How Forex Works

Currency trading is when you buy and sell currency on the foreign exchange (or "Forex") market with the intent to make money.

The currency exchange rate is the rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another. It is always quoted in pairslike theEUR/USD(the Euro andtheUS Dollar). Exchangerates fluctuate based on economic factors like inflation,industrial production and geopolitical events. These factors will influencewhether you buy or sell a currency pair.

Example of a Forex Trade

The EUR/USD rate represents the number of US Dollars one Euro can purchase. If you believe that the Euro will increase in value against the US Dollar, you will buy Euros with US Dollars. If the exchange rate rises, you will sell the Euros back, making a profit. Please keep in mind that forex trading involves a high risk of loss.

Forex is the world's largest market. With about 3.2 trillion US dollars in daily volume and 24-hour market action, we believe it is a true "step above" the equities market for the serious trader. Some key differences are:

• Many firms don't charge commissions – you pay only the bid/ask spreads.
• There's 24 hour trading – you dictate when to trade and how to trade.
• You can trade on leverage, but this can magnify potential gains and losses.
• You can focus on picking from a few currencies rather then from 5000 stocks.
• Forex is accessible – you don’t need a lot of money to get started.

Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for everyone. Before deciding to trade foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. Remember, you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment, which means that you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. If you have any doubts, it is advisable to seek advice from an independent financial advisor.