Understanding the Basics of the Foreign Exchange Markets

Every day, the world’s many currencies are traded in Foreign Exchange Markets, sometimes referred to as “Forex” or “FX” Markets. The largest and most liquid of all financial markets, the amount of volume in trading on FX Markets daily is staggering – close to $4 trillion dollars U.S., one-third of which takes place in London.

Anyone who has ever traveled to a foreign country has seen the principle behind the FX Markets in operation on it simplest level. Changing money is merely buying one currency and selling the other. Normally, after a few days travelers will begin to notice the market’s fluctuations.

A look through the financial section of any newspaper will offer further insight to any interested parties. In the exchange rate listings, readers will notice a “bid” price listed along with the “ask” price for the same currency. The ask price will be slightly higher than that which could be obtained by the average customer, as transaction fees are in effect included in these quotes. If the same customer wished to sell the currency back to a bank, the “bid’ price would be the one quoted, at a slightly lower rate. This difference – which always exists between the bid and ask quotes and is known as the “spread” – makes the FX Markets consistently lucrative for major banks.

The different strategies employed by investors in Forex Markets are fascinating. Some investors will look for longer terms of trends in the market, a steady devaluation or a rise in the currency’s strength. At the same time, short-term speculation is highly common and can lead to substantial profits if an investor can read the trend correctly.

Because Forex Markets are profitable only when a tremendous amount of money is involved, the average stock market investor may see them as out of reach. The largest banks, which are also the ones setting the bid vs. ask price and getting access to these quotes, control the majority of transactions in the FX markets. Close to 80% of deals made everyday in the Forex Markets are transacted by one of the world’s 10 biggest banks. Companies like JP Morgan, Barclay’s and Deutsche Bank set the tone.

The Forex Markets are always a breeding ground for speculation. The aggressive investment style of hedge fund managers has been particularly useful in the currency exchange trading. Since the financial officers of governments have the ability to use Central Bank funds to slow down a currency’s devaluation, it can prove difficult to see a trend complete its cycle. By overwhelming the market with capital, hedge fund investors have been able to overcome these effects.

There are many factors which can have an effect on the strength of a country’s currency. Investors always look to government budget deficits and the ability to maintain surpluses. Inflation levels and GDP growth statistics are also vital information to FX investors, along with factors as diverse as unemployment levels. Political developments also play a major role.

An interesting feature of the FX is the fact that they never close between Monday and Friday. After the close of business in New York, traders can continue on in Europe and finally Asia before New York markets open once again in the morning.

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