---

All the problems in forex short-term trading,
Have answers here!
All the troubles in forex long-term investment,
Have echoes here!
All the psychological doubts in forex investment,
Have empathy here!

---



In two-way forex trading, a trader might endure a 50% loss, yet often struggle to hold on long enough to see a 100% gain.

---

The reason is that when faced with a floating loss, most people have a natural tendency to "tough it out." They cling to the belief that the market will eventually turn around; as long as the position remains open, the loss is merely a figure on paper—a persistent, lingering hope for a "comeback."
In two-way forex trading, what many traders might call their "superpower" is, in reality, nothing more than the ability to endure floating losses. This is less a sign of wisdom and more a reflection of human nature—clinging to a losing position is an instinctive reaction for almost every trader; it requires no training or discipline—it happens quite naturally.
However, what truly separates one trader from another is not who can better withstand losses, but rather who can hold onto a winning position as a trend extends and floating profits grow—even when the urge to "lock in gains" begins to weigh on their mind. Enduring losses is instinctive; holding onto profits goes against instinct. The former is something anyone can do, while the latter is a rare trait found in only a select few.
In two-way forex trading, it is not uncommon to find people who stick to a "value investing" philosophy even when facing floating losses. Yet, when the market finally moves in their favor and a trend truly unfolds, the ability to remain committed to that same philosophy—and to keep holding the position—is the mark of true skill. This skill is rooted in a firm conviction in one’s own value assessment, the composure to resist the impulse to take quick profits or the fear of "heights" (the fear that a price has risen too high), and the execution capability to transform the belief that "it will go up" into the steadfast resolve of "I will not waver, even as it rises."
In two-way forex trading, if a trader possesses both of these abilities—maintaining conviction during losses and exercising patience during gains—then, provided their capital is sufficient to support their positions and strategy, they have the potential to evolve into a truly great investor. The dividing line between major investors and small-scale investors does not lie in who is smarter, but in who—within a two-way, fluctuating market—can hold the right position long enough for the trend to fully realize its value.

In two-way forex trading, both long-term and short-term traders face their own distinct challenges.

---

A market mechanism that allows for two-way trading—where one can go long when prices rise and short when they fall—may seem to open up opportunities in both directions, but it also amplifies risks in both directions. For investors with different trading styles, the core issue is not whether opportunities exist, but whether they can withstand market volatility and protect their account capital.
For short-term traders in a two-way forex market, the root cause of losses often lies in frequent stop-outs. Many short-term traders tend to subjectively anticipate specific short-term structures—expecting the market to stop falling, break through a level, pull back, or reverse at certain points. However, in a two-way market, the balance of power between bulls and bears can shift rapidly, and frequent oscillations are common. Consequently, a trader might go long only for the price to drop and trigger a stop-loss, or go short only for the price to rise and trigger another stop-loss. While one or two such instances might result in only minor losses, the cumulative effect of frequent stop-outs eventually erodes the account’s original capital. It is not that these short-term traders lack technical skill; rather, they are worn down by constant short-term fluctuations, becoming trapped in a cycle where they fail to hold onto positions when they are right, yet repeatedly incur losses when they are wrong.
For long-term, fundamental-focused investors in a two-way forex market, the root cause of losses often lies in "holding onto losing positions" (refusing to exit a trade that has gone against them). These investors typically base their decisions on long-term supply and demand dynamics, macroeconomic assessments, divergences in monetary policy, or geopolitical factors—believing that their chosen direction is supported by long-term fundamentals. The problem, however, is that they often underestimate the power of short-term capital flows, market sentiment, and immediate price action. In two-way forex trading, short-term capital flows can trigger violent market fluctuations, and market sentiment can drive prices far away from their so-called "fair value." If one equates "logical correctness" with "immediate market realization," it becomes easy to refuse to admit a mistake when a floating loss emerges—leading one to stubbornly hold onto a losing position. With leverage in play, time is not always on the side of the long-term investor; while the underlying logic may eventually play out, the account might not survive long enough to see it happen.
In the context of two-way forex trading, short-term trading is not a sustainable long-term strategy. When learning technical analysis, one might use small position sizes to practice—aiming to familiarize oneself with market rhythms, validate trading methods, and cultivate disciplined execution—rather than viewing frequent short-term trading as the primary path to long-term profitability. True, substantial wealth is built through long-term investment. By employing a strategy of long-term, small-sized positions—without leverage and without stop-loss orders—one can bypass the frustration of being repeatedly "stopped out" by short-term market noise, while also gaining the resilience to endure both floating losses and floating gains. The core of this approach is not to achieve precision in every single trade, but to leverage time and position management to capture broader market trends, allowing one’s account to survive longer and go further in a two-way trading environment.

In two-way forex trading, losses and setbacks are experiences that almost every trader must inevitably face.

---

Such experiences are painful and profound—yet they are also irreplaceable, often serving as the true starting point for a trader’s growth. The forex market allows for both long and short positions, meaning opportunities exist whether the market rises or falls. However, the ability to trade in both directions does not make profitability easier; rather, it forces traders to navigate more complex volatility, bearing the costs of misjudgments, loss of position control, and emotional instability. The reason significant losses remain so deeply etched in one’s memory is that they strike directly at a trader’s most vulnerable points: greed, fear, wishful thinking, and overconfidence. For this very reason, losses and setbacks become an essential and irreplaceable part of a forex trader’s growth journey.
In everyday life, the hardships that are a natural part of growing up are often preemptively removed by parents. When children are overprotected and overly coddled from a young age, they frequently struggle to cope with the complex challenges of the adult world. While such all-encompassing, "nanny-style" care may be intended as love, it can, in fact, destroy a child’s capacity for survival. If an individual has never shouldered responsibility, never experienced scarcity, and never learned the realities and "rules of the game" of the outside world, they will find it difficult to navigate the storms of society once they leave the shelter of their family. Children should be encouraged to take on appropriate responsibilities, experience necessary forms of scarcity, and understand how the real world functions; only then can they develop genuine resilience and the ability to survive.
In the two-way market of forex trading, a trader’s losses and setbacks are often mocked by outsiders. Those on the outside look only at the outcome, ignoring the process; they see the loss, but fail to recognize the underlying issues it exposes, the reflection it compels, or the positive changes it may trigger. In reality, it is entirely normal for a forex trader to encounter losses and setbacks. It is virtually impossible for a genuine forex trader to have never suffered a loss—just as it is impossible to remain undefeated forever. Conversely, those who constantly boast about their successes, claim to be perpetual winners, and insist they never incur losses are almost certainly not authentic forex traders. They are often impostors—individuals who may make a living by selling training courses or, in some cases, by committing fraud. What they present is not actual trading competence, but a carefully crafted illusion; they are not selling consistent profitability, but rather peddling the fantasy of such profitability to others.
Losses and setbacks are, in fact, the fastest path to growth for a forex trader. Losses compel traders to re-examine their trading systems and gain a deeper understanding of position sizing, risk control, stop-loss discipline, and execution capabilities. Setbacks force traders to confront their own emotional vulnerabilities, grasp the inherent uncertainty of the market, and accept the reality that—in two-way trading—both long and short positions can go wrong. Those who have never experienced losses often mistake accidental gains for genuine skill; those who have never faced setbacks often mistake a period of smooth sailing for the norm. Only through losses and setbacks can a trader truly grasp that two-way forex trading is not merely about guessing the market's direction. Rather, it is about managing risk amidst uncertainty, exercising self-restraint amidst volatility, and refining one’s trading system through the lessons learned from failure. For a forex trader, losses and setbacks are not a source of shame, but a necessary price to pay on the path toward maturity, professionalism, and long-term survival.

For those looking to transition into professional forex traders, the first question that often arises is: how much capital is needed to get started?

---

In terms of formal requirements, the barrier to entry is extremely low; there are no rigid mandates for opening an account. Whether you start with tens of thousands or over a hundred thousand in capital, you can easily open an account and engage in two-way trading. This allows beginners to gain real-market experience, hone their trading systems, and build a track record—providing everything necessary to get started and establish a foundational framework.
However, the true determinant of success is not the initial capital, but a reality that many overlook: two-way forex trading—which allows for both long and short positions—is characterized by frequent volatility, extended trading hours, and a multitude of variables. Consequently, it demands a much higher level of psychological resilience, discipline, and risk management than a one-sided (unidirectional) market. The growth cycle is also long; it typically requires five to ten years of deep, focused effort to develop a stable and replicable profit model.
During this period, it is exceptionally difficult for a trader to secure a stable income. Forex trading offers no fixed salary; your gains or losses depend on market conditions, your personal state, and your risk management. In all likelihood, your income will be unstable in the long run, characterized by alternating periods of profit and loss—or even years of zero income and persistent drawdowns. This is the stark reality of the industry, and the primary reason why so many people eventually give up.
Your core competitive advantage is not the ability to capture explosive, one-sided market moves in the short term, but rather the capacity to survive amidst volatility over the long haul and to continuously refine your trading system. If you intend to pursue this field seriously, the first question isn't how much capital you have to trade with, but whether you have a financial "safety net"—the means to sustain yourself and your family for five to ten years, even if you have no steady income and your trading returns fail to cover your living expenses.
Everyone’s cost of living is different. Some have low expenses and minimal pressure, making it easier to establish a safety net; others face high, non-discretionary costs and greater pressure, requiring larger reserves. By calculating your fixed monthly and annual living expenses over a five-to-ten-year horizon, you can determine the appropriate amount for your safety net. This capital provides the essential foundation for long-term commitment; it ensures that during periods of trial and error, drawdowns, or a lack of profit, you aren't overwhelmed by the need to survive. It prevents you from breaking your own rules or taking reckless, oversized positions out of a desperate urge to make money, allowing you instead to calmly hone your trading logic, perfect your risk management, and build a consistent track record.
In short: You don’t need a large sum of money to get started—you can begin building your initial capital with a small amount. However, if you aim to pursue trading as a profession, success isn't about short-term gains; it’s about having a financial safety net for long-term survival and the ability to continuously improve your trading skills. Calculating your living costs, securing a sufficient safety net, and *then* entering the market—that is the most prudent path forward.

For those engaged in two-way (long/short) forex trading, a persistent challenge—one that plagues many traders for years—is not an imperfect trading system, but rather the inability to hold onto a position.

---

The forex market shifts rapidly between bullish and bearish phases; it is defined by frequent intraday oscillations, sudden "spikes" against your position, and volatile, short-term shifts in market sentiment. Even when forex traders have established comprehensive entry and exit rules and a clear logic for both long and short positions, they often find themselves closing positions prematurely—exiting too early to lock in a small profit or cut a loss—simply because of minor, counter-trend market fluctuations or short-term P&L swings. In doing so, they miss out on the full scope of a market trend.
Setting aside technical factors—such as trading strategies, indicator parameters, or market analysis—the core issue almost always lies in a lack of inner composure. A two-way market (where one can profit from both rising and falling prices) is the ultimate test of one’s mindset: it is easy to be lured into chasing a rally, or conversely, to panic-sell during a downturn. Without a firm, resolute inner state, a trader will inevitably waver amidst the tug-of-war between bulls and bears, ultimately derailing their original trading plan.
In the long run, trading success is not determined by the sophistication of one’s technical approach, but by the stability of one’s mindset. Therefore, forex traders should take advantage of the weekend market closure to step away from price fluctuations and tune out market noise. It is a time to find a quiet space for reflection, recalibrate one’s mental state, and cultivate inner strength. Opportunities in forex trading are ever-present; the market cycles continuously through periods of consolidation, directional trends, and shifts between bullish and bearish phases. Only by anchoring one’s resolve and strengthening one’s mental discipline—remaining undisturbed by short-term volatility or unrealized gains and losses—can a trader strictly adhere to their trading rules. This allows them to stay the course through both long and short trends, ensuring that the inherent advantages of their trading system are fully realized.

---

• 
• 

---

13711580480@139.com

+86 137 1158 0480

+86 137 1158 0480

+86 137 1158 0480

z.x.n@139.com

Mr. Z-X-N

China · Guangzhou

---