Tuesday, October 9, 2007

What is Forex Trading?

FX, Forex, Foreign Exchange are all names for the transaction of one currency for another, e.g. you buy 100.00 with $150.25 or sell $150.25 for 100.00. Traders buy and sell currencies with the hope of making a profit when the value of the currencies changes in their favor, whether from market news or events that takes place in the world.

Forex trading has been around for years. It is viewed as the largest financial market in the whole world. The estimated amount of daily volume is 1.5 trillion (US) dollars. A true 24-hour market, Forex trading begins each day in Sydney, and advances around the globe as the business day begins in each financial center, first to Tokyo, London, and New York.

Unlike other financial markets, Forex Allows investors to respond to currency fluctuations caused by economic, social and political events instantaneously, at the time that events occur, day and night. The market only closes on weekends.

A benefit of forex trading is that it is not really subject to the same kinds of swings in the market that stocks are subject to. Of course if you always buy and sell the same currencies then there will be market swings. But, because there are hundreds of currencies out there, there is always going to be something for you to make money on because while one currency is up in value another one is down and vice versa.

Forex trading does not take huge amounts of capital to start. Traders can begin investing with as little as three hundred dollars. Transaction costs are usually minimal. Often brokers will provide you with the tools and data you need to make trades for free. There are a large number of buyers and sellers all selling the same products. Information is free-flowing and there are few barriers to participation.

Forex trading is an over-the counter (OTC) market. This means buyers and sellers do not meet in central locations to make exchanges. Instead transactions are completed by phone, fax, and email or through the websites of brokers specializing in this market. Currencies are always traded in pairs. Transactions always involve selling one currency and buying another. If you believe the euros would gain against the dollar you would sell dollars and buy euros.

A very liquid market, your money is not held up for long periods of time. You will have full control of your capitol. With planning, a good system to follow, strong money management skills, and self-discipline, Forex trading can be relatively low risk and quite lucrative.

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Forex Trading and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Forex Trading web site. For more articles and resources on Forex related topics, online forex trading, trading tips, forex software and much more visit his site at:

=>http://forex.need-to-know.net/