The forex market is the largest market in the world. This huge trading volume provides the forex market with excellent liquidity, which benefits the large number of traders that invest there. The growth of the forex market has been spurred by the development of electronic trading networks and the increase in globalization.
Specifically, the forex market focuses on the trade of currencies by both large investment banks and individuals around the world. All trading is done over-the-counter, which adds to the market's liquidity, allowing trades to be made 24 hours a day. Trading can be done in nearly all currencies, however, a small group known as the 'majors' is used in most trades. These currencies are the U.S. dollar, the euro, the British pound, the Japanese yen, the Swiss franc, the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar. All currencies are quoted in currency pairs.
When a trade is made in forex, it has two sides - someone is buying one currency in the pair, while another individual is selling the other. Although the positions traded in forex are often in excess of 100,000 currency units, only a fraction of the total position comes from the investor. The remainder is provided by a broker, which offers the leverage needed to make the trade.
Traders look to make a profit by betting that a currency's value will either appreciate or depreciate against another currency. For example, assume that you purchase US$100,000 by selling 80,000 euros. In this case, you are betting that the value of the dollar will increase against the euro. If your bet is correct and the value of the dollar increases, you will make a profit. In order to collect this profit, you will have to close your position. To do this, you must sell the US$100,000, in which case you will receive more than 80,000 euros in return.
Traders are not required to settle their positions on the delivery date, which usually arises two business days after the position is opened. Traders can roll over their positions to the next available delivery date. However, if a trader takes this route, he or she is left open to incurring a charge that can arise depending on his or her position and the difference between the interest rates on the two currencies in the pair.
Over the counter
A security traded in some context other than on a formal exchange such as the NYSE, TSX, AMEX, etc. The phrase "over-the-counter" can be used to refer to stocks that trade via a dealer network as opposed to on a centralized exchange. It also refers to debt securities and other financial instruments such as derivatives, which are traded through a dealer network.
In general, the reason for which a stock is traded over-the-counter is usually because the company is small, making it unable to meet exchange listing requirements. Also known as "unlisted stock", these securities are traded by broker-dealers who negotiate directly with one another over computer networks and by phone.
Although Nasdaq operates as a dealer network, Nasdaq stocks are generally not classified as OTC because the Nasdaq is considered a stock exchange. As such, OTC stocks are generally unlisted stocks which trade on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) or on the pink sheets. Be very wary of some OTC stocks, however; the OTCBB stocks are either penny stocks or are offered by companies with bad credit records.
Instruments such as bonds do not trade on a formal exchange and are, therefore, also considered OTC securities. Most debt instruments are traded by investment banks making markets for specific issues. If an investor wants to buy or sell a bond, he or she must call the bank that makes the market in that bond and asks for quotes
In general, the reason for which a stock is traded over-the-counter is usually because the company is small, making it unable to meet exchange listing requirements. Also known as "unlisted stock", these securities are traded by broker-dealers who negotiate directly with one another over computer networks and by phone.
Although Nasdaq operates as a dealer network, Nasdaq stocks are generally not classified as OTC because the Nasdaq is considered a stock exchange. As such, OTC stocks are generally unlisted stocks which trade on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) or on the pink sheets. Be very wary of some OTC stocks, however; the OTCBB stocks are either penny stocks or are offered by companies with bad credit records.
Instruments such as bonds do not trade on a formal exchange and are, therefore, also considered OTC securities. Most debt instruments are traded by investment banks making markets for specific issues. If an investor wants to buy or sell a bond, he or she must call the bank that makes the market in that bond and asks for quotes
The foreign exchange
The foreign exchange (currency or forex or FX) market refers to the market for currencies. Transactions in this market typically involve one party purchasing a quantity of one currency in exchange for paying a quantity of another. The FX market is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world, and includes trading between large banks, central banks, currency speculators, corporations, governments, and other institutions. The average daily volume in the global forex and related markets is continously growing and was last reported to be over US$ 4 trillion in April 2007 by the Bank for International Settlement.
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