What is Forex?

Forex Trading Platforms

The forex trading platform is the trader's window to the world's currency marketplace. To be effective, it's imperative that your trading platform is up to the many challenges of the live market.

At FXCM, we offer a collection of robust software suites, each with unique features and functionalities. Our flagship platform Trading Station furnishes traders with the utmost in trade execution, technical analysis and accessibility. We also support the industry-standard Metatrader 4 (MT4) software, NinjaTrader, social trading-oriented Zulutrade and assorted specialty platforms. No matter what your approach to the forex may be, rest assured that FXCM has your trading needs covered. To check out our available platforms, please click here.

What is Leverage in Forex?

If prices are quoted to the hundredths of cents, how can you see any significant return on your investment when you trade forex? The answer is leverage.

When you trade forex, you're effectively borrowing the first currency in the pair to buy or sell the second currency. With a US$5-trillion-a-day market, the liquidity is so deep that liquidity providers—the big banks, basically—allow you to trade with leverage. To trade with leverage, you simply set aside the required margin for your trade size. If you're trading 200:1 leverage, for example, you can trade £2,000 in the market while only setting aside £10 in margin in your trading account. For 50:1 leverage, the same trade size would still only require about £40 in margin. Please note that in FXCM LTD the leverage offered to retail clients is capped at a maximum of 30:1, meaning that you could trade up to £300 in the market with only £10 in margin; alternatively to open a similar trade for £2,000 you would need 2,000/30 = £66.6 as margin.This gives you much more exposure, while keeping your capital investment down.

While it's true that forex leverage is a great way to optimise your capital efficiency, it must be treated with respect. Ultra-low margin requirements give you the ability to assume large positions in the market with only a minimal capital outlay. This is a key element of posting extraordinary returns over the short, medium or long-run.

However, in FX trading, leverage is the quintessential double-edged sword; it simultaneously boosts profit potential and assumed liability. During volatile periods, an unfortunate turn in price can generate losses in excess of deposited funds. The result can be a premature position liquidation, margin call or account closure.

If you're new to the forex, then it's best to start small. Trading lower leverage ensures that you have enough capital to become experienced in the market. There's plenty of time to implement higher degrees of leverage once you gain competency and security in the marketplace.

What is Margin in Forex?

Forex margin is a good-faith deposit made by the trader to the broker. It is the portion of the trading account allocated to servicing open positions in one or more currencies. Margin is a vital component to forex trading as it gives participants an ability to control positions much larger than their capital reserves.

It's important to remember that margin requirements vary according to currency pair and market conditions. During times of extreme exchange rate volatility, margins typically grow as market conditions become unhinged. This occurs to protect both the trader and broker from unexpected, catastrophic loss.

At FXCM, clients enjoy minimal margin requirements and countless position sizing options. For major currency pairs, a 30:1 leverage restriction applies; for non-major currency pairs, a 20:1 limit applies. To view up-to-date margin requirements, click here.

What are Pips in Forex Trading?

A point-in-percentage, or "pip," is the minimum price movement that a currency pair can make. Pips are standardised units, which let traders quickly monitor the fluctuations of a currency pair's exchange rate. A majority of forex pairs are quoted to the fourth decimal place, or 1/10,000, making a pip 0.0001.

To illustrate pip functionality, let's take a look at the EUR/USD. The EUR/USD is quoted in terms of a 0.0001 pip; thus, for every 0.0001 movement in price, the trading account is credited or debited the pip's value. Pip value is calculated by dividing one pip by the currency pair's market price then multiplying by position size (micro, mini, standard lots). For pairs that feature the USD as the base currency, pip values are typically US$0.10 (micro), US$1.00 (mini) and US$10.00 (standard). So, for one standard lot of EUR/USD, each 0.0001 pip movement results in a US$10.00 credit or debit to the trading account.

Calculating your target forex pair's pip value for a given trade can be complex. Key variables are evolving margin requirements, unique position sizes and base currency. Fortunately, FXCM provides access to a pip calculator to help you stay on top of any trade's liabilities.

How to Learn Forex

In an atmosphere as dynamic as the forex, proper training is important. Whether you are a seasoned market veteran or brand-new to currency trading, being prepared is critical to producing consistent profits.

Of course, this is much easier said than done. To ensure that you have your best chance at forex success, it is imperative that your on-the-job training never stops. Developing solid trading habits, attending expert webinars and continuing your market education are a few ways to remain competitive in the fast-paced forex environment.

If your goal is to become a consistently profitable forex trader, then your education will never stop. As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect; while perfection is often elusive for active traders, being prepared for every session should be routine.