Over the years, I have occasionally been asked which of the Fibonacci methods I use the most. I started using just the standard retracement methods, but soon after started using the Fibonacci fan and arc lines also. In the past couple of years, however, I have learned through the work of three Fibonacci experts—Joe DiNapoli, Bob Miner, and Carolyn Boroden—how to use Fibonacci projections in my trading. In this article, I will begin to show how I apply these methods to the cash FX markets.

Figure 1 - Click to Enlarge

In this first example with the euro, I would like to demonstrate how the Fibonacci fan, arc, and retracement analysis can be used together to enter and exit a trade. The Fibonacci points are all derived from the July highs (point a) and the October lows (point b). The euro moved sideways after the October lows, but did not make new lows with the US stock market in November. In early December, with the weekly close of 1.2961, the 38.2% fan line was overcome (point 1). On the upside, the first barrier was the minor 23.6% retracement resistance at 1.3200, with a more significant target at the 50% fan line and the 38.2% arc line. Three weeks later, the euro closed above the fan line at 1.3350 (point 2). After consolidating for a week, the euro accelerated to the upside over the next three weeks, moving above the 38.2% arc line and the 38.2% retracement resistance at 1.3750 (point 3). The 50% retracement resistance was overcome the next day. By December 18th, just eight weeks after breaking the initial Fibonacci fan line, the euro had exceeded the 61.8% retracement resistance, but then reversed to close the day lower (point 4). The ceiling-as represented by the 61.8% arc line-was never tested, which supported the view that it was a failing rally.

Figure 2 - Click to Enlarge

This type of analysis can be used on any market and any time frame, but relationships are clearest when using the longer time frames. The hourly chart of the euro shows the decline from the high at 1.3585 on April 5th (point a) to a low of 1.2885 on April 20th (point b). The extent of the first stage of the decline to the 1.3150 level (point b) suggested that the euro was ready for a rebound, yet the declining daily technical studies suggested that a rally would be an opportunity to sell. However, what kind of rebound was reasonable? Using this high and low, I was able to draw both the Fibonacci arcs as well as the retracement levels, which identified major resistance in the 1.3400 area. The first confirmation that a rebound was indeed underway was the move above the 23.6% resistance at 1.3200. After consolidating for a few hours, the euro then accelerated to the upside, which made a move to the major 61.8% resistance at 1.3390 (point c) possible. This level was reached on April 13th, but the euro failed to overcome the 61.8% arc line before turning lower. Once the rally was completed, the distance between points b and c could be used to determine the 127.2% downside projection target at 1.3008 (line d) and the 161.8% target just above 1.2900.

Figure 3 - Click to Enlarge

Another way of determining Fibonacci targets is to use the distance from a to b and then project down from point c to get a downside target. I never really understood this approach until I read Bob Miner's excellent new book, High Probability Trading Strategies (click here for review). In most cases, you would look for a move that equaled 50%, 61.8%, or 100% of the prior rally or decline that also coincided with a major support or retracement resistance level. Using the decline from a to b, and then measuring down from point c, the 100% target (i.e. c to d equals a to b) came in just under 1.2900. This corresponds nicely with the alternative 161.8% projection using b to c as noted in Figure 2.

Figure 4 - Click to Enlarge

One of my favorite techniques for FX trading has been to use a simple momentum-type indicator as an entry signal, after the entry/exit points are identified by the combination of Fibonacci retracements and projections. The challenge, of course, is to be patient enough to wait for a good opportunity and to have enough confidence to use wide stops initially so that the market noise does not take you out of your position. One of the simple momentum-type indicators that I use is what I call the RSI3, which is a three-period simple moving average of a five-period RSI. I use this on any time frame chart, and as I have written previously, with the same methods of analysis. The hourly chart shows that the euro began to stabilize in the 1.3100 area, and when the RSI3 moved above the 70 level, it signaled a change from negative momentum to positive. I have observed that in a downtrend, the majority of rallies will fail in the 55-70 area. The euro, after a three-hour setback, accelerated to the upside and quickly reached the 61.8% resistance at 1.3390. Though the RSI3 was at overbought levels, the first sign that the rally was over was when it first dropped below 70 (point 1) and then violated its uptrend (line 3). The euro's rebound to the 1.3360 area set up a good selling opportunity, as the RSI3 rallied back to the 55 level (point 2), and using a stop above the prior highs at 1.3390 would have limited the risk. The euro did reverse to the downside and declined pretty steadily for the next six days. You will note that the RSI3 rebounded to the 55-70 level several times during the decline, all of which were good selling opportunities. The downside target in the 1.2900 area was reached on April 20th and the next day, the RSI3 rallied sharply to 70 (point 4) before turning lower. The 70 level was overcome the following day, suggesting that the downside momentum had been reversed.

NEXT: Detailed Fibonacci Study of JPY/USD