The foreign exchange market is unique because of the following characteristics:
· Huge trading volume representing the largest asset class in the world leading to high liquidity;
· Geographical dispersion;
· Continuous operation: 24 hours a day except weekends, i.e., trading from 20:15 GMT on Sunday until 22:00 GMT Friday;
· Variety of factors that affect exchange rates;
· Low margins of relative profit compared with other markets of fixed income; and
· Use of leverage to enhance profit and loss margins and with respect to account size.
As such, it has been referred to as the market closest to the ideal of perfect competition, notwithstanding currency intervention by central banks. According to the Bank for International Settlements, as of April 2010, average daily turnover in global foreign exchange markets is estimated at $3.98 trillion, a growth of approximately 20% over the $3.21 trillion daily volume as of April 2007. Some firms specializing on foreign exchange market had put the average daily turnover in excess of US$4 trillion.
Commissions and Pips
Currency Carry Trade
What is Spot FX?
Advantages of Forex
Leverage !
Types of Foreign Exchange Order
Opening an Account
How to Place a Trade
When to Get Out