What is forex (FX) trading?

• What is forex (FX) trading?

  FX trading, also known as foreign exchange trading or forex trading is the exchange of different currencies on a decentralised global market. It's one of the largest and most liquid financial markets in the world. Forex trading involves the simultaneous buying and selling of the world's currencies on this market. Foreign exchange rates between different currency pairs show the rates at which one currency will be exchanged for another. It plays a vital role in foreign trade and business as products or services bought in a foreign country must be paid for using that country's currency.

• The foreign exchange market

  The foreign exchange is one of the most widely traded markets in the world, with a total daily average turnover reported to exceed $5 trillion a day. The forex market is not based in a central location or exchange, and is open 24 hours a day from Sunday night through to Friday night. A wide range of currencies are constantly being exchanged as individuals, companies and organisations conduct global business and attempt to take advantage of rate fluctuations.