It is now possible for any one with a computer and an internet connection to trade in currency. In a world that is cut down to size by the powers of globalization, an investment in currency is the equivalent of investing in a combined world market. A new forex investor must understand the basic concept of foreign exchange investment. It is much unlike a traditional investment that promises a potential profit. It can be considered a hedge against inflation which is a result of the fluctuation of the local currency.
Simply put, a forex dealer buys or sells currency in the belief that its value will go up or down. The only difference between investing in currency and equity trading, is that here you are trading in direct cash. For instance, if you are buying US Dollars that simply means that you expect the US economy to do better than what it is right now.
Major banking institutions play a huge role in regulating the forex markets. They are responsible for maintaining their own balance of trade and ensuring the stability of the economy. When a currency market begins to fluctuate widely owing to large scale speculation, the banks intervene and ensure that stability is restored.
Currency trading is always done in currency pairs such as the USD and the EURO. Buying forex implies buying the first currency and at the same time selling an equivalent amount of the second currency. A trader who deals in forex speculation buys a pair in the belief that the rates for the base or first currency will go up or the corresponding exchange rate will go up.
The forex market was traditionally dominated by a few leading banks and financial institutions. Development in technology has lowered the barriers of entry to the forex markets considerably and opened them up to a new breed of foreign currency investors and speculators.
The currency market is truly a 24-hour market and technically trading is possible at all times. The trading offers a high degree of liquidity and better efficiency as compared to an equity market. Large volumes and fewer instruments help generate greater intra-day volatility, thus creating better opportunities to earn profits.