Global Markets

Since its creation in 1973 by the Fed, the trade-weighted U.S. dollar index has been used to track the dollar's value against the currencies of major American trading partners.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government. It regulates the futures, options, derivatives and swaps markets. Learn more about how the CFTC functions at FXCM.

There is an important difference between "on-the-run" and "off-the-run" securities that goes beyond distinguishing between newer and older issues. Learn more about these securities at FXCM Insights.

2018 has been an active year on the geopolitical front, led by a developing U.S.-China trade war. Escalating tariffs between the two nations threaten to disrupt the US$640 billion in annual two-way trade, but how would this impact the USD?

The Canadian dollar (CAD) has a storied history throughout the development of North America, world wars and international financial challenges. Existing as a pegged or floating currency, the CAD has shown resilience in the face of global economic chaos.

The Volcker rule was implemented in the U.S. in 2013, and was designed as a way to avoid another financial crisis. The rule restricts American banks and foreign banks doing business in the U.S. from specific financial activity. Learn how it works at FXCM.

The Taylor rule was developed to provide guidance to central banks, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, for setting short-term interest rates based on economic conditions, including inflation and the unemployment rate. Learn more about the rule at FXCM.

Following the launch of the qualified foreign institutional investor (QFII) program in 2002, foreign investors were granted access to buying and selling on China's stock exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Learn more about the QFII program at FXCM.

In the wake of the 2016 vote for Brexit, many questions regarding the future of the United Kingdom (U.K.) have come to the forefront. A fluid political and economic situation has ensued, causing existing members of the European Union (E.U.) and U.K. to reevaluate ongoing relationships. The Scottish Parliament has done just that, voting in favour of an independence referendum, which is the second since 2014. While a definitive schedule…