The 1 minute forex trading strategy is designed for ultra-short-term traders who thrive on fast market moves and quick decision-making. Known as scalping, this strategy focuses on capturing small price movements within a very short timeframe, often within minutes. While high in potential reward, it also requires precision, discipline, and a reliable setup.

What Is a 1-Minute Forex Strategy?

A 1-minute strategy involves trading on the M1 (1-minute) timeframe, where each candle represents one minute of price movement. This style suits traders who:

• Prefer frequent trade opportunities
• Can monitor charts closely
• Have strong execution and risk management discipline

Best Currency Pairs for 1-Minute Trading

• EUR/USD
• GBP/USD
• USD/JPY
• GBP/JPY
  These pairs are liquid, have tight spreads, and move consistently during London and New York sessions.

1-Minute EMA Crossover Strategy

This is a classic, simple, and effective strategy for scalping the 1-minute chart.

Indicators Used

• 5 EMA (Exponential Moving Average)
• 20 EMA
• RSI (14)

Buy Trade Rules

1. Price crosses above both the 5 EMA and 20 EMA
2. 5 EMA crosses above 20 EMA (bullish crossover)
3. RSI is above 50 and rising
4. Enter on candle close confirmation
5. Stop Loss: 5–8 pips below entry
6. Take Profit: 10–15 pips or use trailing stop

Sell Trade Rules

1. Price crosses below both EMAs
2. 5 EMA crosses below 20 EMA
3. RSI is below 50 and falling
4. Enter on bearish confirmation candle
5. Stop Loss: 5–8 pips above entry
6. Take Profit: 10–15 pips or trail

Risk Management Tips for Scalpers

• Use a low spread broker for better execution
• Risk only 0.5%–1% of your capital per trade
• Use limit orders and predefined SL/TP
• Avoid overtrading—quality beats quantity

To help you refine these techniques, our Forex Course includes downloadable 1-minute strategy blueprints, live trade walkthroughs, and tools to master scalping with real discipline.

Key Takeaways

• The 1-minute strategy is best for scalpers who can focus on charts
• Use EMA crossover with RSI for fast entries and exits
• Trade during high-volume sessions for better results
• Risk management is critical due to high frequency
• Practice on demo before applying live

Fundamental vs Technical in 1-Minute Trades

Factor	Fundamental	Technical (1-Minute)
Impact Timeframe	Delayed or long-term	Immediate and short-term
Tools Used	News, central bank releases	EMAs, RSI, candlestick formations
Best Use	Position or swing trading	Scalping and micro-trend exploitation
Risk	Event-driven volatility spikes	Noise and false breakouts

Case Study: 1-Minute Scalping in Action

Akash, a trader in Mumbai, used a 1-minute EMA crossover on GBP/USD during the London session. Spotting a bullish crossover with RSI rising above 55, he entered at 1.2750 and exited at 1.2763 for a 13-pip gain. He repeated this setup three times during the session, gaining 30+ pips total. His disciplined entries and fast exits minimised risk and maximised opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1-minute forex trading profitable?

Yes, with proper risk control and fast execution, scalpers can extract consistent profits—but it’s not suited for everyone.

What’s the best time to use the 1-minute strategy?

During the London and New York sessions when volatility and liquidity are highest.

Do I need a fast internet connection?

Absolutely. Millisecond execution matters in scalping, and lag can cost pips.

Is this strategy suitable for beginners?

Only if they’ve practised on demo and are confident with quick decisions. It’s best to start with higher timeframes first.

What broker is best for 1-minute strategies?

A broker with low spreads, fast execution, and no dealing desk—preferably with ECN accounts.