Friday, February 13, 2009

Characteristics of the Foreign Currency Market

A Decentralized, Advanced and Electronic Market
The foreign currency trading market has a unique character since there is no one central market (such as a specific stock exchange, like The New York Stock Exchange) in which trade is carried out. The trade is carried out "over the counter", 24 hours a day, 5 days a week and across the globe. The term "over the counter" (OTC) means that the currencies can be transferred between any two entities. For example: between a private client and a market-maker, and between a large company and a bank. Modern foreign currency trade is carried out electronically via the international banks’ networks and through news agencies, such as Reuters. Nowadays, market traders are gradually shifting from telephone-based to internet-based systems.
The Largest and Most Dominant Market in the World
The trade volume of the international currency market is estimated at three trillion dollars a day. When one compares this volume with the volume of trade on Wall Street (20-30 billion dollars a day), one can get a sense of the tremendous size differences between the foreign currency market and the other markets.
The foreign currency market is a dynamic one and it is constantly changing. Since the value of a currency is the basis of all economies, foreign currency trade affects international firms, importers, exporters and all the other international markets.
How Trade is Carried Out
A foreign currency transaction is the purchase of one currency in exchange for the sale of another currency. Each transaction applies to currency pair. The first currency in a transaction is called the base currency, and the second currency is called the secondary currency.A rate is a figure which represents the quantity of units in the secondary currency (x), which is equal to one unit of the base currency. Suppose that the USD/CHF rate is 1.2414. The base currency in this rate is the dollar (USD) and therefore it appears first. The secondary currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) and accordingly it is written second. The meaning of the rate "USD/CHF 1.2414" is that one dollar is worth 1.214 Swiss francs.All currencies are traded against the dollar and there are currencies that are traded against additional currencies. The main currencies that are traded against the dollar are:
Risks in the Foreign Currency Market
The combination of money and the virtual trade era has created an endless continuum of buying and selling. As in any other market, profits are attained by buying at low prices and selling at higher ones. As opposed to other markets, there is an additional risk in the market (which constitutes an advantage as well) – the foreign currency market never stops!Private and corporate investors enjoy free access to the market, which operates day and night. Trade volume is enormous and enables infinite liquidity in foreign currency trade. This means that profits are not limited. However, one may also lose large amounts of money. Therefore, before investing a lot of money in this market, it is important to study the rules of the market well and to understand the nature of its forces.

1 comment:

  1. Nice blog for foreign currency exchange, transfer money online. it's facilitate commercial foreign exchange and best foreign exchange services to overseas.

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