If it flies like an airplane, looks like an airplane, sounds like an airplane, it’s probably not a pigeon. No matter what the experts on airplanes and pigeons say. Even if someone wins a Nobel Prize because they have determined that a pigeon is actually a dinosaur based on a sophisticated mathematical equation, it’s still a pigeon. Adam Smith, whom many call the father of economics, laid out the ground rules for Supply and Demand hundreds of years ago. In his book, The Wealth of Nations, supply and demand is explained in very simple terms. Smith however didn’t invent supply and demand, it has been here all along and, guess what, it hasn’t changed; it never changes. When price is at a level where willing demand exceeds willing supply, price will rise. When price is at a level where willing supply exceeds willing demand, price will decline.

Over the centuries certain big name self-promoting economists have tried to twist this simple equation with fancy math to make a name for themselves, sell some books and win fancy prizes, only to eventually be proven dead wrong. The math works but it’s the old garbage in garbage out.

Just like gravity is always gravity, there are certain principles of how the world works that NEVER change. In our world of proper trading and investing, the only way to profit consistently is to buy low and sell high. This is how you make money buying and selling anything. A successful business buys or produces at whole sale prices and sells at retail prices. Good news, this is exactly how the profitable market speculator does it as well.

OTA Supply / Demand Grid – USDJPY

USDJPY

Using the time honored principle of supply and demand, this market opportunity was to buy the USDJPY at 102.85 with a target of 105.59. In other words, at a “fresh” demand level in the USDJPY. Price had been declining and was nearing the demand zone on the chart. Three weeks later price reached our supply zone, profit target. As I said above, another word for demand is “wholesale”. So, when price reached that wholesale level, we want to be an aggressive buyer. Who are you buying from? You’re buying at wholesale levels from people who are trained and comfortable selling at wholesale levels. Why would someone sell at wholesale levels? They obviously don’t understand that proper trading is no different than how the gas station profits on chewing gum. They buy the gum for $0.05 and sell it to us for $1.00. They just keep repeating that simple process over and over. If they sold the gum for $0.05 and bought it for $1.00 two things would happen. First, they would have plenty of very happy customers who love them (the buyers). Second, the gas station would soon be out of business.

If your having issues with trading and investing and ready to pull your hair out with frustration, perhaps your complicating something that is actually quite simple. Maybe your trying to turn the reality of how markets really work into a way that they don’t. Maybe your really just looking at an airplane, thinking it’s a pigeon. Its an airplane, don’t overthink it…

Hope this was helpful, have a great day.

Learn to Trade Now


Note: All information on this page is subject to change. The use of this website constitutes acceptance of our user agreement. Please read our privacy policy and legal disclaimer. Opinions expressed at FXstreet.com are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of FXstreet.com or its management. Risk Disclosure: Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD rises to near 1.0450 due to rising odds of Fed keeping rates unchanged in January

EUR/USD rises to near 1.0450 due to rising odds of Fed keeping rates unchanged in January

EUR/USD remains steady following the gains from the previous session, trading around 1.0430 during the Asian hours on Monday. This upside of the pair could be attributed to the decline in the US Dollar following the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index data from the United States.

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD consolidates in a range around 1.2570 area; upside potential seems limited

GBP/USD consolidates in a range around 1.2570 area; upside potential seems limited

The GBP/USD pair kicks off the new week on a subdued note and oscillates in a narrow trading range above mid-1.2500s during the Asian session. Moreover, the fundamental backdrop warrants caution before positioning for an extension of Friday's bounce from the 1.2475 area, or the lowest level since May. 

GBP/USD News
USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY holds steady around the mid-156.00s at the start of a new week and for now, seems to have stalled a modest pullback from the 158.00 neighborhood, or over a five-month top touched on Friday. Doubts over when the BoJ could hike rates again and a positive risk tone undermine the safe-haven JPY. 

USD/JPY News

Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD appreciates as US Dollar remains subdued after a softer inflation report

AUD/USD appreciates as US Dollar remains subdued after a softer inflation report

The Australian Dollar steadies following two days of gains on Monday as the US Dollar remains subdued following the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index data from the United States released on Friday.

AUD/USD News
USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY holds steady around the mid-156.00s at the start of a new week and for now, seems to have stalled a modest pullback from the 158.00 neighborhood, or over a five-month top touched on Friday. Doubts over when the BoJ could hike rates again and a positive risk tone undermine the safe-haven JPY. 

USD/JPY News
Gold downside bias remains intact while below $2,645

Gold downside bias remains intact while below $2,645

Gold price is looking to extend its recovery from monthly lows into a third day on Monday as buyers hold their grip above the $2,600 mark. However, the further upside appears elusive amid a broad US Dollar bounce and a pause in the decline of US Treasury bond yields.  

Gold News
Week ahead: No festive cheer for the markets after hawkish Fed

Week ahead: No festive cheer for the markets after hawkish Fed

US and Japanese data in focus as markets wind down for Christmas. Gold and stocks bruised by Fed, but can the US dollar extend its gains? Risk of volatility amid thin trading and Treasury auctions.

Read more
Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building

Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building

Bank of England rates were maintained at 4.75% today, in line with expectations. However, the 6-3 vote split sent a moderately dovish signal to markets, prompting some dovish repricing and a weaker pound. We remain more dovish than market pricing for 2025.

Read more

RECOMMENDED LESSONS

7 Ways to Avoid Forex Scams

The forex industry is recently seeing more and more scams. Here are 7 ways to avoid losing your money in such scams: Forex scams are becoming frequent. Michael Greenberg reports on luxurious expenses, including a submarine bought from the money taken from forex traders. Here’s another report of a forex fraud. So, how can we avoid falling in such forex scams?

What Are the 10 Fatal Mistakes Traders Make

Trading is exciting. Trading is hard. Trading is extremely hard. Some say that it takes more than 10,000 hours to master. Others believe that trading is the way to quick riches. They might be both wrong. What is important to know that no matter how experienced you are, mistakes will be part of the trading process.

Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.

Read More

Strategy

Money Management

Psychology