The foreign exchange market is a global market, with more than 170 currencies traded. The U.S. dollar, which is used in most transactions, is the most commonly traded currency. Other popular currencies include the euro, which is accepted in 19 member countries of the European Union. The Canadian dollar, Swiss franc, and the New Zealand dollar are also traded on the forex market. Many individuals and institutions invest in the forex market, but you can also participate in the foreign exchange market as an individual.
Trade in currencies
You can trade in currencies through spot and forward transactions. Spot transactions involve buying and selling currencies at the current exchange rate. They are settled two days later, with the exception of the U.S. dollar – Canadian dollar currency pair. Forward transactions are agreements to buy and sell currencies at a future date and settle two or three days from that date. Business owners use forward transactions to minimize the risk of currency fluctuations. However, you can always use your leverage to make a profit in the foreign exchange
Foreign exchange market market.
A foreign exchange market is composed of different levels of access. Access is determined by how big a “line” is. The top tier is the interbank market, and accounts for about 51% of transactions. Smaller banks are followed by large multinational corporations with global operations, which must hedge their risk and pay employees in various countries. Retail market makers and some hedge funds make up the remaining tiers. These are the largest participants in the foreign exchange marketplace.
