Forex for Dummies

Learn Forex trading fundamentals with our guides.

By Stefan

What is Forex?

If you're new to Forex, this beginner's guide to Forex trading is for you. We'll explain everything you need to know to help you build wealth.

Forex Currency Pairs

Forex trading is based around pairs of currencies. A small number of currency pairs, known as Majors have come to dominate the market.

What are Forex Spreads?

Understand how to calculate Forex spreads, including the bid-ask spread

What is Leverage in Forex trading?

Leverage is an integral part of most Forex trades. It can significantly affect your potential gains and losses.

Fixed Spreads vs. Floating Spreads

Forex brokers offer a choice of fixed and floating spreads. So, what's best? The answer to this question depends on your experience and trading strategies.

Forex Market Hours

The foreign exchange market is open 24-hours a day, except on weekends. As one financial centre closes, another one opens. We'll explain the best times to trade, and new ways to spot trading opportunities.

A Short History of Retail Forex Trading

Retail Forex trading has come a long way since the 90s, when it was the preserve of wealthy individuals with access to expensive trading platforms. We'll explain how this changed with the rise of hundreds of online Forex brokers, powered by increasingly standardised trading platforms.

Featured Brokers

FxPro

Standard Account [MT4, MT5 or cTrader]

Trade CFDs on currency pairs, crypto, indices, stocks, precious metals and energy products with ... More

  • $100 deposit
  • 1:200 leverage
  • 1.2 pips EUR/USD
  • Regulators: Bahamas, Cyprus (EU) , South Africa, UK
Risk warning: 79.28% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs and Spread Betting work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

FP Markets

Raw Account

Trade over 60 pairs of currencies as well as CFDs on crypto-currencies, shares, indices and ... More

  • $100 deposit
  • 1:500 leverage
  • 0.09 pips EUR/USD
  • Regulators: Australia, Cyprus (EU) , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa

AvaTrade

Professional Account [EU]

Trade 55 currency pairs on fixed spreads, plus CFDs on crypto-currencies, stocks, indices, bonds and... More

  • $100 deposit
  • 1:400 leverage
  • 0.6 pips EUR/USD
  • Regulators: Australia, BVI, Cyprus (EU) , Gibraltar, Israel, Japan, South Africa, UAE
Risk warning: 77.82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.