A Beginner’s Guide – Forex Academy (2024)

Understanding the 28 Major Forex Pairs List: A Beginner’s Guide

Forex trading involves the buying and selling of different currencies in order to profit from the fluctuations in their exchange rates. The forex market is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world, with an average daily trading volume of over $6 trillion. In order to start trading forex, it is essential to understand the major currency pairs and how they behave.

The forex market consists of various currency pairs, but there are 28 major pairs that are widely traded and considered as the most liquid. These pairs consist of the world’s most powerful and influential currencies, representing the economies of major nations. Understanding these major pairs is crucial for any beginner looking to enter the forex market.

The first thing to know about major forex pairs is that they consist of a base currency and a quote currency. The base currency is the currency on the left side, while the quote currency is on the right side. For example, in the pair EUR/USD, the euro is the base currency and the U.S. dollar is the quote currency. The exchange rate indicates how much of the quote currency is needed to buy one unit of the base currency.

The major currency pairs can be divided into three categories: the majors, the crosses, and the exotics. The majors include the most widely traded and liquid pairs, such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY. These pairs have the highest trading volume and are considered the most stable.

The crosses are currency pairs that do not involve the U.S. dollar. Examples include EUR/GBP, GBP/JPY, and AUD/NZD. These pairs are also widely traded, but they tend to have lower liquidity and higher volatility compared to the majors.

The exotics consist of currency pairs that involve one major currency and one currency from an emerging or smaller economy. Examples include USD/MXN, USD/TRY, and USD/ZAR. These pairs have lower trading volume and higher spreads, making them more risky and less suitable for beginners.

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the major forex pairs:

1. EUR/USD: This pair represents the euro against the U.S. dollar and is the most actively traded currency pair in the world. It is highly influenced by economic data from the Eurozone and the United States, as well as geopolitical events.

2. GBP/USD: Also known as the “cable,” this pair represents the British pound against the U.S. dollar. It is influenced by economic data from the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Brexit-related developments.

3. USD/JPY: This pair represents the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen. It is influenced by economic data from the United States and Japan, as well as market sentiment and risk appetite.

4. USD/CHF: This pair represents the U.S. dollar against the Swiss franc. It is influenced by economic data from the United States and Switzerland, as well as safe-haven flows during times of market uncertainty.

5. AUD/USD: This pair represents the Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar. It is influenced by economic data from Australia and the United States, as well as commodity prices, particularly gold and iron ore.

6. USD/CAD: This pair represents the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar. It is influenced by economic data from the United States and Canada, as well as oil prices due to Canada’s status as a major oil exporter.

These are just a few examples of the major forex pairs. Each pair has its own unique characteristics and factors that influence its price movements. It is important for beginners to study and understand these pairs before entering the forex market.

In conclusion, understanding the 28 major forex pairs is essential for any beginner looking to trade forex. These pairs represent the most widely traded and liquid currencies in the world, and their price movements are influenced by various economic, political, and market factors. By studying and analyzing these pairs, beginners can make informed trading decisions and increase their chances of success in the forex market.