The most frequent questions asked by new traders are: What is Forex Trading? And, How to trade Forex? The forex markets are the global currency markets accessed by traders via  brokers. The difference between the Forex markets and the stock markets is that Forex pairs are not traded on a central exchange like stocks. Forex trading has expanded to include contracts for differences (CFDs) on other assets such as stocks, indices, and commodities, which should not be confused with actual stocks. While CFDs represent the underlying stocks, they have slight differences in that the CFDs can be traded when the actual stock market is closed.

The Forex market is one of the most liquid markets globally, with transactions exceeding 5 trillion dollars. Most of these transactions are made by large financial institutions such as central banks and top investment funds. Traders and investors account for a significant portion of the Forex trades executed each day, with most traders trading the EUR/USD currency pair.

Forex trading is the act of buying one currency while selling another by buying and selling currency pairs. For example, buying the EUR/USD currency pair means buying the euro while selling the US dollar. This principle applies to all currency pairs traded in the Forex markets. There are numerous currency pairs for traders to trade, including major and minor currency pairs and exotic pairs.

Forex trading steps

To invest in the Forex markets and become consistently profitable, you must follow a few steps to increase your chances of success. These steps are detailed below:

  1. Learn the fundamental principles of foreign exchange trading.

  2. Know how to predict prices based on support and resistance levels.

  3. Learn how to use the MetaTrader platform.

  4. Learn technical analysis, including how to use indicators and charts.

  5. Identifying the appropriate entry and exit points for specific currency pairs.

  6. Learn how to manage your risk to limit losses and maximise wins.

If you follow the above steps correctly, you will gain extensive experience trading the Forex markets and becoming a successful trader. Learning the above skills will help you trade multiple instruments since they are universal skills.

Advantages of forex trading or online trading

Trading the forex or foreign exchange market has many advantages that make it different from other investment markets. These factors are listed below and are why many investors prefer to trade these markets instead of traditional investments.

  1. Trading happens 24 hours, five days a week.

  2. You can start with minimal capital.

  3. The Forex markets have high liquidity.

  4. Traders can make profits from both rising and falling prices.

  5. You can trade from anywhere in the world at any time.

  6. Traders can practise trading on a demo account before moving to a real account.

  7. Forex trading allows for high leverage levels.

  8. Traders can trade a large selection of major and minor currency pairs.

Therefore, it is a very distinctive market for traders and investors from different countries worldwide as it has many advantages over other investment markets.

Online trading strategies

To achieve success in the forex market or the online trading markets, you must follow a consistent trading strategy aligned with your personality with an edge in the markets. There are numerous trading strategies used by investors globally, and the ones listed below are just a few of these strategies. They include:

  1. A price breakout strategy.

  2. The high to low trading strategy

  3. The Recovery Zone Strategy.

  4. Moving Average Indicator Strategies.

  5. Bollinger bands strategy.

Therefore, you must carefully examine and study the state of the markets from all angles. Most traders choose to focus on fundamental or technical analysis, with either strategy having its strengths and weaknesses. However, the best traders incorporate both strategies in their trading routine to maximise their trading results by increasing their profits and reducing their losses.


High-risk investment warning: Trading Foreign Exchange (Forex) and Contracts for Differences (CFDs) is highly speculative, carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may sustain a loss of some or all of your invested capital, therefore, you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. Any opinions, news, research, analysis, prices or other information contained in this presentation is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice.

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD: Sellers seeking for lower lows

EUR/USD: Sellers seeking for lower lows

The EUR/USD pair trades around 1.0360 in the mid-American session, retreating from an intraday peak of 1.0421. The US Dollar shed some ground throughout the first half of the day after reaching extreme overbought conditions following the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision on Wednesday.

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD nears 1.2600 on renewed USD weakness

GBP/USD nears 1.2600 on renewed USD weakness

GBP/USD extends its rebound from multi-month lows and approaches 1.2600. The US Dollar stays on the back foot after softer-than-expected PCE inflation data, helping the pair edge higher. Nevertheless, GBP/USD remains on track to end the week in negative territory.

GBP/USD News
USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY holds steady around the mid-156.00s at the start of a new week and for now, seems to have stalled a modest pullback from the 158.00 neighborhood, or over a five-month top touched on Friday. Doubts over when the BoJ could hike rates again and a positive risk tone undermine the safe-haven JPY. 

USD/JPY News

Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD holds steady near 0.6250 ahead of RBA Minutes

AUD/USD holds steady near 0.6250 ahead of RBA Minutes

The AUD/USD pair trades on a flat note around 0.6250 during the early Asian session on Monday. Traders brace for the Reserve Bank of Australia Minutes released on Monday for some insight into the interest rate outlook. 

AUD/USD News
USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY holds steady around the mid-156.00s at the start of a new week and for now, seems to have stalled a modest pullback from the 158.00 neighborhood, or over a five-month top touched on Friday. Doubts over when the BoJ could hike rates again and a positive risk tone undermine the safe-haven JPY. 

USD/JPY News
Gold price bulls seem non-committed around $2,620 amid mixed cues

Gold price bulls seem non-committed around $2,620 amid mixed cues

Gold price struggles to capitalize on last week's goodish bounce from a one-month low and oscillates in a range during the Asian session on Monday. Geopolitical risks and trade war fears support the safe-haven XAU/USD. Meanwhile, the Fed's hawkish shift acts as a tailwind for the elevated US bond yields and a bullish USD, capping the non-yielding yellow metal.

Gold News
Week ahead: No festive cheer for the markets after hawkish Fed

Week ahead: No festive cheer for the markets after hawkish Fed

US and Japanese data in focus as markets wind down for Christmas. Gold and stocks bruised by Fed, but can the US dollar extend its gains? Risk of volatility amid thin trading and Treasury auctions.

Read more
Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building

Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building

Bank of England rates were maintained at 4.75% today, in line with expectations. However, the 6-3 vote split sent a moderately dovish signal to markets, prompting some dovish repricing and a weaker pound. We remain more dovish than market pricing for 2025.

Read more

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Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.

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Money Management

Psychology