What is forex trading? – How to trade forex?


The most frequent questions asked by new traders are: What is Forex Trading? And, How to trade Forex? The forex markets are the global currency markets accessed by traders via  brokers. The difference between the Forex markets and the stock markets is that Forex pairs are not traded on a central exchange like stocks. Forex trading has expanded to include contracts for differences (CFDs) on other assets such as stocks, indices, and commodities, which should not be confused with actual stocks. While CFDs represent the underlying stocks, they have slight differences in that the CFDs can be traded when the actual stock market is closed.

The Forex market is one of the most liquid markets globally, with transactions exceeding 5 trillion dollars. Most of these transactions are made by large financial institutions such as central banks and top investment funds. Traders and investors account for a significant portion of the Forex trades executed each day, with most traders trading the EUR/USD currency pair.

Forex trading is the act of buying one currency while selling another by buying and selling currency pairs. For example, buying the EUR/USD currency pair means buying the euro while selling the US dollar. This principle applies to all currency pairs traded in the Forex markets. There are numerous currency pairs for traders to trade, including major and minor currency pairs and exotic pairs.

Forex trading steps

To invest in the Forex markets and become consistently profitable, you must follow a few steps to increase your chances of success. These steps are detailed below:

  1. Learn the fundamental principles of foreign exchange trading.

  2. Know how to predict prices based on support and resistance levels.

  3. Learn how to use the MetaTrader platform.

  4. Learn technical analysis, including how to use indicators and charts.

  5. Identifying the appropriate entry and exit points for specific currency pairs.

  6. Learn how to manage your risk to limit losses and maximise wins.

If you follow the above steps correctly, you will gain extensive experience trading the Forex markets and becoming a successful trader. Learning the above skills will help you trade multiple instruments since they are universal skills.

Advantages of forex trading or online trading

Trading the forex or foreign exchange market has many advantages that make it different from other investment markets. These factors are listed below and are why many investors prefer to trade these markets instead of traditional investments.

  1. Trading happens 24 hours, five days a week.

  2. You can start with minimal capital.

  3. The Forex markets have high liquidity.

  4. Traders can make profits from both rising and falling prices.

  5. You can trade from anywhere in the world at any time.

  6. Traders can practise trading on a demo account before moving to a real account.

  7. Forex trading allows for high leverage levels.

  8. Traders can trade a large selection of major and minor currency pairs.

Therefore, it is a very distinctive market for traders and investors from different countries worldwide as it has many advantages over other investment markets.

Online trading strategies

To achieve success in the forex market or the online trading markets, you must follow a consistent trading strategy aligned with your personality with an edge in the markets. There are numerous trading strategies used by investors globally, and the ones listed below are just a few of these strategies. They include:

  1. A price breakout strategy.

  2. The high to low trading strategy

  3. The Recovery Zone Strategy.

  4. Moving Average Indicator Strategies.

  5. Bollinger bands strategy.

Therefore, you must carefully examine and study the state of the markets from all angles. Most traders choose to focus on fundamental or technical analysis, with either strategy having its strengths and weaknesses. However, the best traders incorporate both strategies in their trading routine to maximise their trading results by increasing their profits and reducing their losses.


High-risk investment warning: Trading Foreign Exchange (Forex) and Contracts for Differences (CFDs) is highly speculative, carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may sustain a loss of some or all of your invested capital, therefore, you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. Any opinions, news, research, analysis, prices or other information contained in this presentation is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice.

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD struggles to find direction and trades in a narrow channel below 1.1800 after posting gains for two consecutive days. Bond and stock markets in the US will open at the usual time and close early on Christmas Eve, allowing the trading action to remain subdued. 

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps its range trade intact at around 1.3500 on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling holds the upper hand over the US Dollar amid pre-Christmas light trading as traders move to the sidelines heading into the holiday season. 

USD/JPY corrects further to near 155.80, gives up entire BoJ policy-led gains

USD/JPY corrects further to near 155.80, gives up entire BoJ policy-led gains

USD/JPY surrenders its entire gains made on the BoJ policy announcement day, and retraces to near 155.80. Investors are in vogue over the outlook of the BoJ’s monetary tightening campaign. The Fed is expected to cut interest rates by at least 50 bps next year.


Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD Price Annual Forecast: Growth to displace central banks from the limelight in 2026

EUR/USD Price Annual Forecast: Growth to displace central banks from the limelight in 2026 Premium

What a year! Donald Trump’s return to the United States (US) Presidency was no doubt what led financial markets throughout 2025. His not-always-unexpected or surprising decisions shaped investors’ sentiment, or better said, unprecedented uncertainty.

Gold Price Annual Forecast: 2026 could see new record-highs but a 2025-like rally is unlikely

Gold Price Annual Forecast: 2026 could see new record-highs but a 2025-like rally is unlikely Premium

Gold hit multiple new record highs throughout 2025. Trade-war fears, geopolitical instability and monetary easing in major economies were the main drivers behind Gold’s rally.

GBP/USD Price Annual Forecast: Will 2026 be another bullish year for Pound Sterling?

GBP/USD Price Annual Forecast: Will 2026 be another bullish year for Pound Sterling? Premium

Having wrapped up 2025 on a positive note, the Pound Sterling (GBP) eyes another meaningful and upbeat year against the US Dollar (USD) at the start of 2026.

US Dollar Price Annual Forecast: 2026 set to be a year of transition, not capitulation

US Dollar Price Annual Forecast: 2026 set to be a year of transition, not capitulation Premium

The US Dollar (USD) enters the new year at a crossroads. After several years of sustained strength driven by US growth outperformance, aggressive Federal Reserve (Fed) tightening, and recurrent episodes of global risk aversion, the conditions that underpinned broad-based USD appreciation are beginning to erode, but not collapse.

Bitcoin Price Annual Forecast: BTC holds long-term bullish structure heading into 2026

Bitcoin Price Annual Forecast: BTC holds long-term bullish structure heading into 2026

Bitcoin (BTC) is wrapping up 2025 as one of its most eventful years, defined by unprecedented institutional participation, major regulatory developments, and extreme price volatility.

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