Understanding Different Elements Of Forex Trading

By Jenifer Thompson


Forex trading refers to the exchange of currencies between various entities for the sake of currency conversion or making capital gains. Currencies are converted and traded at foreign exchange markets. Most of the global banks and other lending institutions have currency markets. These offer the buyers with a way of buying the monies and the sellers with a channel of dumping them making some profits due to fluctuations.

Foreign exchange markets are primarily meant for currency conversion. This involves translation from one currency to another. The translation is usually done in banks which have forex bureaus. There are commercial bureaus for conversion of monies. Due to complexity of inter-continental transactions, online foreign exchange markets are usually used. They offer a channel of conversion and also enables trading of currencies around the clock. Security measures have to be beefed to put online fraudsters at a bay.

They enhance international trade by offering an across-the-border business platform. Currency translation is the primary role of money markets. However, the transactions are done globally and in different currencies. Re-translation of currencies into foreign and back to home monies is necessary to settle various due payments.

Foreign exchange markets are unique as compared to other forms of money markets. There is a huge volume of activities as cash is translated into different currencies leading a large liquidity. It is done continuously. Business activities in the market are carried out around the clock. Operations also cut across geographical boundaries allowing a global arena for buying and selling of currencies.

The concept of leverage is used by sole traders and by companies to increase their returns. Investors leverage their investment to benefit from the fluctuations in rates of foreign exchanges between two countries. Leveraging is basically investing in greater margins than the cash in the investment account can allow. The leverage achievable in forex markets is higher as compared to other trading markets such as the futures and forwards markets.

There are regulations that govern the the markets. Stock market regulations are commonly redrafted to suit the needs of forex markets. International money markets also provide a framework to guide the business operations operations. The regulations give strict directions that ensure there is no room for fraudulent trading. Various forms of fraudulent trading are therefore minimized.

Forex trading also includes other financial assets apart from the basic currencies traded. Forward contracts are contracts to buy specific amount of cash, monies and other resources at a specified future date. They are used to hedge against currency-related risks. Swaps, futures and options are also traded and are mainly used to protect against currency-relates risks.




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