top of page

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Introduction to Foreign Exchange Trading: Understanding the Basics

The foreign exchange market involves trading currency pairs in a highly liquid, global 24-hour market shaped by economic, political, and financial factors.

Introduction to Foreign Exchange Trading: Understanding the Basics

Foreign exchange, also known as forex or FX trading, is the global marketplace for buying and selling currencies. The forex market is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily trading volume exceeding $6 trillion. 


Unlike other financial markets, forex operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, across different time zones, making it an accessible market for both institutional investors and individual traders.


What is Forex Trading?

Forex trading involves the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another. These transactions are always quoted in currency pairs, such as EUR/USD (Euro/US Dollar) or GBP/JPY (British Pound/Japanese Yen). The first currency in the pair is the base currency, while the second currency is the quote currency. Traders aim to profit from the fluctuations in the exchange rates between these two currencies.


Key Factors Driving Forex Market Movements

Several factors influence currency prices in the forex market. These include:

  • Economic Indicators:

    Economic data such as GDP growth, employment numbers, and inflation impact currency value. A strong economy typically leads to a stronger currency.

  • Interest Rates:

    Central banks influence currency values through interest rate policies. Higher interest rates tend to attract foreign investors, increasing demand for the currency.

  • Geopolitical Events:

    Political instability, elections, or major geopolitical events can cause volatility in the forex market as traders react to the uncertainty they bring.

  • Market Sentiment:

  • Forex is heavily driven by sentiment, including trader psychology and market speculation. News, rumours, and global events can quickly change the mood of the market.


Read also: Forex Market Impact: How Global Events Affect Forex Volatility


Conclusion

For those who are keen to try out forex trading, it is essential to understand how the market works, what influences currency values, and the various tools available to analyze market movements. With its high liquidity and global access, Forex trading offers unique opportunities and risks. Success in forex trading requires a combination of knowledge, risk management, and strategy.

Content written and edited by Straits Financial Group's content team

时瑞金融集团内容团队撰写和编辑。

免责声明: 本文件仅供参考之用。本文件在任何情况下均不应被解释为购买或出售的要约或招揽,也不构成与任何资本市场产品相关的财务建议或推荐。本文件所载的所有信息均基于公开信息,并且来自时瑞金融认为在发布本文件时可靠且正确的来源。

对于因任何遗漏、错误、不准确、不完整或其他原因,或因依赖此类信息而遭受的任何损失或损害(无论是直接、间接或间接损失或任何其他形式的经济损失),时瑞金融概不承担责任。期货合约、衍生品合约和商品的过往表现或历史记录并不代表未来表现。本文件中的信息如有更改,恕不另行通知。

另请参阅我们在 https://www.straitsfinancial.com/important-notices-and-disclaimer 上的重要声明。

洞察

洞察

凭借时瑞金融集团的精选洞察,领先市场一步。

portfolio-investment-fundamentals

INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Portfolio and Investment Management Fundamentals

2025年10月1日

|

5 minutes

Portfolio and investment management fundamentals guide how to allocate assets, diversify investments, and align strategies with financial goals.

gold-a-good-investment

INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Is Gold Worth Investing in 2025?

2025年9月26日

|

4 minutes

Gold offers stability and investment benefits, serving as a hedge against inflation and volatility while supporting long term wealth rather than fast capital growth.

gold-used-for-everyday

MARKET PERFORMANCE

What Is Gold Used For in Everyday Life?

2025年9月23日

|

4 minutes

Gold serves multiple purposes in modern life, from jewelry and investment to critical roles in technology, healthcare, and aerospace due to its durability and conductivity.

与我们一起发掘市场机遇

bottom of page