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What exactly is forex?

Forex is an acronym for FOReign EXchange and is the worldwide currency inter-bank or inter-dealer market that uses a floating exchange rate system. It is the world's largest financial market, with an estimated daily average of more than $1.5 to $2 trillion. Some estimate that it would take the New York Stock Exchange about 2-3 months of trading to equal one day in forex.

Why is forex so popular?

Forex trading is attractive because it offers unparalleled freedoms. A forex trader can live anywhere as long as he/she is within reach of the internet. Work from home or office. Trade while traveling! A forex trader can usually choose his/her own hours to work since the global foreign exchange market is open 24-hours a day. There is NO inventory, NO shipping, NO billing, NO collections, NO employees, NO commuting and NO dress code. And finally, since forex traders can potentially earn a very high income, they enjoy the possibility of never, ever working for someone else again.

How fair is the forex market?

The forex market is so large and has so many participants that no one player, not even a large government, can completely control the long-term direction of the market. That's why so many experts have called forex the "most level playing field" on earth.

Where is the central location of the forex market?

For most currency instruments, there is NO central location where trading takes place. This is called the forex "spot market," not to be confused with currency futures or options. The bulk of forex trading takes place between a few hundred large banks that process transactions for large companies and governments. These institutions continually provide exchange rates for each other and for the broader market. The most recent quotation from one of these banks is considered the market's current pricing for that currency. Trading occurs over the internet, by telephone and through computer terminals at hundreds of locations around the globe.

Can I really trade at any time?

Of course! This system is perfect for people who have jobs or "have a life" and don't want to, or can't, sit in front of their computer all day trading. You can successfully trade around your work hours. Since the FOREX market is open 24 hours a day (Monday through Friday) there are good chances that you'll be able to find trading opportunities that won't conflict with your job.