A comprehensive reference guide for traders at all levels.
The price at which a broker or dealer is willing to sell a currency pair or CFD. Also known as the offer price. The ask is always higher than the bid.
A situation where the strike price of an option is equal to the current market price of the underlying asset.
An increase in the value of a currency or asset relative to another currency or benchmark.
The first currency listed in a currency pair. In EUR/USD, the euro (EUR) is the base currency. It is the currency being bought or sold.
A market condition in which prices are falling or expected to fall, typically by 20% or more from recent highs.
The price at which a broker or dealer is willing to buy a currency pair or CFD. The bid is always lower than the ask price.
A market condition in which prices are rising or expected to rise, indicating investor confidence and economic growth.
A financial derivative that allows traders to speculate on the price movement of an asset without owning the underlying asset. Profits and losses are based on the difference between opening and closing prices.
The quotation of two different currencies, where the value of one is quoted against the other. Example: EUR/USD, GBP/JPY.
An exchange rate between two currencies where neither is the US dollar. For example, EUR/GBP or AUD/JPY.
A trading strategy where positions are opened and closed within the same trading day, avoiding overnight exposure to market risk.
The reduction in account equity from a peak to a trough before a new peak is achieved. It measures the risk of a trading strategy.
A type of trading account that provides direct access to the interbank market, offering tighter spreads and faster execution by matching buy and sell orders electronically.
The total value of a trader's account, including unrealised profits and losses from open positions.
The rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly based on market supply and demand.
A currency pair consisting of one major currency and one from a smaller or emerging market economy, such as USD/TRY or EUR/ZAR.
A technical analysis tool that uses horizontal lines to indicate areas of support or resistance at the key Fibonacci levels before price continues in the original direction.
The amount of funds in a trading account that is available to open new positions. It is the equity minus the used margin.
A method of evaluating an asset by analysing economic, financial, and other qualitative and quantitative factors to determine its intrinsic value.
Buying a currency pair or CFD with the expectation that the price will rise, allowing the trader to sell it at a higher price later.
Selling a currency pair or CFD with the expectation that the price will fall, allowing the trader to buy it back at a lower price.
A risk management strategy used to offset potential losses in one position by opening an opposing position in a related asset.
The highest and lowest price of a currency pair or CFD during a specific trading session or time period.
The global network of banks and financial institutions that trade currencies among themselves, forming the backbone of the forex market.
A mathematical calculation based on price, volume, or open interest that traders use to forecast future price movements.
The use of borrowed capital to increase the potential return on an investment. In forex and CFD trading, leverage allows traders to control large positions with a smaller amount of capital. For example, 1:500 leverage means controlling $400 for every $1 of margin.
The ease with which an asset can be bought or sold without significantly affecting its price. The forex market is one of the most liquid markets in the world.
A standardised unit of measurement for trading volume. A standard lot in forex equals 100,000 units of the base currency. Mini lots = 10,000 units; micro lots = 1,000 units.
The most traded currency pairs in the forex market, all involving the US dollar. Examples include EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY.
The amount of capital required to open and maintain a leveraged trading position. It acts as a good-faith deposit rather than a fee.
A notification from a broker that a trader's account equity has fallen below the required margin level, requiring the trader to deposit more funds or close positions.
A multi-asset trading platform that supports forex, stocks, futures, and CFD trading. It offers advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and Expert Advisors (EAs).
Currency pairs that do not include the US dollar. They include major currencies like EUR, GBP, JPY, and CHF. Examples: EUR/GBP, AUD/JPY.
An active trade that has been entered but not yet closed. The trade is exposed to market movements until it is closed.
An instruction given to a broker to buy or sell a currency pair or CFD at a specific price or under specific conditions.
A trade that remains open after the close of the trading day and is carried into the next trading session, potentially subject to swap/rollover fees.
The smallest standard price movement in a currency pair. For most pairs, one pip is equal to 0.0001 (the fourth decimal place). For JPY pairs, it is 0.01.
The number of lots traded in a single transaction. Position sizing is a key component of risk management.
A trading technique that uses historical price data to make trading decisions, without the use of technical indicators.
The net gain or loss on a trading position or portfolio over a specific period, calculated as the difference between revenue and expenses.
The second currency in a currency pair. In EUR/USD, the US dollar (USD) is the quote currency, showing how much of it is needed to buy one unit of the base currency.
The current bid and ask prices of a currency pair or financial instrument as provided by a broker or market maker.
The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential losses in trading. Common techniques include stop-loss orders, position sizing, and diversification.
The process of extending the settlement date of an open position to the next trading day, often involving a swap charge or credit depending on the interest rate differential.
A short-term trading strategy that involves making numerous small trades throughout the day to accumulate small profits from minor price movements.
Client funds held separately from a broker's own operating funds in designated bank accounts, ensuring protection in the event of broker insolvency.
The difference between the expected price of a trade and the price at which the trade is actually executed, often occurring during periods of high volatility.
The difference between the bid price and the ask price of a currency pair or CFD. It is the primary cost of trading and is measured in pips.
An order placed to automatically close a position if the price moves against the trader by a specified amount, limiting potential losses.
An overnight interest payment credited or debited to a trading account for holding a position open past the daily rollover time, based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies.
A medium-term trading strategy where positions are held for several days to weeks, aiming to profit from short-term price patterns and trends.
An instruction to automatically close a trade at a specified profit level, locking in gains when the market reaches the target price.
A method of forecasting future price movements by analysing historical price charts, patterns, and technical indicators.
The minimum price movement of a trading instrument. In forex, a tick is often equal to one pip.
The general direction of a market's price movement over a period of time. Trends can be upward (bullish), downward (bearish), or sideways (ranging).
The financial instrument (such as a currency pair, stock index, commodity, or share) upon which a CFD or derivative contract is based.
The profit or loss on an open position that has not yet been closed. It fluctuates with market price movements.
The degree of variation in the price of a financial instrument over time. High volatility indicates large price swings; low volatility indicates smaller, more stable movements.
The total number of contracts, lots, or units traded for a particular instrument during a given period of time.
A list of financial instruments that a trader monitors for potential trading opportunities, without necessarily holding a position in them.
