Forex has exploded in popularity over the last 40 years as more and more people have discovered currency trading. The currency exchange market, also known as Forex, is one of the fastest growing markets today. It is the largest market in the world. The average day will see over 2.5 trillion dollars exchange hands! Throughout the year, world currencies fluctuate in value. Some currencies grow in value, while other currencies lose value. Investors make money by exchanging two currencies that are fluctuating in value.
There are many participants in the currency markets. Governments exchange currencies. International businesses exchange money every day. Other players include private investors, hedge funds, and banks.
Since the major world currencies are centered in different locations around the world, the Forex market is open 24 hours a day. Markets close on the weekends, but the markets are open the rest of the week.
Every participant works with their own currency first. The British exchange pounds, and Americans trade dollars. All currencies, known as goods in Forex, are traded in pairs. There are eight major currencies in the market, and this will be discussed in greater detail in the next section.
Participants make money in Forex trading by buying low and selling high. Successful traders learn how to recognize market indicators, trends, and other financial data. Participants make money quickly through leverage. Leverage is simply the ratio of investment to financial value. Leverage allows the participants to make or lose money fast!
Forex is somewhat similar to the stock market, but there are still many differences. In the stock market, physical shares are purchased. In the Forex markets, you only exchange agreements to trade shares.
In order to make real money in Forex, it is important to understand the history and general principles of the market. The most successful investors understand the markets inside and out. They have a respect for the history of the market, and they use this history to make better decisions in the future.