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Key Takeaways
- Definition: Ultra-short-term trading, targeting 5-15 pips per trade.
- Time: Trades last seconds to minutes, many trades per day.
- Requirements: Low spreads, fast execution, dedicated broker.
- Demanding: Requires focus, discipline, and quick decisions.
- Not for Everyone: High stress, high screen time, high skill required.
Table of Contents
What is Scalping?
Scalping is an ultra-short-term trading strategy where traders aim to profit from small price movements. Scalpers hold positions for seconds to minutes, targeting 5-15 pips per trade and executing many trades per session.
Scalping Requirements
- Low Spreads: Essential—spreads eat into thin profits. <1 pip ideal.
- Fast Execution: Under 50ms. Requotes kill scalping.
- ECN/STP Broker: No dealing desk interference.
- Fast Internet: Reliable, low-latency connection required.
- Liquid Sessions: Trade during London/New York overlap.
Scalping Strategies
| Strategy | Method | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Order Flow | Read DOM/tape for large orders | Tick/1M |
| Momentum | Trade strong moves with momentum | 1M-5M |
| Range Scalping | Fade extremes in range-bound markets | 5M-15M |
| News Scalping | Trade fast moves after news releases | 1M |
Choosing a Scalping Broker
Not all brokers allow scalping. Some have minimum trade duration rules. Key factors:
- ✅ ECN/STP execution (no dealing desk)
- ✅ Spreads under 1 pip on majors
- ✅ Fast execution (<50ms)
- ✅ No requotes or trade duration limits
- ✅ Scalping explicitly allowed
See our best scalping brokers guide for recommendations.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many trading opportunities | High stress and screen time |
| No overnight risk | Spreads/commissions add up |
| Quick feedback loop | Requires intense focus |
| Compounds quickly | Not suitable for beginners |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scalping in forex?
Ultra-short-term trading, holding seconds to minutes, targeting 5-15 pips per trade.
Is scalping profitable?
Can be, but requires the right broker, strategy, and psychology. High failure rate.
What spread do I need for scalping?
Under 1 pip ideal. 0.1-0.5 pip on major pairs for raw spread accounts.
Do all brokers allow scalping?
No. Some have minimum trade duration. Always verify scalping is allowed.
What is best timeframe for scalping?
1-minute and 5-minute charts are most common for scalping.
Is scalping good for beginners?
No. Start with swing trading. Scalping requires experience and discipline.
How many trades per day?
Active scalpers may take 10-50+ trades per session.
What is best session for scalping?
London-New York overlap (8 AM - 12 PM EST). Highest volume and volatility.
Do I need ECN broker for scalping?
Strongly recommended. ECN/STP provides lowest spreads and fastest execution.
What is minimum capital for scalping?
$500-$1000 minimum to cover commissions and have proper position sizing.
Is scalping stressful?
Yes. Requires constant focus, quick decisions, and emotional control.
What indicators for scalping?
Keep simple: moving averages, volume, RSI. Many scalpers use pure price action.
