own considerations for choosing not to use Stop Loss. They may already have ways to manage risk effectively without relying on Stop Loss. Here are some reasons why some traders choose to trade without Stop Loss:
Broker Exploitation of Stop Loss: By setting a Stop Loss, you indirectly inform the broker about your Exit plan at a certain price level. Some brokers may exploit this information for profit, especially if they are market maker brokers (Dealing Desk). Market maker brokers operate by taking positions opposite to your trades. When you incur losses, they profit. This is a common practice among market maker brokers, often referred to as "Stop Loss Hunter."
- Stop Loss Vulnerable to Price Spikes: Market movements are not always easy to predict. Sometimes, even if your analysis is accurate, the price may experience unexpected temporary spikes. High volatility often becomes an issue. As a result, Stop Losses can be triggered by false breakouts or such false price movements.
- Stop Loss Makes You Overconfident: Some traders see Stop Loss as a safety net that makes them feel secure in trading. Consequently, they may tend to take excessive risks in their analysis or trading execution.
- Slippage: In highly volatile market conditions, slippage is common. This is a significant issue for traders relying on Stop Loss, as executions may occur at price levels far from what is expected.
Trading Without Stop Loss Strategy
Although highly risky, some traders still choose to trade without Stop Loss. Here is an example of implementing a trading strategy without Stop Loss:
- Strategy using two Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) with periods 7 and 14.
- Buy Entry Rule: When EMA-7 crosses above EMA-14, only look for Buy Entry opportunities. Buy Entry is executed if a Bearish Candle forms a Lower Low pattern.
- Sell Entry Rule: When EMA-7 crosses below EMA-14, only look for Sell Entry opportunities. Sell Entry is executed if a Bullish Candle forms a Higher Low pattern.
Although this strategy promises significant profits, you should carefully consider the risks before applying it to a live account. Risk management should always be the top priority in trading.
Trading without a Stop Loss strategy may be possible but comes with high risks. It is important to always consider the risks and possibilities before making decisions. By understanding these risks, you can make wiser decisions in your trading.