Forex trading 1 minute strategy is designed for traders who prefer high-frequency setups and fast-paced market action. Also known as scalping, this strategy focuses on small price moves to accumulate multiple profits throughout the trading session. It demands precision, speed, and strict discipline.

In this article, you’ll learn a proven 1-minute forex strategy, the tools required, key risk controls, and how to implement it with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• A 1-minute strategy offers high trading frequency with quick entry and exit points.
• Best suited for experienced traders or those who can focus during active sessions.
• Scalping demands fast decision-making and reliable execution.
• Risk management is critical due to the frequency of trades and tight stop-losses.

Ideal Currency Pairs for 1-Minute Scalping

Stick to major pairs with high liquidity and low spreads:

• EUR/USD
• GBP/USD
• USD/JPY
• EUR/JPY
• GBP/JPY

These pairs move well during volatile sessions and provide tighter spreads, which is crucial for 1-minute trades.

Indicators and Setup

Indicator	Purpose
EMA 20 & EMA 50	Identify trend and crossover entries
Stochastic Oscillator (5,3,3)	Confirm overbought/oversold conditions
MACD (12,26,9)	Confirm momentum and direction
ATR (14)	Estimate volatility for stop-loss calibration

Chart Settings:

• Timeframe: 1-Minute (M1)
• Session: London or New York
• Platform: MetaTrader 4/5 or cTrader with one-click execution

1-Minute Strategy Rules

Step 1: Determine the Trend

• 20 EMA above 50 EMA = bullish trend
• 20 EMA below 50 EMA = bearish trend

Step 2: Entry Criteria

Buy Trade:

• Trend is up (20 EMA above 50 EMA)
• Stochastic below 20 and crossing upward
• MACD histogram turning positive

Sell Trade:

• Trend is down (20 EMA below 50 EMA)
• Stochastic above 80 and crossing downward
• MACD histogram turning negative

Step 3: Trade Management

• Stop Loss: 2 × ATR (based on 1-minute ATR)
• Take Profit: 1.5 × Stop Loss or next price structure zone
• Maximum open trades: 3 at a time
• Close trade manually if market reverses

Case Study: 1-Minute Scalping with Structure

Zane, an intermediate trader in Birmingham, implemented this 1-minute scalping strategy on EUR/USD after completing a structured Forex Course. During London sessions, he took 5–8 trades per day, risking 0.5% per trade. After refining his execution speed and focusing only on high-quality signals, he achieved a 63% win rate with tight stop-losses and a consistent 1:1.5 reward ratio.

Pros and Cons of 1-Minute Strategy

Pros	Cons
High number of trades and opportunities	Physically and mentally demanding
Immediate feedback for each trade	Not suitable for beginners
Precise entries and quick exits	Slippage and spread can eat into profits
Ideal for fast-moving sessions	Requires constant focus and fast execution

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1-minute strategy suitable for beginners?

No. It’s best for intermediate or advanced traders due to the speed and precision required.

How many trades can I expect per session?

Anywhere from 5 to 15 trades depending on volatility and session duration.

What is the ideal session to trade the 1-minute strategy?

The London session and London–New York overlap offer the best volatility for scalping.

How do I manage risk with a 1-minute strategy?

Use small position sizes, tight stop-losses, and limit the number of simultaneous trades.

Can this strategy be automated?

Yes, it can be coded into an expert advisor, but manual trading offers better discretion with such low timeframes.