Currency Pairs
The foreign exchange market ("Forex" or "FX") is a decentralized 24-hour market for currencies. It is by far the largest market in the world, offering unmatched trading opportunities.
In Forex trading, currency pairs represent the exchange rate between two currencies. They are categorized into major, minor, and exotic pairs.

Major Currency Pairs
Major currency pairs are the most traded in the forex market and usually involve the US Dollar. Here are some key pairs:
- EUR/USD: Euro/US Dollar - The most traded currency pair globally.
- USD/JPY: US Dollar/Japanese Yen - Known for its liquidity and tight spreads.
- GBP/USD: British Pound/US Dollar - Often referred to as "Cable" due to its historical connection to the transatlantic cable.
- USD/CHF: US Dollar/Swiss Franc - A popular safe haven pair.
- AUD/USD: Australian Dollar/US Dollar - Influenced heavily by commodity prices.
- USD/CAD: US Dollar/Canadian Dollar - Affected by oil prices, given Canada's oil exports.

Interesting Facts About Currency Pairs
- The EUR/USD pair accounts for nearly 30% of all Forex transactions, making it the most liquid pair.
- The USD/JPY pair is often seen as a gauge of economic sentiment between the US and Japan.
- GBP/USD is known for its volatility, offering opportunities for traders who thrive on market swings.
- USD/CHF is commonly referred to as the "Swissie" and is considered a safe-haven pair during times of economic instability.
- AUD/USD is often used to speculate on commodities like gold and iron ore, given Australia's economy.
Forex Trading Strategies
Here are some common strategies used by traders:
- Scalping: Capitalizing on small price movements.
- Day Trading: Involves buying and selling within a single trading day.
- Swing Trading: Holding positions for several days to profit from price swings.
- Position Trading: Long-term trading, holding positions for weeks or even months.
Benefits of Forex Trading
- High liquidity ensures you can enter and exit trades with ease.
- The market operates 24 hours a day, allowing for trading at any time.
- Leverage enables traders to control larger positions with a small amount of capital.
- Accessibility allows traders of all levels to participate in the market.