The online Forex market, also known simply as Forex, FX or the foreign exchange market is the biggest trading market in the world, with daily Forex trading that exceed $2 trillion.
Even tough we are talking about a huge market, Forex trading is quite simply - the buying of one currency while at the same time selling of another currency. If the trader can predict correctly which currencies will drop and which will rise - he will benefit from his investment.
There are a lot of benefits in Forex investing over other investment markets.
Why is Online Forex Trading Profitable?
The online Forex market has existed since the early 70's. Only in the past few years though, it has become accessible to millions of people through the development of the internet. Because the Forex market is available 24 hours a day, it's the only market that allows you to trade at your convenient time.
Today, because the economy is much more dynamic than it used to be, and the world has become a global village, economic conditions in various countries are also constantly changing, according to such factors as production rate, inflation and unemployment.
As a result, the rate of a specific currency changes and moves up and down in comparison to other currencies. This is the main reason of the process of rate fluctuations in the online Forex market.
In order to evaluate and predict these Forex market changes a trader can use fundamental analysis or technical analysis as a tool for investment. Where as fundamental analysis is a more broad exploration into the economic factors influencing the online Forex, technical analysis uses charts and other indicators to asses price patterns taht re-occur over time and can help predict the forex market.
Foreign Currency exchange rate
Currency exchange rate is the ratio of one currency valued against another. For example, "EUR/USD exchange rate is 1.2505" means that one euro is traded for 1.2505 dollars. If you've already invested in other markets before, you'll find the Forex trading system quite similar, and the transaction to online Forex trading smooth. An example of a Forex trade: During October 2006 you buy 10,000 BRP when the BRP/USD rate was 0.56. A month later, the exchange rate grew to 0.58. This means a profit of $350 in less than a month time.
Online Forex Trading Profits
Another example of an online Forex trade: If you buy EUR/USD, this means you are buying euros, and simultaneously are selling dollars. Your expectation therefore is that the euro will appreciate (go up) relative to the US dollar.
If you believe that the US economy will weaken and this will hurt the US dollar, you would execute a buy EUR/USD order. By doing so you will buy euros in the expectation that the currency will appreciate against the US dollar. If you believe that the US economy is strong and the euro will weaken against the US dollar you would execute a sell EUR/USD order. By doing so you have sold euros in the expectation that they will depreciate against the US dollar. More information concerning online Forex trading is available at Forex Floor.
Brat Milman - Managing Editor
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Forex trading History Explained
The modern online Forex history begins in 1973. Even though currency trading has been around since the times of ancient Egypt, which at that time the market was extremely primitive, and there were no advance trading tools as today's fundamental analysis, for example.
The first currency coins were used at the times of the pharos, and the first paper notes were then introduced by the Babylonians. Later on, the roman coin called aureus was used, which was followed by the denarius. Both coins had worldwide use, making them the first global foreign currency coins.
The Bretton Woods System (1944-1973), came after the great instability of World War II. England and other European countries were left in ruins, after the war ended, while the US's economy was left relatively stable and strong.
The USD became the prominent currency after WWII, mainly because of the war. The Dollar also became the new global reserve currency, and remained so throughout the rest of the Forex history. This was agreed upon in the Bretton Woods conference, when all of the other foreign currencies were pegged to the USD, and a new international financial network was formed.
In 1971, the Smithsonian Agreement was signed by ten of the major financial powers, but it's attempt to improve stability to the current Forex history failed.
Free Floating exchange rates came into use when the Bretton Woods agreement ended. This occurred after this international financial system was in operation for three decades in the Forex history.
During 1973, the UK, facing financial problems, floated it's currency. Other currencies began to lose value, and this led the European economies to also float their currencies.
1994 saw the first online currency trading introduced to Forex history. This had a large impact on the development of the Euro currency, and introduced a new major contender to the control of the USD in the Forex history. By 2002 the Euro became the official currency for 12 European nations, and in the past few years more nations have joined this agreement. The modern online forex history offered new options for the online trader, such as the use of margin account to leverage investments, and this is all thanks to the contribution of the internet to the forex history.
Jim Barns, Market Analyst
The first currency coins were used at the times of the pharos, and the first paper notes were then introduced by the Babylonians. Later on, the roman coin called aureus was used, which was followed by the denarius. Both coins had worldwide use, making them the first global foreign currency coins.
The Bretton Woods System (1944-1973), came after the great instability of World War II. England and other European countries were left in ruins, after the war ended, while the US's economy was left relatively stable and strong.
The USD became the prominent currency after WWII, mainly because of the war. The Dollar also became the new global reserve currency, and remained so throughout the rest of the Forex history. This was agreed upon in the Bretton Woods conference, when all of the other foreign currencies were pegged to the USD, and a new international financial network was formed.
In 1971, the Smithsonian Agreement was signed by ten of the major financial powers, but it's attempt to improve stability to the current Forex history failed.
Free Floating exchange rates came into use when the Bretton Woods agreement ended. This occurred after this international financial system was in operation for three decades in the Forex history.
During 1973, the UK, facing financial problems, floated it's currency. Other currencies began to lose value, and this led the European economies to also float their currencies.
1994 saw the first online currency trading introduced to Forex history. This had a large impact on the development of the Euro currency, and introduced a new major contender to the control of the USD in the Forex history. By 2002 the Euro became the official currency for 12 European nations, and in the past few years more nations have joined this agreement. The modern online forex history offered new options for the online trader, such as the use of margin account to leverage investments, and this is all thanks to the contribution of the internet to the forex history.
Jim Barns, Market Analyst
Why Forex Trading
If you want to know why the Forex trading market is superiors to other investor options such as Equities or the futures market, then you can rest assure that you'll find the answer in this page.
The best way to clarify the advantages of the Forex market is through a real example. In 1929, the stock market collapsed, causing many people and businesses from around the world to go broke. This also happened when the high tech bubble burst. The fear of a market crash is a concern that constantly dwells in the minds of investors, both professional and beginner ones.
In the online Forex trading market, There is no way for the market to crash. If you have read about what is the Forex trading market, then you know that when you buy a certain currency, you are at the same time selling another currency. When some currencies' price false, others' price rise.
So this is the most important advantage of Forex day trading. Unlike other markets, where in some cases all traders lose money, with Forex trading there are always traders that make a profit, at any given time.
Here are some other advantages of the Forex trading market:
No commissions. Only in the Forex trading market are there no government fees, brokerage commissions, exchange fees and other unnecessary losses of cash. There are also low transaction costs between the bid and ask price.
No middlemen. In this market there are no investors that take a percentage of the investment or the profit, and you transact directly with the pricing market agent.
You can choose the size of your investment. The Forex trading lot is dynamic, and is set according to your preference. This lot can vary between large lots worth $10,000 to mini lots worth $25.
High liquidity. In the Forex trading market you can buy and sell your currency at any time and place, regardless of the currency position, when the trade itself is done almost instantaneously.
Trading in the margin. Forex trading consists of margin investments that increase your chances for higher profits by increasing your money's worth.
Opened 24 hours a day. Because it's worldwide and operates in several time zones, the Forex trading market is the only market that you can trade in 24 hours a day.
With all of these wonderful advantages, there is no wonder more and more investors choose Forex trading as there main fund for investment. Because all transactions can be done online, you don't even have to leave your house! Tania Raven, Market Analyst
The best way to clarify the advantages of the Forex market is through a real example. In 1929, the stock market collapsed, causing many people and businesses from around the world to go broke. This also happened when the high tech bubble burst. The fear of a market crash is a concern that constantly dwells in the minds of investors, both professional and beginner ones.
In the online Forex trading market, There is no way for the market to crash. If you have read about what is the Forex trading market, then you know that when you buy a certain currency, you are at the same time selling another currency. When some currencies' price false, others' price rise.
So this is the most important advantage of Forex day trading. Unlike other markets, where in some cases all traders lose money, with Forex trading there are always traders that make a profit, at any given time.
Here are some other advantages of the Forex trading market:
No commissions. Only in the Forex trading market are there no government fees, brokerage commissions, exchange fees and other unnecessary losses of cash. There are also low transaction costs between the bid and ask price.
No middlemen. In this market there are no investors that take a percentage of the investment or the profit, and you transact directly with the pricing market agent.
You can choose the size of your investment. The Forex trading lot is dynamic, and is set according to your preference. This lot can vary between large lots worth $10,000 to mini lots worth $25.
High liquidity. In the Forex trading market you can buy and sell your currency at any time and place, regardless of the currency position, when the trade itself is done almost instantaneously.
Trading in the margin. Forex trading consists of margin investments that increase your chances for higher profits by increasing your money's worth.
Opened 24 hours a day. Because it's worldwide and operates in several time zones, the Forex trading market is the only market that you can trade in 24 hours a day.
With all of these wonderful advantages, there is no wonder more and more investors choose Forex trading as there main fund for investment. Because all transactions can be done online, you don't even have to leave your house! Tania Raven, Market Analyst
Forex Vs Currency Futures
If you have read our article comparing forex to equities you probably already know why Forex is a superior market in measuring up to the equities market. In this article we will evaluate the Forex market in conjunction with the currency futures market. Of course there are various points of distinction between each of these markets – historical, philosophical and technical to name a few. In this article we will review some significant differences between the two markets that reflect the way you trade and make money in each of them.
One of the biggest advantages the Forex market has to offer is its unparalleled volume. In fact, the amount of money traded every day on the Forex market is over 50 times bigger than the volume on the futures market. If you have read our previous Forex trading articles you probably already know that the Forex market is the biggest financial market in the world. Fact is that this size does not only indicate the popularity of the market but most of all it shows the amount of trading opportunities you can find on this market. The Forex market offers a place for any trader, from the smallest pastime traders to the professional, high-rollers.
Margin accounts and leveraging in the Forex market is quite different from the currency futures market. Currency futures brokers give different margin and take different commissions for 'day trade' and 'overnight' positions. Also, the margin rates that the futures brokers give usually depend on the size of the deal. On the other hand, Forex brokers offer the same leverage and the same margin rates at all times, day or night and with no concern to the size of the trade.
The learning curve of a new trader in the Forex market is not as steep as the one in the futures market. The methodology and quotes used in the Forex market are very easily understood and are quite intuitive, even to new traders. The futures market on the other hand is completely different. The price quotes of currency futures are inversions of regular prices that are used only in this market. Furthermore, the futures market demands many complicated adjustments. To name a few, the futures prices include time factors, interest rates and discrepancies between interest rates of different currencies. This turns the futures market into a much less intuitive and friendly market.
In summary, the Forex market has many significant advantages over the currency futures market that turn it into the natural choice for any entrepreneur or smart investor.
Brat Milman, Editor
2005–12–27
One of the biggest advantages the Forex market has to offer is its unparalleled volume. In fact, the amount of money traded every day on the Forex market is over 50 times bigger than the volume on the futures market. If you have read our previous Forex trading articles you probably already know that the Forex market is the biggest financial market in the world. Fact is that this size does not only indicate the popularity of the market but most of all it shows the amount of trading opportunities you can find on this market. The Forex market offers a place for any trader, from the smallest pastime traders to the professional, high-rollers.
Margin accounts and leveraging in the Forex market is quite different from the currency futures market. Currency futures brokers give different margin and take different commissions for 'day trade' and 'overnight' positions. Also, the margin rates that the futures brokers give usually depend on the size of the deal. On the other hand, Forex brokers offer the same leverage and the same margin rates at all times, day or night and with no concern to the size of the trade.
The learning curve of a new trader in the Forex market is not as steep as the one in the futures market. The methodology and quotes used in the Forex market are very easily understood and are quite intuitive, even to new traders. The futures market on the other hand is completely different. The price quotes of currency futures are inversions of regular prices that are used only in this market. Furthermore, the futures market demands many complicated adjustments. To name a few, the futures prices include time factors, interest rates and discrepancies between interest rates of different currencies. This turns the futures market into a much less intuitive and friendly market.
In summary, the Forex market has many significant advantages over the currency futures market that turn it into the natural choice for any entrepreneur or smart investor.
Brat Milman, Editor
2005–12–27
Forex Vs Equities
Any novice Forex trader questions himself sooner or later – "Why did I choose the Forex market, is it definitely the best financial market for me?" Usually this question arises from curiosity and nothing else, but curiosity must be satisfied.
In the next two articles our team will point the evident advantages the Forex market has over other well-known financial markets, starting with the famous US equities market. Any person with a feel for economics and trading experiences some sensation to the sound of Wall Street, but does it truly measure up to the colossal forex market?
First, the key benefit the forex market offers is its 24-hour accessibility. When you are trading forex it doesn’t matter at all whether it is 5am or 5pm. Time differences and market dynamics make sure there will always be an eager trader somewhere around the globe looking for a deal. This feature gives you the privilege to respond to any financial developments, as soon as they transpire. Furthermore, the prices of forex can not be affected from after-hours trade.
An additional key aspect of the forex market is its unmatched liquidity. This legendary liquidity is derived from the market's immense size, more than 50 times larger than the total trade in the US stock exchange. None the less, it's seemingly impossible size, which sometimes creates certain repulsion, and its liquidity creates stability like in no other market. The forex market is one of the most solid financial markets throughout the modern financial history.
Online forex has many advantages that the equities market can't even dream of. The leveraging that online forex brokers present is significantly better than any possible offer you can find on the equities market. The margin that the online forex firms can offer is extremely larger than the standard 2:1 you'll get from your equity broker. The margin you get while trading forex can go even up to 100:1, and in some cases even 200:1. You are welcome to learn more about margin and leveraging in our "Margin trading overview.
Read more about the advantages in the next article that will compare the forex market to the equities market.
Dave Cohen, Editor [26 - 10 - 2005]
In the next two articles our team will point the evident advantages the Forex market has over other well-known financial markets, starting with the famous US equities market. Any person with a feel for economics and trading experiences some sensation to the sound of Wall Street, but does it truly measure up to the colossal forex market?
First, the key benefit the forex market offers is its 24-hour accessibility. When you are trading forex it doesn’t matter at all whether it is 5am or 5pm. Time differences and market dynamics make sure there will always be an eager trader somewhere around the globe looking for a deal. This feature gives you the privilege to respond to any financial developments, as soon as they transpire. Furthermore, the prices of forex can not be affected from after-hours trade.
An additional key aspect of the forex market is its unmatched liquidity. This legendary liquidity is derived from the market's immense size, more than 50 times larger than the total trade in the US stock exchange. None the less, it's seemingly impossible size, which sometimes creates certain repulsion, and its liquidity creates stability like in no other market. The forex market is one of the most solid financial markets throughout the modern financial history.
Online forex has many advantages that the equities market can't even dream of. The leveraging that online forex brokers present is significantly better than any possible offer you can find on the equities market. The margin that the online forex firms can offer is extremely larger than the standard 2:1 you'll get from your equity broker. The margin you get while trading forex can go even up to 100:1, and in some cases even 200:1. You are welcome to learn more about margin and leveraging in our "Margin trading overview.
Read more about the advantages in the next article that will compare the forex market to the equities market.
Dave Cohen, Editor [26 - 10 - 2005]
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