The FX market refers to the international market for currencies. Transactions in this market generally involve one party purchasing a quantity of one currency in exchange for another. It is the largest and most liquid market in the world, with a daily trading volume in the trillions. There is no official currency exchange, and trading is based on a decentralized global network of central banks, large banks, currency speculators, corporations, governments and other institutions.

A Fluid Global Market

Unlike many other markets, the forex market is open 24-hours per day, 5 1/2 days per week. Forex trading begins each day in Australia, moves to Asia, followed by Europe, and finally the Americas.

What Makes Forex Unique:

Large trading volumes

High-levels of liquidity

Large number and variety of traders in the market

Geographical dispersion

24-hour trading allowances

Considerable leveraging capabilities