How to Start Forex Trading: A Beginnerβs Guide
Foreign exchange (forex or FX) trading involves buying one currency and selling another while attempting to profit from the trade. According to the latest reliable data, global daily trading in 2022 was $7.5 trillion, making forex the largest financial market in the world, dwarfing even the global stock market.
Trading currencies online has become far more accessible in the last decade, attracting droves of newer traders wanting a piece of the action.
In forex markets, currencies trade against each other as exchange rate pairs. For example, the EUR/USD would be a currency pair for trading the euro against the U.S. dollar. This is straightforward, but the market lingo comes fast at beginners and can quickly become overwhelming. Assets traded in FX include currencies, contracts for difference (CFDs), indexes, commodities, spreads, and cryptocurrencies. There are also forex spot and derivatives markets for forwards, futures, options, and currency swaps, all to speculate or hedge on forex prices. If all this weren’t enough, jargon like “pips,” “lots,” and “leverage” mean that, without a good introduction, newer traders can quickly feel they are in over their heads.
That’s why we’ve put together this detailed guide to help you start trading foreign currencies the right way. We’ll break down the essential concepts and guide you through the most critical steps, from choosing a broker and placing your first trade to developing a solid strategy and, most importantly, managing your RISK.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The foreign exchange (forex or FX) market is a global marketplace for exchanging national currencies.
Because of the worldwide reach of trade, commerce, and finance, forex is the world’s largest and most liquid asset market.
Currencies trade against each other as exchange rate pairs. For example, EUR/USD is a currency pair for trading the euro against the U.S. dollar.
Forex markets exist as spot (cash) and derivatives markets, offering forwards, futures, options, and currency swaps.
Market participants may use forex to hedge against international currency and interest rate risk, speculate on geopolitical events, and diversify portfolios, among other reasons.
What Is the ForexΒ Market?
The foreign exchange market is where currencies are traded. Its most striking aspect is how it has no central marketplace. Instead, currency trading is done electronically over the counter (OTC). All transactions occur via computer networks that connect traders worldwide.
The main markets are open 24 hours a day, five days a week (from Sunday, 5 p.m. ET until Friday, 4 p.m. ET). Currencies are traded worldwide, but a lot of the action happens in the major financial centers. A 24-hour trading day begins in the Asia-Pacific region, starting with Sydney, followed by Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It then continues through Europe, including Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, and London, before moving on to North America and ending with the U.S. trading session. The forex market is highly dynamic at all times, with price quotes changing constantly.
How Does the Forex Market Work?
The FX market is one of the two truly continuous, 24-hours-a-day (during weekdays) trading markets, the other being cryptocurrencies (although crypto markets donβt pause even on weekends). Traditionally, the forex market was dominated by institutional firms and large banks, but its popularity among retail traders has significantly grown over the past decade. There’s a caveat: Newer traders in the market have lured in fraudsters looking to take advantage of less knowledgeable investors.
Where Is It?
An interesting aspect of world forex markets is that no physical buildings serve as trading venues. Instead, markets operate via a series of connected trading terminals and computer networks. Market participants are institutions, investment banks, commercial banks, and retail investors worldwide.
Who Trades on It?
Currency trading used to be complicated for individual investors until it made its way onto the internet. Previously, most currency traders were large multinational corporations, hedge funds, or high-net-worth individuals. While commercial and investment banks still conduct most of the trading in forex markets, there are also prospects for professional and individual investors to trade one currency against another.
What Is Forex Trading?
At its core, forex trading is about capturing the changing values of pairs of currencies. For example, if you think the euro will increase in value against the U.S. dollar, you may buy euros with dollars. If the euro’s value rises on a relative basis (the EUR/USD rate), you can sell your euros back for more dollars than you initially spent, thus making a profit.
In addition to speculative trading, forex trading is also used for hedging purposes. Individuals and businesses use forex trading to protect themselves from unfavorable currency movements. For example, a company doing business in another country might use forex trading to insure against potential losses caused by fluctuations in the exchange rate.