Top Traded Pairs and Forex Trading Strategies for Seasoned and New Investors

by John Stevenson on January 21, 2014

The foreign exchange market enables currency conversions across different geographic zones. Foreign exchange companies, investment management firms, and hedge funds are some of the major market participants.

The Most Traded Currencies and Pairs

currencyThe top traded currency pairs include the Japanese yen, the Australian dollar, and the Swiss franc. In general, currency pairs come in three types – exotics, crosses, and majors. USD/CAD, EUR/USD, and XAG/USD are examples of majors. Price movement is one factor that traders take into account. Traders also focus on commodity currencies such as the Chilean peso and Norwegian krone. Their value depends on export. Commodity currencies belong to countries that are rich in natural resources. Investors also trade crosses that do not include the US dollar. The Japanese yen, Swiss franc, and New Zealand dollar are examples. Some investors also specialize in exotic currencies. Exotics are currency pairs such as the US dollar vs. the Singapore dollar and the US dollar vs. the Mexican peso. Wider spreads are one feature of exotics, but they are riskier than other currency pairs. The reason is that they are less liquid than crosses and majors. One option is to create a watch list, i.e. NZD/USD, AUD/JPY, XAG/USD, etc. Include some of the most traded currency pairs such as AUD/NZD, EUR/AUD, and GBP/JPY.

Accounts and Strategies

Investors use a wide array of strategies to maximize profits. Reversal patterns and guerrilla trading are two examples. Traders look at factors such as economic growth and inflation and use different strategies. You can also use online tools and information on market conditions by pair, showing different pairs, trends, and volatility. Traders use different instruments such as swaps and forwards. Some traders focus on technical considerations while others look at long-term trends. Some people use algorithmic or foreign exchange autotrading. Look at supply and demand, pivots, and different price action strategies. You can also choose between different types of accounts, including micro, mini, and standard accounts. The main benefit of opening a mini account is good risk management, with currencies traded in 10,000 lots. There are also Forex demo accounts that are suitable for inexperienced traders. They come with tools and charts and allow investors to practice currency trading.

Other Options

Forex trading is for experienced investors with a high risk profile. Treasury securities and certificates of deposit are considered safe.

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